21 October 2025 – This paper explores how country-led investment platforms in Africa can align development, climate and finance priorities through transformational leadership.
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This paper from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) analyses the emergence of country-led investment platforms as mechanisms for aligning development, climate and nature finance. It outlines the defining features and typologies of Country Platforms (CPs), their links to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and the tiers of leadership required to translate ambition into coordinated, long-term investment.
Drawing on African experience with global relevance, the paper explores how leadership can balance local ownership with external expertise, coordinate across institutions, and sustain platforms through political and economic transitions. It offers practical insights into governance, sequencing and bankability essential for credible, country-driven investment pipelines.
Key insights
- CPs are emerging globally as frameworks to integrate finance and policy for national climate and development goals.
- Leadership across political, technical and stakeholder tiers underpin credibility and delivery.
- Coherent governance and fiscal strategy are critical to mobilising investment at scale.
- Peer learning and South–South collaboration accelerate capability and resilience.
This work contributes to CISL Africa’s mission to strengthen adaptive leadership and sustainable-finance systems — aligning with CISL’s wider call for bold leadership to shape the markets of the future.
Citing this report
University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). (2025). Country Platforms in Africa and Beyond: Transformational Leadership for Sustainable Futures (Cambridge, UK: University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership).
