Rome, April 9: Africa accounts for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is among the regions most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. According to leading international analyses, by 2050 damage to coastal and port infrastructure could increase significantly due to rising sea levels and the growing intensity of extreme weather events, with direct repercussions on trade, food security, and economic stability.
In this context, the first call for proposals for Africa under the Nature-Based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA) initiative is now open. The initiative is promoted by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The call for proposals was presented today in Genoa at the event “Nature for Resilient Infrastructure: Grant Support for Sustainable Port and Logistics Infrastructure through NbS in Africa,” hosted at Palazzo San Giorgio
“Hosting the launch of this initiative in Genoa is a source of pride and responsibility for us,” said Matteo Paroli, President of the Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea, at the opening of the event. “Over the years, the ports of Genoa, Savona, and Vado have developed an integrated approach to sustainability—from energy transition and environmental monitoring to digitalization and infrastructure lifecycle management—which today represents a wealth of concrete expertise, not just declarations of intent. The experience we have gained proves that economic growth and reducing environmental impacts are not contradictory goals,” added Paroli. “We are ready to make this expertise available for international cooperation, with the conviction that the best practices developed in a European port can make a concrete contribution to the sustainable development of African port infrastructure, with lasting benefits for the economy and employment.”
Nature-based solutions are a strategic lever for strengthening infrastructure security, reducing climate risks, and generating economic and social value in local communities. In this context, the Mattei Plan serves as the framework for building equitable partnerships focused on investment and shared growth with African countries.”
“Genoa, with its port and Port Authority, serves as a model in Europe and worldwide for advanced logistics—a true symbol of tradition and innovation, a beacon for innovative pilot projects, replicable on the African continent,” Alessandro Guerri, Director General for European, International, and Sustainable Finance Affairs at MASE stated. “Precisely for this reason, and thanks to your President Matteo Paroli, we have chosen to collaborate internationally in the search for innovative solutions that can attract climate finance for sustainable infrastructure, particularly in Africa, under the Mattei Plan framework. Our Ministry supports strengthening Italian cooperation with Africa, particularly in the infrastructure and logistics sectors, convinced that international exchange is at the heart of economic prosperity.”
“Africa is on the frontlines of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. Resilient ports and logistics systems are vital for the prosperity of communities, trade, and food security. Nature-based infrastructure helps leapfrog to the next generation of connectivity & supply chains while avoiding emissions, restoring ecosystems and delivering lasting economic benefits. Scaling these approaches is essential to protecting people, nature, and economies across Africa” said Mirey Atallah, Chief of Adaptation and Resilience at UNEP.
The initiative marks a further development of the program following the first initiative dedicated to Central Asia and consolidates its role as an international platform for innovation, extending support to advanced models and public-private partnerships to the African continent as well. The launch of the call for proposals also fits within the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa, helping to promote sustainable investments, infrastructure resilience, and equitable, long-term partnerships with African countries.
Port infrastructure handles over 80% of international trade by volume and represents a strategic hub for African economies. Their exposure to risks such as flooding, coastal erosion, and storms makes it necessary to rethink their design and management. In this context, NbS—such as the restoration of mangroves and natural barriers or the integration of hybrid green-grey solutions—offer effective, sustainable approaches capable of generating multiple long-term benefits.
The call for proposals is open to pilot projects in six countries—Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania—and aims to support nature-based solutions (NbS) to strengthen the climate resilience of port and logistics infrastructure. Proposals must demonstrate strong potential for replicability and scalability, contributing to the development of innovative models applicable on a large scale and across different geographical and sectoral contexts.
The launch of the call was accompanied by an event that brought together institutions, international organizations, and industry experts, offering an opportunity for practical discussion on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and timelines.
The NBS-IA initiative is part of an international framework increasingly focused on integrating Nature-Based Solutions into infrastructure development strategies, recognizing their potential to reduce climate risks, generate environmental and social co-benefits, and mobilize sustainable investments.
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