The global financial landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors becoming critical drivers of investment decisions. This training course is meticulously designed for financial professionals, investors, and corporate leaders who need to navigate this new era of green finance. It will provide you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to understand ESG metrics, evaluate green investment opportunities, and integrate sustainable principles into your financial strategies. As regulators, consumers, and shareholders increasingly demand corporate responsibility, mastering these trends is not just an advantage—it is a strategic necessity for long-term growth and market relevance.

Over this intensive five-day program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving green finance ecosystem. We will cover everything from the fundamentals of ESG analysis and impact measurement to the latest trends in green bonds, carbon finance, and sustainable fund management. Through a combination of expert-led lectures, real-world case studies, and interactive workshops, you will learn how to identify, analyze, and capitalize on the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to confidently advise clients, shape corporate strategy, and lead your organization toward a more sustainable and profitable future.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Investment managers and portfolio managers
• Financial analysts and advisors
• Corporate finance professionals
• Sustainability and ESG managers
• Banking and lending officers
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Risk management professionals
• Venture capitalists and private equity investors
• Public and private sector policy makers
• Financial services consultants

Objectives:

• Grasp the core concepts of green finance and ESG investing
• Understand the key drivers and trends shaping the sustainable finance landscape
• Analyze and apply various ESG frameworks and data providers
• Evaluate green bonds, climate finance, and other sustainable financial products
• Assess and integrate ESG factors into investment decision-making
• Identify and mitigate risks related to environmental and social factors
• Formulate a compelling business case for green finance initiatives
• Interpret and apply best practices for ESG reporting and disclosure
• Build a strategic action plan for implementing sustainable finance principles

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Green Finance

• The history and evolution of sustainable finance
• The core principles of ESG and responsible investing
• The role of regulation and policy in driving green finance
• Understanding the global market for green bonds and carbon finance
• The business case for integrating sustainability into financial strategy

Module 2: ESG Data and Analysis

• The landscape of ESG data providers and rating agencies
• The importance of materiality and double materiality
• How to analyze and interpret ESG reports and disclosures
• The challenges of data quality and standardization
• Understanding key metrics for measuring environmental and social impact

Module 3: Investment Strategies

• The spectrum of sustainable investment approaches
• Integrating ESG into equity and fixed income portfolios
• The role of active ownership and shareholder engagement
• Impact investing and venture capital for social and environmental good
• The growth of thematic funds and sustainable ETFs

Module 4: Green and Sustainable Bonds

• The principles and market for green, social, and sustainability bonds
• Understanding the issuance process and verification
• The role of green bond frameworks and second-party opinions
• The benefits and risks of investing in sustainable bonds
• Case studies of successful green bond issuances and their impact

Module 5: Climate and Carbon Finance

• The financial risks and opportunities of climate change
• The principles of carbon pricing and carbon markets
• Understanding carbon credits and offset projects
• The role of financial institutions in supporting the energy transition
• The challenges of stranded assets and physical climate risk

Module 6: Corporate Finance and Governance

• The role of the CFO in overseeing ESG strategy and performance
• Integrating ESG into corporate governance and executive compensation
• The impact of ESG on access to capital and cost of debt
• Best practices for communicating ESG performance to investors
• The role of technology in automating ESG reporting and monitoring

Module 7: Risk Management and Compliance

• Identifying and managing environmental and social risks
• The financial implications of climate-related litigation
• The regulatory landscape for sustainable finance
• The role of scenario analysis in assessing climate risk
• Ensuring compliance with evolving ESG reporting standards

Module 8: Measurement and Impact Reporting

• The importance of transparent and consistent reporting
• Frameworks for impact measurement (e.g., SASB, GRI, TCFD)
• How to communicate impact effectively to stakeholders
• The role of third-party verification and assurance
• The challenges of quantifying social and environmental outcomes

Module 9: The Future of Sustainable Finance

• The rise of biodiversity finance and nature-based solutions
• The role of technology in accelerating sustainable finance
• Emerging trends in social and governance investing
• The integration of the SDGs into financial strategies
• The importance of leadership in shaping a more sustainable future for finance

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.