The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), in collaboration with South Africa's National Business Initiative (NBI); the Federation of Egyptian Industries (ECO-FEI), and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESGroup), supported by the African Climate Foundation (ACF), hosted a series of virtual business dialogues culminating in a study tour on 3^rd and 4^th October 2022 in Cairo, Egypt.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our global economy but tackling it is also one of the world's most enormous economic opportunities. Climate threats are amplified on the African continent, where high social and economic vulnerability levels further exacerbate the transition risk and physical impacts.

The Pre-CoP 27 Business tour brought together voices of business from South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria into one space for engagement and shared learning on the role of business in taking climate action in their country contexts on the Road to COP27. The focus was on framing the Africa Context for Just Transition and the climate finance landscape to respond to climate change and address Africa's climate and development challenges.

KEPSA was represented by Mr George Aluru – Chair, KEPSA Energy and Extractives Sector Board, Dr John Wandaka - Vice-Chair, KEPSA Environment, Water and Natural Sector Board, Mr Ebenezer Amadi - Project Manager, Sustainable Inclusive Business at KEPSA and Ms Faith Ngige who is also the Climate Business Information Network Kenya (CBIN-K) Coordinator.

Borrowing from EBRD definition, Mr George Aluru defined a just transition as one that seeks to ensure that substantial benefits of a green economy transition are shared widely, while also supporting those who stand to lose economically – be they countries, regions, industries, communities, workers or consumers. During the workshop, it was evident that the decision heavily impacts business regarding phasing out coal and fossil fuels because of climate change net zero commitments. As such, the transition should not sink business investments.

He further elaborated on the meaning of transition through Kenya's lens. The commitments for Kenya include; Transitioning to a 100% RE electricity grid – by 2022, the commitment made during COP26, Transitioning to 100% Clean cooking by 2028, 100% Electricity Access – by 2026, and transitioning to E-mobility. All this has implications for grid stability Issues; Cost of electricity and implications of under-utilized supply and uneconomic lines. The justness in the transition, therefore, calls for measures to allow for more stabilising of energy supply and storage; Focusing on Interconnections, transmission densification and regional markets; Undertaking sustainable biomass cooking and having transition fuels such as LPG; Starting with New Vehicle buyers especially government and state agencies who have higher purchasing power (Govt and state agencies).

To accelerate the adoption of clean cooking, the bioenergy strategy is under development by the government of Kenya in partnership with the private sector and other stakeholders. In Kenya, private sector initiatives for clean cooking include Koko Networks, which is in partnership with Vivo Kenya (Shell Licensee) for distribution and has last-mile smart trucks and vending stations. 1.5 million Kenyans use Koko's Bioethanol.

Dr John Wandaka, highlighted the role of KEPSA in supporting businesses for climate action and just transitions. This includes KEPSA's role in policy advocacy through public-private dialogue (PPD) platforms for a conducive environment for climate-friendly business and climate action, implementation of climate interventions such as the GCF NAP Readiness Support Project component four on catalyzing private sector participation and investment in climate change, development of policies and legislations in partnership with government and the private sector guide to business climate action known as the" private sector strategy on climate change solutions ( 2022- 2030).

Ms Faith Ngige shared the success of KEPSA in establishing the Climate Business Information Network as the one-stop shop for coordinating and fostering business climate action and reporting of the private sector's contribution to net-zero targets. The CBIN-K will support the private sector to strengthen the climate resilience of value chains and the adaptive capacity of enterprises to successfully adapt to climate change through; capacity building on the nexus of business and science on climate change, information and awareness; technical support on business adaptation and mitigation strategies; knowledge management for reporting and sharing of best practice; and monitoring the implementation of the business commitment to climate action. Through the collaboration of Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt, we could rally the formation of the Africa Climate Business Network.

"An effective climate response is inextricably connected to Africa's development. Between 2022 and 2030, Africa will require USD 277 billion to implement its climate change response. The Study Tour provided an opportunity to compare programs addressing climate change and just transition in Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. Egypt has prioritized wastewater, renewable energy, and textile industries as sectors contributing to the transition from a linear to a circular economy. South Africa is focusing on the transition from coal to clean energy by producing green hydrogen and promoting a just transition. Nigeria is focusing on coal and fossil fuel to aid in adopting sustainable energy. The loan book is essential to the banking sector as an indicator of its investment in clean energy and support for a just transition." Reflected Mr Ebenezer Amadi.

Eng. Kamal of the Federation of Egyptian Industries reflected on the tour by highlighting that there are indeed business elements in just transitions and that Africa Business is critical in Africa's just transition. There is a need to improve data, and Africa should drive Africa Data for Africa. Conversations on climate and business have been taking place in silos, and the coming together of Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa is the beginning of creating a unified voice that is critical in building a coherent approach to just transitions. We need to collaborate more to sustain the momentum and change the narrative to focus on the potential of Africa.

Mr Allan Wallis, Strategic Advisor Africa Climate Foundation, concluded by observing from the study tour and sessions, "that fairly similar problems and challenges face Africa and it is crucial that we synergize and cooperate to have a more significant impact."

The UNFCCC's Climate Conference (COP27) is taking place in Egypt this year. The African COP is a pivotal moment for governments and businesses across the continent to showcase and position the range of climate action initiatives and investment opportunities in Africa and amplify the value of collaborative action and attract finance for implementation.

Other presenters in the workshop included N.J Mashimbye - South African Ambassador to Egypt who welcomed participants to Egypt; NBI's Ms Reitumetse Molotsoane; Nigeria NESGroup Mr Eugine Itua; Eng Ahmed Kamal of ECO-FEI; Miss Noha Elbalky who shared insights about the renewable energy sector in Egypt; and Mr Sikhulekile Duma who spoke on South Africa's Just Transition Initiatives.