The world's most vulnerable communities are on the front lines of climate change, facing a growing threat from extreme weather events, droughts, and resource scarcity that jeopardize livelihoods and economic stability. Traditional financial services often lack the specialized products and knowledge to help these populations adapt to and mitigate these environmental risks. Green microfinance has emerged as a powerful solution, strategically blending financial inclusion with environmental sustainability. By providing credit and other services for climate-friendly initiatives, it empowers communities to build resilience, embrace sustainable practices, and unlock new economic opportunities in the green economy.

This course is designed to equip microfinance and development professionals with a comprehensive toolkit for building and implementing effective green microfinance strategies. Participants will learn how to identify climate-related risks in their portfolios, design innovative financial products for renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, and attract green capital. By integrating environmental and social considerations into their core business models, attendees will be able to transform their institutions into key drivers of both financial and ecological well-being for their clients.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers and practitioners
• Development finance professionals
• Environmental and social risk analysts
• Climate finance specialists and advisors
• Professionals in renewable energy and green technologies
• Social entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Policy and regulatory advisors
• Project managers for sustainable development
• Impact investors and fund managers

Objectives:

• Grasp the foundational concepts of green microfinance and its strategic value.
• Understand the key linkages between climate change and financial risk.
• Design and implement a portfolio of green financial products.
• Identify and assess climate-related risks within a microfinance portfolio.
• Develop a strategy for financing climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy.
• Understand how to access and mobilize green capital and funding.
• Explore best practices and successful case studies from around the world.
• Integrate environmental and social performance metrics into operations.
• Learn the role of partnerships in building a green ecosystem.
• Create a strategic roadmap for adopting a green finance strategy.

Module 1: The Case for Green Microfinance

• The impact of climate change on vulnerable populations
• How climate risk affects microfinance clients and portfolios
• The economic rationale for green finance
• Defining green microfinance and its core principles
• The role of MFIs in a transition to a low-carbon economy

Module 2: Identifying Climate Risks and Opportunities

• Conducting a climate vulnerability assessment
• Mapping client exposure to environmental shocks
• Using geospatial data to inform risk analysis
• Identifying new business opportunities in the green economy
• The link between climate resilience and poverty reduction

Module 3: Designing Green Financial Products

• Developing a micro-loan product for renewable energy
• Financing climate-smart agricultural inputs and practices
• Creating loans for water and waste management
• Designing green savings and insurance products
• Blending green products with existing services

Module 4: Financing Renewable Energy

• The market for off-grid renewable energy technologies
• Financing solar home systems and clean cookstoves
• Building partnerships with technology providers
• Managing risks in a new lending sector
• Case studies of successful renewable energy finance

Module 5: Climate-Smart Agriculture Finance

• The challenges for smallholder farmers
• Financing drought-resistant seeds and irrigation
• Loans for agroforestry and sustainable farming
• The role of value chain finance in green agriculture
• How to use technology to verify green practices

Module 6: Mobilizing Green Capital

• Sourcing capital from international climate funds
• The rise of green bonds and social impact bonds
• Engaging with impact investors and development partners
• Reporting on environmental and social performance
• The importance of a clear and transparent green strategy

Module 7: Environmental and Social Risk Management

• The importance of a robust risk management framework
• Assessing environmental risks in loan applications
• Ensuring social safeguards and client protection
• The role of an environmental and social management system (ESMS)
• Mitigating reputational and legal risks

Module 8: Partnerships and Ecosystem Building

• Collaborating with green technology suppliers
• Partnering with NGOs and government agencies
• The role of industry associations and networks
• Leveraging FinTech for green product distribution
• Building a value chain for green goods and services

Module 9: Measuring Impact and Performance

• Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for green finance
• Measuring the environmental impact of a loan portfolio
• The importance of a triple bottom line (people, planet, profit)
• Using data to tell a compelling impact story
• Reporting on social and environmental outcomes to investors

Module 10: The Future of Green Microfinance

• Emerging trends in climate finance and technology
• The role of blockchain for green impact verification
• Integrating green strategies with a digital transformation
• Policy and regulatory developments in green finance
• The long-term vision of a climate-resilient financial system

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.