Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has sparked a dialogue around the potential of an Africa and Middle East collaborative initiative.
Speaking during the Africa Climate Summit, he said the initiative is referred to as the 'Africa and Middle East Safe Initiative'.
He said it will focus on scaling up climate-resilient agriculture and food systems transformation for economic development in the two regions.
Emphasizing its collaborative nature, Ban said, "The Africa and Middle East Safe Initiative can potentially mobilise at least $10 billion of needed investment through public-private partnerships benefiting millions of people."
He said the collaborative approach aligns notably with global aspirations, specifically the priorities of SDG2 zero hunger and the COP28 presidency.
Ban called everyone to action saying if united, we stand a chance to drive green growth for Africa and the world.
"To ensure that words and ideas lead to action and real tangible change, we need everyone, each and every one of us," he said.
The initiative aims to invest in the future of these regions by unlocking green investments, promoting climate-smart agriculture for rural farmers and creating green jobs.
It consists of two key frameworks, the Technical Assistance Fund (TAF) and Investment Platform (IP).
The frameworks will help build climate-resilient economies.
He further said it plans to irrigate 2 million hectares of African farmland and enhance the climate resilience of 10 million smallholder farmers especially women and young people.
It will also address food security in both Africa and the Middle East.
"It is expected to generate 2 million green jobs, improve livelihoods and export 2 million metric tons of food crops to the Middle East valued at around Sh292 billion," he said.
On Monday, President William Ruto said meaningful change needs to happen through dialogues and discovery of opportunities.
“An opportunity-oriented focus on climate action is the engine for propelling Africa into real of stability and prosperity," he said.
"We must see in green growth not just a climate imperative but also a fountain of multi-billion-dollar economic opportunities that Africa and the world are primed to capitalise on."
