About
The Lab’s Southern Africa stream addresses issues unique to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region. Due to a combination of exposure to climate change stresses and low adaptive capacity, the SADC includes some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.

The SADC member states. Image credit: SADC
With 70% of regional water resources crossing national boundaries, water resource management is recognized by all states as a priority to act upon. Increasing sustainable energy production and access is another item at the top of most SADC states Nationally Determined Contributions agenda. By 2027, the SADC countries have pledged to fulfill their 150GW hydropower generation potential, from 12GW in 2013. Sustainable land use and forestry, transportation and waste treatment are additional top priorities.
National budgets can cover only a fraction of the required investments. International public and private financing, as well as capacity-building support, are needed for these countries to reach their targets.
With support from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and in collaboration with regional financial and technical experts, the Lab’s Southern Africa Program supports the development of innovative investment instruments that respond to specific challenges in the region enabling to reach its climate priorities.
Southern Africa Members
Principals and Advisors
Paul Currie – Lab Principal
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Jonathan First – Lab Advisor
Development Bank of Southern Africa; GFA Climate & Infrastructure
Bashi Gaetsaloe – Lab Advisor
Jupiter Consulting and Services (previous CEO of the Botswana Development Corporation)
Mike Peo – Lab Advisor
Nedbank
Heidi Sternberg – Lab Advisor
Public Investment Corporation
Heather Jackson – Lab Advisor
Renewable by Nature
Ideas

Climate Adaptation Notes
A new and innovative funding source for water and waste-related climate adaptation infrastructure projects in Southern Africa that have struggled to attract long-term sustainable financing.
News & Events
The Lab opens call for innovative climate finance ideas
November 6, 2020Climate finance entrepreneurs can apply for the Lab’s 2021 development cycle Ideas should address barriers to climate investment in emerging markets, as well as challenges for a post-COVID, green economic recovery The deadline is 22 December 2020; selected ideas will be announced in February 2021 London, 06 Nov 2020 – Climate finance entrepreneurs from all […]
Webinar: The Lab Call for Ideas 2021
October 28, 2020Download the webinar slides here. The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance is currently accepting proposals for innovative finance solutions that can unlock investment to tackle some of the most difficult climate and sustainable development challenges, especially those that also support a post-COVID, green economic recovery. Selected ideas, announced in February 2021, receive over 7 […]
The Lab launches eight new finance solutions to drive climate action and green recovery
September 28, 2020Today, the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance (the Lab) launched eight innovative finance solutions to drive private resources to climate action in developing economies. After a thorough process of analysis, development and stress-testing, these solutions are ready to provide investment opportunities for a post-COVID, green economic recovery. The Lab, an initiative of over 60 […]
Forbes: Meet The Entrepreneur Whose Kenyan ‘Airbnb For African Forests’ Just Raised $28 Million
July 29, 20202018 Lab proponent Komaza has secured the first close of $28m of the company’s planned $33m Series B equity financing. This is one more step towards fundraising for the Smallholder Forestry Vehicle. “Komaza is a vertically integrated forestry company. We work on the entire chain of forestry, we own and operate the largest seedling nursery […]
Live Q&A: How to improve smallholders’ access to finance in sustainable farming systems
May 27, 2020Download presentation As a part of Global Landscape Forum Digital Summit, CPI Senior Analysts Daniela Chiriac and Tatiana Alves participated in a live Q&A session on how to improve smallholders’ access to finance in sustainable farming systems. Five entrepreneurs from the Lab joined the session to share their practical experience in developing climate finance instruments […]
The Lab announces 2020 program winners to mobilize investment for sustainable cities, energy access, nature-based solutions, and sustainable agriculture
March 5, 2020Mar 5, 2020 LONDON – The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance (the Lab), an investor-led initiative that identifies, develops, and launches promising solutions to drive critical public and private investment to action on climate change in developing countries, has selected its top eight ideas for 2020, the 6th year of its annual competition. The Lab […]