Busekese Kilembe

#ARFSD12 closed with a set of priorities for the next phase. Integrated approaches, stronger investment pipelines and greater focus on local delivery are central to accelerating progress on the #SDGs and #Agenda2063. @ECA_OFFICIAL

Today at #ARFSD12, a joint side event on #SDGs 9 & 11 looked at how to connect urbanization with industrial development and infrastructure. Cities are expanding. Infrastructure, investment and industry need to keep pace. W/ @UNHABITAT, @ECA_OFFICIAL

At the panel, @jmartyns highlighted 2 shifts needed to unlock financing opportunities in Africa: ➡️ Move from short-term, project-based approaches to country-level systems ➡️ Design integrated solutions across sectors That’s how we promote ownership & sustainability.🌍 #ARFSD12

It was insightful and a pleasure engaging with our UNDP team in Botswana 🇧🇼 on the sidelines of the first Africa Biodiversity Summit. I am inspired by your clear sense of purpose and determination to make a lasting impact, where no one is left behind and where innovation supports scalable solutions for Botswana and beyond. @UNDP_Botswana sustain this spirit as you elevate your ambitions to serve and collaborate with partners across sectors to accelerate the delivery of the #SDGs and #Agenda2063.

The “Africa We Want” will be underpinned by innovation and technology, and the agency of our young people. It was truly inspiring to witness @UBBotswana's investment in young people through the @timbuktooafrica University Unipod. The intentionality of creating spaces within the universities to support and nurture young people as problem-solvers and trailblazing innovators is key to unlocking Africa's industrial revolution and ensuring that our youth are market-ready. When governments invest in homegrown solutions and ideas, Africa is set to benefit through scalable impact that touches the entire population, generations and economies.

Thank you, Hon. Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana, for an insightful meeting. I congratulate the country for the timely and comprehensive nationwide consultative process towards the development of Botswana's Economic Transformation Programme and 12th National Devt Plan. I also commend @BWGovernment for the launch of the Energy Compact and for its involvement of the private sector through innovative financing models. @UNDP will continue to partner with the government and people of Botswana in unlocking the much-needed private capital for energy transition, enhancing youth entrepreneurship and innovation through @timbuktooafrica and providing technical support to strengthen evidence and real-time monitoring of development programmes in line with UNDP’s commitment to supporting the country's national priorities within the UN Cooperation Framework (2027-2031).

Businesses in Africa are realising that investing in nature is good for business. 4 ways to catalyse investment in biodiversity 💰 Blended finance mechanisms. 🍃 Green bonds & biodiversity credits 📖 transparency & accountability 📈 Bankable nature-based solutions. #AFBS2025

My reflections from this morning’s session on Unlocking Private Capital for Biodiversity at the first Africa Biodiversity Summit in Gaborone 🇧🇼 Biodiversity is not just a heritage. It is the foundation of livelihoods, resilience and long-term prosperity. Across our continent, economies and communities are deeply connected to nature. Yet Africa loses an estimated USD 3–4 billion each year in natural capital. The global biodiversity finance gap exceeds USD 700 billion. Public budgets alone cannot close this gap. Private sector engagement is essential. To unlock private finance, we must: 1️⃣ Strengthen policies that encourage biodiversity-friendly investment 2️⃣ Build bankable project pipelines with measurable impact 3️⃣ Invest in data, valuation and institutional capacity to value nature as an asset Africa is ready. The opportunities are real. The returns, financial and ecological, are within reach. #ClimateAction #ForPeopleForPlanet #AFBS2025

Dumelang! I am pleased to be in Gaborone, Botswana, leading @UNDP delegation at the 1st Africa Biodiversity Summit, hosted by @BWGovernment & the @_AfricanUnion. Africa is richly endowed with natural resources that underpin its development aspirations. Realizing this vision requires a united and sustained response to the triple planetary crisis: biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution, including the emerging threat of desertification. @UNDPAfrica looks forward to engaging in this high-level platform that will provide political leadership on biodiversity conservation, particularly in governance, resource mobilization and Africa's contributions to global biodiversity negotiations.

Proud to have joined brilliant minds at the @UNDPAfrica Regional Youth Portfolio Bootcamp! A powerful week of co-creation, systems thinking, and bold ideas to shape the future. The next 5 years just got real! 🔥

How do we connect youth agency, climate, digitalization, jobs, mental health, governance & peace into 1⃣ youth-led & responsive portfolio? At @UNDP #Africa, teams & youth leaders are co-designing a #RegionalYouthPortfolio using systems thinking to shape future-ready solutions.

🗓️ 8 April | 16:30 GMT+3 🔗 bit.ly/4iOxfma Join us at #ARFSD2025 for a side event by #AFSIT (@UNDP–@_AfricanUnion) & @AfricanFutures, where experts, policymakers & civil society will explore solutions to foster inclusive development during political transitions.

Today, 36 young African women leaders graduated from the #AfYWL Fellowship Programme, bringing the alumni network to 95 strong. Five of these talented young women joined #RSCA teams. They brought skills, dedication and fresh perspectives. We celebrate their contributions and wish them all the best as they continue their leadership journeys. #AfricanWomenLead

🔴 NEW REPORT ALERT! In Feb. 2025, the @_AfricanUnion elected new leaders to accelerate Africa’s growth. #DefiantProgress looks at AU’s journey since 1999, highlighting challenges & the opportunities ahead. A must-read to explore Africa’s future: bit.ly/3XUidCM

Excited to witness the #digital dividends #Malawi is harvesting and commitment of top leadership. Arrived in Malawi to help govt develop strategic plan 2025-30 - a journey to the road of inclusive #SafeDPI anchored in #DigitalID @UNDPDigital @UNDP @undpmalawi @UNDPgov #SDGs

Catch the Malawi session at the #YouthConnekt2024 Summit on “Youth in Trade, Entrepreneurship and Access to Finance”. Amazing conversation. Re-imagining Africa.

I met with H.E. Ernest Rwamucyo @ErnestRwamucyo, PR of @RwandaUN. We discussed @UNDP's continued support for Rwanda’s development goals, the upcoming #YouthConnekt Summit, & the launch of the #timbuktoo Health-Tech Hub - key steps toward a sustainable & innovative future.

Happy 2017 🇪🇹 ! As Ethiopia welcomes the year 2017 according to its unique calendar, I wish all Ethiopians a joyful and prosperous New Year! Melkam Addis Amet! 🌼

It was great to reconnect, even briefly @komatsubarasan1. It's always a pleasure. I wouldn't be where I am in my career without your unwavering encouragement and support. #forpeopleandplanet as we continue to serve...

Excited to ✍️an MOU w/ @UBBotswana & @BWGovernment/@mesd_bw. 🥂 to 🇧🇼’s 1st #UniPod to spark #innovation, #entrepreneurship, & economic growth. @timbuktooAfrica @UNDPAfrica @AchimSteiner @AhunnaEziakonwa @JabangwePNN @ProfOsinbajo @UR_Unipod @unipodssd @UniPodMalawi @MakUniPod