In an increasingly conscious global investment landscape, mastering ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Investing in PPPs is no longer a niche consideration but a fundamental requirement for attracting capital, managing risk, and ensuring the long-term success of Public-Private Partnerships. ESG factors – encompassing a project's environmental impact, its social implications for communities and stakeholders, and the robustness of its governance structures – profoundly influence investor decisions, regulatory compliance, and ultimately, a project's social license to operate. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, project developers, investors, and advisors with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to integrate ESG principles throughout the entire PPP project lifecycle, from initial concept and procurement to financing, construction, and operations, thereby enhancing project bankability, reducing non-financial risks, and delivering tangible sustainable development outcomes. Without a strategic approach to ESG Investing in PPPs, projects risk reputational damage, financial penalties, investor reluctance, and a failure to meet the growing demands for responsible and sustainable infrastructure development, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector Officials from PPP Units, Environmental Agencies, and Social Ministries
• Project Developers and Sponsors of infrastructure projects
• ESG Analysts and Specialists in financial institutions
• Investment Bankers and Fund Managers (especially those focused on impact investing)
• Commercial and Development Bank Professionals
• Legal Professionals specializing in corporate social responsibility and sustainable finance
• Consultants advising on ESG integration and PPPs
• Corporate Sustainability Officers
• Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations Managers
• Anyone involved in the planning, financing, or implementation of PPPs with a sustainability mandate.

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts and principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
• Learn about the growing importance of ESG factors in infrastructure investment and PPPs.
• Acquire skills in identifying and assessing material ESG risks and opportunities in PPP projects.
• Comprehend techniques for integrating ESG considerations throughout the PPP project lifecycle.
• Explore strategies for developing robust ESG frameworks and policies for PPPs.
• Understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and community impact assessment.
• Gain insights into ESG reporting standards and disclosure requirements.
• Develop a practical understanding of green and social finance instruments as ESG enablers.
• Master ESG due diligence processes for PPP investments.
• Acquire skills in monitoring and managing ESG performance during project operations.
• Learn to apply international best practices and guidelines for ESG in infrastructure.
• Comprehend techniques for valuing ESG factors in financial models.
• Explore strategies for leveraging ESG performance to attract investment.
• Understand the importance of transparency and accountability in ESG reporting.
• Develop the ability to lead and implement sustainable and responsible PPPs.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to ESG and its Relevance for PPPs

• Definition of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.
• The evolution of ESG in global finance and investment.
• Why ESG matters for infrastructure and PPPs (long-term assets, public impact).
• Linkages between ESG and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Business case for ESG integration in PPPs (risk reduction, access to capital, reputation).

Module 2: Environmental (E) Factors in PPPs

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation (GHG emissions, energy efficiency, renewable energy).
• Resource efficiency and circular economy principles (water, waste, materials).
• Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.
• Pollution prevention and control.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and their integration.

Module 3: Social (S) Factors in PPPs

• Community health, safety, and security.
• Labor practices, worker welfare, and human rights.
• Land acquisition, resettlement, and indigenous peoples' rights.
• Local content, job creation, and economic development.
• Accessibility, affordability, and equitable access to services.

Module 4: Governance (G) Factors in PPPs

• Corporate governance structures for SPVs and project companies.
• Ethics, anti-corruption, and transparency.
• Board diversity, executive compensation, and shareholder rights.
• Risk management frameworks and internal controls.
• Compliance with laws, regulations, and international standards.

Module 5: ESG Frameworks and Standards for Infrastructure

• Overview of leading ESG frameworks: GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP.
• Sector-specific standards for infrastructure (e.g., GRESB for Infrastructure).
• Equator Principles for project finance.
• IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.
• UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

Module 6: Integrating ESG into the PPP Project Cycle (Part 1: Development & Procurement)

• ESG considerations in project identification and feasibility studies.
• ESG due diligence during project preparation.
• Incorporating ESG requirements into PPP tender documents (RFQ, RFP).
• Evaluating bidders' ESG capabilities and commitments.
• Legal and contractual clauses for ESG during procurement.

Module 7: Integrating ESG into the PPP Project Cycle (Part 2: Financing & Operations)

• ESG in financial structuring and attracting sustainable finance.
• ESG covenants in loan agreements and bond terms.
• Monitoring ESG performance during construction and operation.
• Post-financial close ESG management systems.
• Managing ESG-related disputes and unforeseen events.

Module 8: ESG Due Diligence for PPP Investors

• Scope and methodology of ESG due diligence.
• Assessing material ESG risks and opportunities from an investor's perspective.
• Reviewing ESG policies, management systems, and performance data.
• Identifying red flags and potential reputational risks.
• Integrating ESG findings into investment decisions.

Module 9: ESG Risk Management and Mitigation in PPPs

• Developing an ESG risk matrix for PPP projects.
• Strategies for mitigating environmental risks (e.g., climate resilience design).
• Strategies for mitigating social risks (e.g., robust resettlement action plans).
• Strategies for mitigating governance risks (e.g., anti-corruption policies).
• Emergency preparedness and response for ESG incidents.

Module 10: Stakeholder Engagement and Social License to Operate

• Importance of effective stakeholder mapping and analysis.
• Designing and implementing meaningful public consultation processes.
• Addressing community concerns and grievances mechanisms.
• Building a "social license to operate" for long-term project success.
• Collaborative approaches to social impact management.

Module 11: ESG Reporting and Disclosure for PPPs

• Principles of transparent ESG reporting.
• Key ESG performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to PPPs.
• Aligning reporting with global standards (e.g., GRI, SASB).
• Public disclosure requirements and voluntary reporting.
• Communicating ESG performance to investors and the public.

Module 12: Valuing ESG in Financial Analysis

• How ESG factors can impact project revenues and costs.
• Quantifying the financial benefits of strong ESG performance (e.g., lower cost of capital, reduced operational risks).
• Integrating ESG into financial models (e.g., adjusted discount rates, scenario analysis).
• The concept of "ESG premium" or "discount."
• Case studies of ESG's financial impact on PPPs.

Module 13: Green, Social, and Sustainability Bonds for PPPs

• Overview of green bonds, social bonds, and sustainability bonds.
• Their application in financing ESG-compliant PPPs.
• Key features and requirements for issuing these bonds.
• Role of external verification and second party opinions.
• Attracting capital from dedicated ESG funds.

Module 14: Regulatory Landscape and Policy Drivers for ESG in PPPs

• Emerging ESG regulations and their impact on PPPs.
• Government policies promoting sustainable infrastructure.
• Role of national green taxonomies and sustainable finance frameworks.
• International agreements and commitments (e.g., Paris Agreement, SDGs).
• The evolving role of the public sector in mandating ESG in PPPs.

Module 15: Case Studies and Future Trends in ESG for PPPs

• In-depth analysis of specific PPP projects with strong ESG performance.
• Discussion of challenges and innovative solutions in real-world ESG integration.
• Emerging trends: biodiversity finance, just transition principles, digital ESG.
• The role of technology in monitoring and reporting ESG performance.
• Workshop: Developing an ESG integration strategy for a hypothetical PPP project.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.