Event Overview

The Sahel region (spanning 10 countries from Chad to Senegal, with a population exceeding 400 million) holds tremendous development potential, with young people under 25 comprising the majority of the population and solar energy potential exceeding 11 terawatts. However, the region faces complex challenges, including political instability, climate change, food insecurity, and deteriorating public security. The solution that has garnered attention is the promotion of more effective development through innovative financing mechanisms that go beyond traditional aid models.

Strategic Utilization of Diverse Funding Sources

To address the scale of challenges and opportunities facing this region, it is essential to mobilize diverse capital sources, including public funds, private investment, international organizations, and regional funding, utilizing them through more effective and sustainable frameworks. Traditional development assistance alone is insufficient; new approaches are needed, including blended finance, debt relief mechanisms, and climate-resilient investments.

Foundational Conditions for Sustainable Growth

To make these innovative models viable and scalable, it is also necessary to discuss the essential foundations that support sustainable development, including transparent governance reforms, proactive participation of local communities, inclusive policy frameworks, and economic diversification.

Japan has consistently supported Africa-led development based on the principles of human security, ownership, and international partnership through the TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) process. Furthermore, Japan possesses extensive experience in public-private partnerships (PPP) and locally-driven innovation, providing practical models for cross-sectoral cooperation.

This event will discuss innovative and practical financing strategies to address the complex challenges facing the Sahel region and maximize its potential, together with domestic and international experts. We will examine from multiple perspectives the essential elements for sustainable growth, including the utilization of diverse funding sources, governance reforms, community participation, and economic diversification, while exploring pathways to concrete future actions.

Event Details

Title:
AFRI CONVERSE 2025 #3: Investing in Resilience
Innovative Financing Models for Sustainable Development in the Sahel

Date and Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 15:20-16:50 (Japan Standard Time)

Format: Hybrid

• In-person venue: PACIFICO Yokohama Exhibition Hall D
• Online streaming: Zoom

Languages: English, Japanese, French (simultaneous interpretation service available)

Co-organizers:
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Participation Fee: Free

Registration Links:

• In-person participation: https://forms.gle/vXq4RXpkkHQdSj1h9

• Online participation: https://undp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HTvkBQ9fQoyzXXm9iJe_Nw

   

Program

Contact Information

UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA), Youth Engagement and Partnership Officer 

Arij Bardaa
Email: arij.bardaa@undp.org