Mainstreaming Tools and Platforms to accelerate Nature based Solutions (NbS) investing

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and the World Economic Forum (Forum) under their recently launched Africa Business Adaptation Platform will convene a private roundtable consultation on the topic of mainstreaming tools and platforms to accelerate private capital for Nature based Solutions (NbS)

Event description

showcase several NbS-focused tools and platforms developed to aid the industry data/market building and the investment processes across the asset classes – especially for the private sector investors. This will include GCA’s newly-launched analytics work to support nature-based opportunity screening based on advanced spatial analysis developed with the University of Oxford and Country-level investor briefs (Scaling investments in Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilient Infrastructure – Global Center on Adaptation) – which cover real-time data, risk assessments, and investment-ready insights to drive adaptation and resilience financing at scale.

The discussion will convene major regional African banks, donors, asset managers, and institutional investors to gain feedback on such and tools and collaterals; and identify actions to further evolve these to support investment processes and capital flow. The roundtable will also aim to identify additional roles that the GCA can play working together across the private and development finance stakeholders in evolving NbS as an investment asset class.

DISCUSSION THEMES

• Explore how spatial and financial analytics can de-risk investment and support project design and monitoring.
• Discuss how to better quantify and communicate multi-dimensional commercial, ecological and social returns.
• Examine innovations in blended finance, guarantees, and PPPs and can accelerate capital deployment.
• Share practical insights and lessons from financing and implementing nature-based investments.

ABOUT AFRICA BUSINESS ADAPTATION PLATFORM
Africa faces a significant adaptation financing gap, requiring $579 billion by 2030. Despite a potential return of 2 to 15 times the initial investment, private sector engagement remains minimal, with private debt accounting for only 7% of total funding raised. Doubling this share to 14% could unlock an additional $3.38 billion annually.

To address this gap, GCA and the World Economic Forum have launched the Africa Business Adaptation Platform under GCA’s Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP). This initiative will:

• Engage commercial investors, corporates, and multilateral institutions.
• Scale innovative financing mechanisms and business models.
• Build on efforts like the Adaptation & Resilience Leaders Initiative launched at Davos 2025.

Climate change is a growing business risk—but adaptation is a strategic investment opportunity. The private sector must lead this transformation. Banks and funds that act now will not only mitigate risk but open new markets, create resilient value chains, and secure long-term profitability.