Catalyzing Green Growth: A Course on Climate Finance Opportunities for SACCOs

Introduction

As the world pivots toward a sustainable, low-carbon future, the financial sector plays a critical role in mobilizing capital for green initiatives. For Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), this presents a significant new frontier for both business growth and community impact. By embracing climate finance, SACCOs can not only contribute to the global effort to combat climate change but also unlock new market opportunities, diversify their portfolios, and attract a new generation of environmentally conscious members. Investing in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies can create a virtuous cycle of financial returns and positive environmental outcomes, strengthening both the SACCO and the communities it serves.

This five-day training course is designed to equip SACCO professionals with the strategic knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the emerging landscape of climate finance. The curriculum will provide a detailed understanding of green financing mechanisms, including green loans and sustainability bonds, and guide participants on how to develop and implement products that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify, develop, and launch climate-smart financial products that are both profitable and purpose-driven, positioning your SACCO as a leader in sustainable development.

Duration 5 days

Target Audience This course is for all SACCO staff, including product development teams, credit and risk officers, marketing managers, and senior management interested in strategic growth.

Objectives

  • To understand the fundamental concepts of climate change and climate finance.
  • To identify the business case for SACCOs to engage in climate finance.
  • To learn how to develop and market green financial products.
  • To understand the various sources of climate finance funding.
  • To master the principles of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
  • To learn how to assess the climate and environmental risks of a project.
  • To develop a framework for a climate finance strategy.
  • To understand the importance of impact measurement and reporting.
  • To learn from case studies of successful climate finance projects.
  • To create a green loan product for the SACCO.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Climate Finance

  • The science of climate change and its economic impacts.
  • The global and national context of climate finance.
  • The difference between traditional finance and climate finance.
  • Key concepts: green economy, low-carbon development, and resilience.
  • The role of financial institutions in the climate transition.

Module 2: The Business Case for SACCOs

  • Unlocking new market opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
  • The benefits of portfolio diversification and risk mitigation.
  • How climate finance can enhance the SACCO's reputation and brand.
  • Attracting new, purpose-driven members and investors.
  • Meeting the growing demand for green products.

Module 3: Developing Green Financial Products

  • Designing green loans for solar power, energy efficiency, and other projects.
  • The concept of sustainability bonds and how they can be applied to SACCOs.
  • Creating products for climate-resilient agriculture and water management.
  • Developing eligibility criteria for green loans.
  • The process of pricing and underwriting green products.

Module 4: Sources of Climate Finance

  • International climate funds and grants (e.g., Green Climate Fund).
  • Partnerships with development finance institutions (DFIs).
  • Leveraging private sector investment and green bonds.
  • The role of government subsidies and tax incentives.
  • Creating a proposal to access external funding.

Module 5: ESG Integration and Risk Management

  • What are ESG factors and why are they important?
  • The process of integrating ESG into the lending lifecycle.
  • Identifying and managing climate-related risks (e.g., physical and transition risks).
  • The importance of a clear ESG policy.
  • Developing a framework for climate risk assessment.

Module 6: Marketing and Communication

  • The importance of communicating the social and environmental impact.
  • How to market green products to a diverse audience.
  • Creating a brand identity around sustainability.
  • The role of partnerships with environmental organizations.
  • Using success stories and case studies to build credibility.

Module 7: Impact Measurement and Reporting

  • The importance of measuring the environmental impact of green loans.
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) for climate finance projects.
  • The process of collecting and verifying impact data.
  • Creating a sustainability report for members and stakeholders.
  • The role of transparency in building trust.

Module 8: Case Studies and Best Practices

  • An analysis of successful climate finance projects from SACCOs worldwide.
  • What worked, what didn’t, and key lessons learned.
  • The challenges and opportunities of a green portfolio.
  • Examining different business models for green lending.
  • How to adapt global best practices to your local context.

Module 9: Creating a Climate Finance Strategy

  • The process of developing a formal climate finance strategy for the SACCO.
  • Gaining buy-in from the board and senior management.
  • Setting clear goals and a timeline for implementation.
  • Allocating resources and assigning responsibilities.
  • The importance of a long-term vision.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport Pick Up is provided by the institute. Accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Catalyzing Green Growth: A Course On Climate Finance Opportunities For Saccos in Ireland
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