Following a powerful debut at the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS 2), the African Green Economy and Sustainability Institute (AGESI) has entered into high-level discussions with leaders from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to explore a strategic partnership aimed at advancing a sustainable and resilient Africa. 

The pivotal meeting, held at the UNDP Pavilion September 10, 2025, brought together Dr. Eugene Itua, Executive Director of AGESI, with top UNDP officials, including Dr. Matthias Z. Naab, Director of the Regional Service Center for Africa, Dr. Zeynu Ummer, Director of the UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa and Charles Nyandiga, Regional Team Leader for Environment 

The discussion centered on aligning AGESI’s innovative tools with UNDP’s extensive continental network to turn the vision of a green economy into reality. 

The meeting took place just hours after Dr. Itua delivered a compelling address at the summit, where he called for a $1.4 trillion reinvestment in Africa’s natural capital. Speaking at the side event, ‘Developing the Finance Stack for Restoring African Ecosystems’, he introduced AGESI’s flagship initiative—the Green Opportunity Index (GOI)—a data-driven tool designed to pinpoint viable green investments for both private and public sectors. 

The GOI is more than a diagnostic framework—it is a strategic enabler. By identifying high-potential opportunities and de-risking investment pathways, the Index encourages capital flow into nature-positive sectors, helping governments and investors make informed, confident decisions. Its practical, action-oriented approach captured the attention of development partners, positioning AGESI as a key catalyst for sustainable finance. 

The subsequent conversation with UNDP leadership focused on how this tool could be leveraged to support national development plans and unlock blended finance solutions across the continent. 

A potential collaboration would see AGESI’s agile, “do tank” model merge with UNDP’s technical expertise and deep-rooted presence in African nations. The partnership aims to build a robust pipeline of bankable, nature-positive projects—moving from high-level strategy to on-the-ground implementation. 

“This discussion with the UNDP is a critical step in scaling our mission,” said Dr. Eugene Itua. “Our Green Opportunity Index can provide the ‘where’ and ‘how’ for green investment, and a partnership with a respected institution like the UNDP can help provide the ‘way,’ creating a powerful synergy to mainstream nature finance and build a prosperous, resilient Africa.” 

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue the dialogue, signaling a promising new alliance in the continent’s journey toward a sustainable future. 

About AGESI 

The African Green Economy and Sustainability Institute (AGESI) is a pan-African, African-led “do tank” committed to accelerating the continent’s transition to a green economy. With its first office in Nigeria, AGESI develops data-driven tools, policy frameworks, and investment strategies that empower governments, investors, and communities to unlock sustainable development.