Embracing Nature-Positive Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future

Johannesburg, 20 November 2024 – The future we envisage for Africa is one where growth and sustainability are intrinsically linked, where the infrastructure we build today secures the prosperity of tomorrow. COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, presents a unique opportunity for reflection and, more importantly, for charting the course ahead. As we face the immediate challenges of climate change, it is clear that traditional infrastructure approaches are no longer sufficient. The path forward requires the adoption of nature-positive infrastructure - an approach that not only mitigates environmental damage but actively contributes to restoration and resilience. This vision extends beyond South Africa and encompasses the entire African continent, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 demands a fundamental rethinking of infrastructure development. Historically, much of our infrastructure has exacted a heavy toll on natural ecosystems. However, the future requires a more progressive approach - one that enhances and restores the environment, integrating nature-based solutions into the very fabric of development. By prioritising nature-positive infrastructure, we are committing to strategies that address both climate adaptation and mitigation, safeguarding biodiversity while promoting inclusive economic growth. Such development ensures that all Africans benefit from the transition to a greener economy.

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), are pivotal in driving this shift. Through strategic investments, we have the opportunity to prioritise projects that incorporate nature-based solutions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resilience. This intersection of infrastructure and nature holds enormous potential, offering a means to simultaneously advance economic growth and environmental preservation. By working in partnership with nature, we can develop infrastructure that improves air and water quality, conserves biodiversity, and fosters healthier, more liveable communities across the continent.

The pursuit of a net-zero Africa presents not only challenges but also immense opportunities—opportunities to invest in a green economy that creates jobs, empowers communities, and drives sustainable development. Climate finance is key to unlocking these opportunities, enabling investments in renewable energy, green technologies, and nature-positive infrastructure. The ripple effects of these investments are far-reaching: they will reduce carbon emissions, create employment opportunities, and improve public health, ensuring that the benefits of a sustainable economy reach even the most vulnerable.

The discussions at COP29 will be pivotal in demonstrating how nature-positive infrastructure can act as a catalyst for climate resilience across the continent. The exchange of ideas and insights from various experts as they shed light on best practices for integrating natural ecosystems into infrastructure projects. Such conversations will emphasise the need to scale up investments and foster collaboration between public and private sectors to meet the pressing demands of climate mitigation and adaptation.

A key element of this approach is ensuring that nature-positive infrastructure drives inclusive economic growth. The shift towards a green economy is not solely about environmental preservation; it is about fostering economic opportunities that uplift communities. By integrating nature-positive solutions into infrastructure, we create not only a sustainable future but also a more equitable one. The economic gains from these investments, including job creation, access to renewable energy, and improved public health outcomes, must be shared equitably across Africa.

Technological innovation will play an essential role in advancing nature-positive infrastructure, enabling more efficient and effective solutions to support net-zero goals. Additionally, innovative financing mechanisms, backed by climate finance, will attract private sector investment and facilitate the scale-up of projects. By making a compelling business case for sustainable infrastructure, we can secure the financial backing needed to achieve these ambitious goals.

At DBSA, we are committed to leading this transformation. Our investments are not merely about addressing the needs of today but about ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience. We are focused on building an Africa that thrives in a low-carbon economy, where natural resources are preserved, and communities are empowered. This is the future we are building—one where Africa emerges as a global leader in sustainability, where the challenges of climate change are met with innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

As we move forward, it is imperative that we seize this moment to effect meaningful change. The decisions we make now will shape the future of Africa - a future that is resilient, equitable, and prosperous. Achieving net-zero emissions is not simply about reducing carbon emissions; it is about creating a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship are seamlessly intertwined, benefiting all Africans.

Together, we can turn this vision into reality. By embracing nature-positive infrastructure and prioritising climate finance, we will ensure that the green economy of tomorrow delivers prosperity for all. The time to act is now, and through collective action, we can secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

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