B.) About the Study
ARIN, in collaboration with the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (FS), is implementing an International Development Research Centre (IDRC) funded study: Mobilising Public and Private Sector Financing for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in Africa: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities.
This study is underpinned by 3 main challenges in Africa’s NDC financing architecture, i.e.
i.) The available public funds remain relatively low and cannot meet the NDC finance needs for African countries and generate the required results.
ii.) NDC funding in Africa is yet to unlock the public and private sector funding opportunities, including Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and other multilateral institutions, to bridge the funding gap. iii.) Lastly, the global financing architecture is yet to be reformed to fully align with Africa’s financial systems. For instance, international climate financing from multilaterals, including MDBs and private sector players, is largely cost-based subsidies, where prior investments are required, creating a gap in the mechanisms used to finance the green transition in LMICs
Delving into these 3 major challenges ailing NDC financing in Africa, this study is guided by an overarching objective of analysing opportunities for mobilising private and public sector financing for NDCs in Africa and the sorts of capacities needed to tap into these opportunities.
Its specific objectives include;
i.) Analyse NDC finance portfolios and identify barriers to effective financing.
ii.) Unpack opportunities for mobilising private and public sector investment for NDCs.
iii.) To identify capacity needs for and assess Finance Fellowship Programs (FFPs) impacts in mobilising private and public (development) sector financing for NDCs.
This is a multi-country study drawing its insights from seven (7) African nations through ARIN’s network of Fellows and its Regional Focal Points. These countries include: Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, South Africa, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal.
C.) Call for Minigrants
Through the ARIN-minigrants scheme, this study seeks to award USD 3000 each to seven (7) fellows residing in Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, South Africa, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal.
Onboarding fellows into the study is part of its robust methodological approach, whereby case study analyses across the seven (7) selected countries are scheduled to be conducted. To successfully execute this, ARIN intends to engage the successful Fellows to;
i.)Delve into local conditions for private sector funding
ii.)The effectiveness of existing NDC financial systems and institutional readiness
iii.)Identify scalable private sector funding, including the key enablers iv.)Investigate how specific financial mechanisms have been implemented and their effectiveness in attracting private-sector finance
These case studies will further explore the role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and other intermediaries in facilitating private-sector finance for both mitigation and adaptation actions. Additionally, the case studies will highlight successful practices and provide insights for scaling up investment across the region, particularly through the use of innovative business models and financial products that align with private sector interests in NDCs.
D.) Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this study’s mini-grants, the applicants must meet the following criteria;
i.)Be a current and active ARIN Fellow (Non-ARIN fellows will be awarded on exceptional circumstances).
ii.)Be living or having substantial work experience from these countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, South Africa, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal iii.)Expertise in research and/or Policy working experience, especially in the climate finance field.
iv.)Institutional Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with a recognized research institution (e.g., universities, think tanks) or a relevant policy organization (e.g., government departments).
v.)Should not be a current ARIN mini-grant recipient.
E.) How to Apply
Candidates are expected to provide the following documentation for consideration by the research team
i.)A one-page Motivation Letter
ii.)A three-page CV with a list of referees.
Applications are to be submitted via e-mail to
e.akinyi@arinafrica.org, copying e.kowenje@arin-africa.org and w.kanyangi@arin-africa.org by 12 December, 2025.