Episode 180 with Dr Rufaro Nyakatawa, a leading voice in sustainable finance and international development, and a key figure in shaping Jersey’s strategic engagement with Africa. Dr Rufaro serves as Sustainable Finance Lead at Jersey Finance, where she champions the role of international finance centres in mobilising capital for Africa’s sustainable growth. With a rich background spanning environmental policy, infrastructure investment, and financial inclusion, she brings a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective to global sustainability conversations.

In this episode, Dr Rufaro discusses the future of sustainability in Africa, focusing on the critical sectors of energy, transport, and water. She unpacks the challenges facing African nations as they strive to modernise ageing infrastructure amidst rising urbanisation and climate risks, and shares real-world examples of green and resilient projects that are beginning to deliver tangible impact.

Dr Rufaro also explores how African governments and private sector actors can better mobilise capital and innovation to scale sustainable infrastructure solutions. She reflects on the vital role of International Finance Centres like Jersey in supporting Africa’s ambitions by connecting global capital with local development priorities.

What We Discuss With Dr Rufaro

• How Dr Rufaro Nyakatawa’s diverse background in environmental science, development finance, and international policy informs her approach to sustainable finance in Africa.
• Why sustainable infrastructure in energy, transport, and water is essential to Africa’s long-term development.
• The major roadblocks African countries face in transitioning to green, inclusive, and climate-resilient infrastructure models.
• How African governments and private sector actors can work together to mobilise capital and drive innovation in sustainable infrastructure.
• The role International Finance Centres like Jersey play in supporting Africa’s infrastructure goals by connecting global capital with local development priorities.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discus How a South African Startup Is Giving Underserved Communities Access To Instant Emergency-Response Services? Make sure to check it out!

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Twitter - @jerseyfinance

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