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Under African skies

Section of African map

Last year was all things Africa for me. This was a coincidence, given the EBRD’s planned investment operations in sub-Saharan Africa, but I continued to fly the flag for the EBRD and other MDBs that operate on the African continent. In 2024 I was working for the African Development Bank, helping it to build out its local currency franchise.

It was great to make use of the EBRD’s achievements in local currency finance and to work with the EBRD Treasury again in sharing best practice. In 2024 the G20 called for greater collaboration between MDBs to meet the huge financing challenges, forcing closer dialogue to move the dial on finance that is sustainable financially.

After three years as an independent consultant, I still get a buzz from securing and working on new mandates. I had the privilege of spending some time in Rwanda in early 2024 for the European Commission, which allowed me to experience the country’s hospitality and beauty.

Rwanda is realising its ambition to be the sustainable finance hub of east Africa and has seen the issuance of both green and sustainability-linked bonds from sub-sovereign issuers.What next? I hope more Africa and Asia in 2025, having started a 12-month team-lead consulting role in green finance for the Asian Development Bank. While one may say the apple never falls far from the tree, development finance for me remains relevant, interesting and important.