Launch of Africa’s first Sustainability and Climate Finance Centre

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management – together with its partners, the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and The Africa Research and Impact Network – launched Africa’s first Sustainability and Climate Finance Centre (CFSC) on 19 September 2023, established at MUBS in Kampala, Uganda. This pioneering initiative is seeking to transform the African continent into sustainable economies and societies. It is dedicated to harnessing the power of climate and sustainable finance to transform education, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and tools to address the pressing challenges of climate change.

While launching the centre, Dr Akankwasa Barirega, the Executive director of Uganda’s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), hailed it as a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards resilience and environmental sustainability. The launch also marked the closure of the Climate Finance Conference held from 18 to 19 September in Kampala. The conference was organised under the theme “Financing a just transition and climate resilience. Overcoming barriers, harnessing opportunities ahead of 28” and brought together a wide range of stakeholders from Uganda and across Africa, including government ministries, departments and agencies, private sector, national, regional and international financing institutions, academia and research organisations.

“Climate change is a main challenge to the African continent”, stated Dr Joanes Atela, Director of the Research impact Network. “The Sustainability and Climate Finance Centre is a critical step towards building the capacity and expertise needed to drive climate action at all levels of society.”

Speaking at the launch of centre, the principal of the MUBS, Professor Moses Muhwezi said: “The Sustainability and Climate Finance Centre is a testament to our commitment to addressing the climate crisis at its roots – by educating the next generation. It is a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in education as a powerful tool to combat climate change. Together, we can foster a global community that is informed, empowered, and ready to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future.”

The Centre is a collaborative effort between leading institutions committed to advancing climate action through education. “We are proud to be a partner in this groundbreaking initiative. By providing knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of climate and sustainable finance, we are sowing the seeds of a greener, more resilient future”, stated Dr Christine Grüning, Director at the Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Centre. “The launch of the Centre comes at a critical time when the world faces unprecedented environmental and climate challenges, and education emerges as a key driver for change.”