October 2021

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, better known as COP26, is just a week away and we expect a lot of talk about climate finance and climate justice. Compared to many developed countries' total contribution to global emissions, Africa’s contribution has been very small. Yet in many parts of the continent, extreme weather events such as floods and long droughts are intensifying and affecting food productivity, water availability, livelihoods and overall security of the African people.

In 2009, developed countries agreed to mobilize $100bn per year by 2020 to help the developing countries to deal with the impact of an overheating planet. The latest data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that this funding hit $79.6bn in 2019, which is still $20bn short of the promised amounts. While climate change is one of the greatest development challenges of our time, it also presents a major economic opportunity that can promote growth and create jobs. Research by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) shows that climate business can generate $23 trillion in investment opportunities, create 213 million cumulative jobs, and achieve 4 billion tons of CO2e reduction in developing countries. Yet, the small and growing business (SGBs) that are absolutely instrumental in the development of contextual climate technologies still face challenges in accessing climate finance. There is really no path to Net Zero without the small and growing businesses. We need to increase funding to the SGBs that are leading the charge against climate change.

Climate finance is probably going to be the obstacle or the solution to success at COP26.

ANDE Opportunities

SGB Evidence Fund: Call for Proposals
Deadline: 1 November 2021
The Small and Growing Business (SGB) Evidence Fund is a joint effort of ANDE and the International Growth Centre (IGC) to support collaborations between researchers and practitioners to understand the most effective ways to support SGBs and the economic and social impacts of SGB growth. The fourth call for proposals is open through November 1. Interested researchers and practitioners should read the one-pager and reference other resources, including guidelines, templates, FAQs, and a recording of the informational webinar.

ANDE Events

Africa Digitalization Matchmaking Expo
10 November 2021
Powered by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, ANDE´s Digitalization Matchmaking  Expo is where we facilitate knowledge exchange among practitioners and assess the needs of intermediaries to help support their digitalization. The Expo will facilitate constructive connections between Entrepreneur Support Organizations and digital solutions/services vendors and potential partners. The event is free for all ANDE members and their portfolio organizations. Sign up now! 

Future Leaders Climate Summit 2022 
Deadline: 24 November 2021
The Aspen Institute is enlisting global and local policymakers, scientific experts, corporate leaders, inventors and innovators, artists, young leaders, influencers, and engaged members of the public to participate in Aspen Ideas: Climate 2022. The Future Leaders Climate Summit aims to gather the most diverse group of 18-30-year-olds to discuss climate policy, communications, advocacy, and individual action with climate and energy experts.

ANDE Resources

Sector Events

The Regeneration Convening | GIIN
27 October 2021
Regenerative practices pursue a holistic relationship between humans and our natural ecosystems, implementing renewal and restoration to overcome the extractive and inequitable economic model. As a primer ahead of the convening you should listen to this Next Normal podcast, which features a conversation with environmental activist Paul Hawken, author of the brand-new book Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation. Sign up for the Regeneration Convening. 

RIKA HR Leadership Programme for Future HR leaders - Launch | RIKA Learning 
28 October 2021 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EAT
Registration is now open for the exclusive launch of Africa's first advanced HR Leadership Program! Find out more about RIKA Learning's HR Leadership Program, get HR insights from some very special guests, and connect with like-minded professionals in an inspiring, supportive environment.

Sector Opportunities

Community Solutions Program | IREX
Deadline: October 27, 2021
The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a year-long professional leadership development program for people working to improve their communities by addressing issues related to the environment, peace and conflict resolution, transparency and accountability, and women and gender. Apply now.

2022 ACT Foundation Grant Cycle | ACT Foundation
Deadline: November 7, 2021
ACT Foundation is calling on all non-profits and social enterprises leading change across the thematic areas of Health, Entrepreneurship, Environment and Leadership to apply for funding for more impact! They are on a mission to support innovative social impact organizations working to address challenges and associated vulnerabilities across the African continent. ACT Foundation grants reflects their commitment to promote socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in Africa. Apply now.

Call for Applications: Social Innovation Management Program | Amani Institute
Amani Institute's Post-Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation Management provides the skills, insights and networks to make a living while making a difference. No matter where you are located, or if you are already working, you can apply now to join the digital edition of the program starting on January 31st, 2022.

Talent Diagnostic Tool | Open Capital Advisors
Talent management is critical in helping businesses further their growth, and access financing. Unfortunately, SGBs across Sub-Saharan Africa struggle to access affordable and tailored talent solutions. As a first step to building robust talent systems, Open Capital has developed the Talent Diagnostic, a free online tool that SGBs can use to identify strengths and areas of improvement of their talent systems, compare their performance against peers and access best practices on key talent areas. Visit the website or email talentdiagnostic@opencapital.com to learn more.

Youth and Social Enterprises Survey | OECD
The OECD is exploring the opportunities and challenges faced by youth-led social enterprises and the policies that support them, now and in the future. Take a short survey to share your experiences! (also available in Spanish, Portuguese, French and German).

Sector Resources

How to Fulfill the Potential of Business Development Services using SCALE | Argidius Foundation
This major report and toolkit offers BDS providers and funders guidance to implement evidence-based practices that boost small business growth and job creation.

Small and Growing Businesses Make the Biggest Impact on Economies, and They Need More Support | World Economic Forum
In Africa, small and growing businesses (SGBs) handle over 60% of all food production and trade on the continent; yet these businesses receive just 10% of commercial bank lending. This bizarre situation is playing out in all sectors. While SGBs are a vital engine in most economies – making up more than 90% of businesses, employing more than 80% of the workforce and generating 70% of GDP in some countries – there is a historical systemic failure in making capital accessible to them. And without the fuel they need to grow, these businesses are being strangled. Read now.

Playbook for Climate Finance | The Nature Conservancy
We can’t tackle climate change through UN COP26 without more funding. The Playbook for Climate Finance presents innovative strategies that can help fund the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as well as adaptive measures for climate-vulnerable communities around the world.

What is Net-Zero? | The Economist
More than 50 countries around the world have pledged to become net zero. But what does net zero actually mean—and is it achievable? Watch this primer from The Economist on what net zero means.

Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2021 | Startup Genome & Global Entrepreneurial Network
This report provides research on startups worldwide, with 280 innovation ecosystems and 3 million+ companies analyzed. Read more to find out about the thriving startup economy that has been bolstered by digitalization and the geographical expansion of startup ecosystems.

The Five Essentials of Successful Pitching | Inclusive Business Action Network
As an entrepreneur, you may have just a few minutes to pitch your idea at the right time to the right investor. How can you convince them of your inclusive business model? This new toolkit compiled by the Inclusive Business Action Network (iBAN) is a one-stop shop to help entrepreneurs structure their pitch, make it visually appealing, and tailor it to their specific audiences.