The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is hosting its Regional Roundtable on Sustainable Finance for Africa and the Middle East on May 6-7, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco. This key event, open to UNEP FI members and non-members, will play a crucial role in shaping the sustainable finance agenda, driving the transition toward a greener, more just economy, and securing a sustainable future for the region.
As part of UNEP FI’s biennial series of five major regional events on sustainable finance in 2025, the Africa and Middle East Roundtable will highlight innovative responses to emerging global trends in sustainable finance and responsible banking and insurance practices. The event will bring together finance professionals to discuss critical sustainability issues, including climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-positive finance, just transition and financial inclusion, sustainability policy and regulation, real economy transition, carbon trading, and carbon finance, among others.
Register here to join in person or access event recordings afterward. View the event FAQs below.
Are you a Moroccan financial institution interested in participating in a Climate Mitigation Workshop hosted by UNEP FI as part of the Africa & Middle East Regional Roundtable 2025? If so, please get in touch with us at: roundtable@unepfi.org
Showcase your leadership and partner with us
Partnering with UNEP FI on a Regional Roundtable offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to advancing the sustainable finance agenda globally. It also enhances your brand’s visibility among the global finance community, UNEP FI members, and key stakeholders. Please contact Melissa Angel for more information.
Contact us for any questions or comments at: roundtable@unepfi.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Regional Roundtable Africa & Middle East 2025?
The Regional Roundtable (RRT) on Sustainable Finance Africa & Middle East 2025 is part of UNEP FI’s biennial series of events, bringing together finance professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss and shape the sustainable finance agenda in the region. The event will focus on critical sustainability topics, including climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-positive finance, just transition and financial inclusion, sustainability policy and regulation, real economy transition, carbon trading, and carbon finance, among others. The Roundtable aims to drive meaningful dialogue and action toward a greener and more just economy in Africa and the Middle East.
When and where will the event take place?
The event is scheduled for May 6th to 7th, 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Who should attend?
The Roundtable is open to financial institutions, regulators, policymakers, sustainability experts, and other stakeholders engaged in sustainable finance in Africa and the Middle East.
Can I join online?
The Regional Roundtables are in-person events. However, session recordings will be uploaded online shortly after the event.
Is registration required?
Yes, registration is required to attend the event. Please note that space is limited, so it is recommended to register early.
Is there a registration fee?
This year, the Roundtables are free of charge. However, kindly note that submitting your registration does not guarantee approval to attend. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration has been approved.
How do I register?
Please register here. Your registration will be confirmed by email.
I’ve registered to attend in-person. Do I have to pay for anything else?
Participants traveling to Marrakech are responsible for their own travel arrangements and related costs, including transportation, visa (if applicable), food, and accommodation.
Does UNEP FI cover travel or accommodation costs for attendees or speakers?
UNEP FI does not provide financial support for travel or accommodation. All attendees and speakers are expected to cover their own costs.
Do I need a visa to attend?
A visa is required for some nationalities.
Please visit this page to find out if you need a visa for Morocco and whether you can apply online or in person. The e-Visa platform is available here, and you can also refer to the Moroccan Consulate website for more information.
Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Morocco. It is recommended that you check the specific entry requirements with the Moroccan consulate or embassy in your country to confirm.
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel expenses, including visas. Unfortunately, UNEP FI unable to assist with visa applications.
Please be aware that visa approvals are solely at the discretion of Moroccan authorities, and event registration does not guarantee entry into Morocco. We recommend checking visa requirements well in advance and applying as early as possible.
What is the best way to travel around Marrakech?
The best way to get around Marrakech is by taxi, with regulated fares: 70 dirhams during the day and 100 dirhams at night for trips to and from the airport. To ensure a fair price, use official taxis—typically red—and make sure they have a meter or agree on a fare before starting your ride. Be mindful that some drivers may try to overcharge tourists.
Most hotels provide taxi services, and there is an official taxi counter inside the airport where you can arrange a ride.
Marrakech is also a walkable city, with the Old Town approximately 30 minutes away on foot. The area is very safe for tourists, though the weather in May can be quite hot, so staying hydrated and dressing accordingly is recommended.
For more details, visit Marrakech’s official tourism website.
Will there be interpretation services available?
Real-time interpretation between French and English will be available at the Climate Mitigation Workshop on May 8th.
Are you a Moroccan financial institution interested in participating in a Climate Mitigation Workshop hosted by UNEP FI as part of the Africa & Middle East Regional Roundtable 2025? If so, please get in touch with us at: roundtable@unepfi.org
Will there be Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes, free Wi-Fi will be available at the venue.
What other practical information should I keep in mind?
The local currency in Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash (Advice to use local currency cash, especially for Taxis, in Markets and small shops )is recommended for smaller transactions.
In May, Marrakech experiences warm and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F–86°F). It is suggested to drink plenty of water during the day. Evenings can be cooler, so it is advisable to bring an extra layer. Rain is rare, and the city enjoys plenty of sunshine.
Morocco operates on 220V/50 Hz electricity. The standard plug types used are C and E (two-round pin plugs). Travelers may need an adapter.
SIM cards are available in the airport and everywhere in the city
Emergency services and useful numbers
- Police: 190
- Ambulance: 150
- Fire: 150
- Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) Information Desk: +212 524 43 79 10
- Tourist Police: +212 524 38 46 01 0r +212 524 88 86 80 (toll-free number, accessible 24 hours a day, is available to tourists in Morocco)
- Roadside Assistance: 177
Who can I contact regarding further questions?
For any additional questions, please contact roundtable@unepfi.org with the subject line: FAQ_AME2025.
Day 1 | 6 May 2025
Time | Session | |
8:30 | Registration and opening of UNEP FI Regional Roundtable Africa and Middle East | |
9:00 | Opening and keynotes
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9:20 | High-level dialogue: Regional collaboration to support sustainability goals
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10:00 | Plenary panel: Accelerating the real economy transition in Africa and Middle East
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10:50 | Break | |
11:20 | Plenary panel: Advancing action on climate adaptation and resilience
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12:20 | Plenary panel: Unlocking private finance for the Sustainable Development Goals
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12:50 | Lunch | |
13:40 | Plenary panel: V20 SIF: Financing & insuring MSMEs for climate adaptation & resilience
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Deep dive sessions | Deep dive sessions | |
14:50 | Portfolio analysis and materiality assessment for banks
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Nairobi Declaration: Embedding sustainability into African insurance markets
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15:50 | Break | |
16:20 | Healthy and inclusive economies: the role of banks
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Insuring a resilient nature-positive future
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17:20 | Workshop for banks: Principles for Responsible Banking framework updates and discussion
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Workshop for banks and insurers: Nature in the boardroom |
18:30 | End of Day 1 |
Day 2 | 7 May 2025
Time | Session | |
8:30 | Registration and Opening of Day 2 of the Regional Roundtable for Africa and Middle East | |
9:00 | Opening remarks | |
9:10 | Keynote | |
9:20 | Plenary panel: Regulatory developments promoting sustainable finance
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10:10 | High-level dialogue: Advancing carbon markets in Africa and Middle East
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10:40 | Break | |
Deep dive sessions | Deep dive sessions | |
11:10 | Engaging banking clients and customers for a sustainable future
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Unlocking circular economy finance
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12:10 | Lunch | |
13:00 | Supporting a just and inclusive transition in Africa and Middle East
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How finance can develop and scale up nature-based solutions
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14:00 | Workshop for banks: Navigating the climate mitigation journey: A practical workshop for banks
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Workshop for insurers: Advancing Sustainable Insurance in Africa & the Middle East: PSI Focus Areas
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15:30 | Break | |
16:00 | UNEP FI Members’ engagement forum for Africa and Middle East (UNEP FI members only) Theme: Unlocking opportunities – The business case for financing agriculture
|
Outreach for banks and insurance on PSI and PRB (presentations and networking) |
17:15 | End of Day 2 |
Partner
Showcase your leadership and partner with us
Partnering with UNEP FI on a Regional Roundtable offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to advancing the sustainable finance agenda globally. It also enhances your brand’s visibility among the global finance community, UNEP FI members, and key stakeholders. Please contact Melissa Angel for more information.

Emeka Akwiwu
Group Executive Director, Continental Reinsurance

Walid Ali
General Manager, Sustainability Department, Central Bank of Egypt

Christine Arandi
ESG Specialist, Britam Holdings Plc

Nabil Badr
Deputy Director of the Banking Supervision Department, Bank Al-Maghrib

Hany Bahy
Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Finance, Sekem Group

Shargiil Bashir
Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Vice President, First Abu Dhabi Bank

Amal Benaissa
Director, Sustainability Advocacy, Bank of Africa - BMCE Group

Yusuf Bodiat
Head of Finance and Investment, African Risk Capacity

Liz Booth
Managing Editor, Africa Ahead & Steering Committee Member, Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance

Lily Burge
Policy Manager at Climate Bonds Initiative

Tonna Ezema
Head of Sustainable Banking, Fidelity Bank

Solène Favre
Global Director of Insurance, VisionFund International

Louise Gardiner
Senior Operations Officer, Financial Institutions Group, IFC | Climate Finance Lead, Eastern and Southern Africa

Suzan Hamdy
Chief Sustainability and Sustainability Finance Officer, Banque Misr

Chiyedza Heri
CEO, Ubuntu Alliance

Sanae Lahlou
Country Representative in Morocco, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Philip Lopokoiyit
CEO, ICEA LION Group

Walid Machrouh
National Coordinator of the Green4Youth project, ILO

Eslam Mahdy
Associate Director of Sustainability, Guidehouse & Africa and Middle East Regional Lead, PCAF

Patience Mashaire Marwiro
CEO, Emeritus Reinsurance Company

Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin
United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda

Najwa Mouhaouri
Head of Climate Finance Regulation Department · Bank Al-Maghrib

Yasser Mounsif
Director of Issuers, Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC)

Noleen Moyo
Head, Sustainability, Data Management and Analytics, Zimre Holdings Limited

Nungari Mwangi
Strategy, Program Development and Partnerships Lead, Agri-SME Development and Innovative Financing, AfDB

Rose Mwebaza
Director, Regional Office for Africa, UNEP

Charles Nhemachena
Regional Director for Africa, Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)

Roselyne Njino
Sustainability Manager, Kenya Bankers Association

Sesilia Nkoshi
Senior Underwriter for Non-life Reinsurance, Namibia National Reinsurance Corporation

Ghizlaine Nourlil
Financing Mobilization and Sustainability Group Director, Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) Group

Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree
Head of Partnerships, Sustainability & CSR, Fidelity Bank

Mohammed Rachid
Director, Institutional Affairs, Casablanca Finance City Authority (CFCA)

Amine Ryane
Director of International Development & Partnerships, SCR (CDG Group)

Ourèye Sakho-Eklo
Senior VP, Risk and Portfolio Management Department, West African Development Bank (BOAD)

Henda Sebai
Head of Risk Management Department, Tunis Re

Badri Seetharaman
Director, Middle East and North Africa, StepChange

Boitumelo Sethlatswe
Head, Sustainability, Standard Bank Group & Co-chair, UNEP FI Banking Board

Hassan Aftab Sheikh
Career Development Fellow in Nature Finance, the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford

Judith Sidi Odhiambo
Group Head Corporate Affairs, KCB Group

Caroline Wakesho Sonje
ESG Specialist, ICEA Lion

Mamoun Tahri Joutei
Head, Business Intelligence & Sustainability, Bank of Africa

Hamid Tawfiki
Deputy CEO, CDG Capital

Samuel Tiriongo
Director of Research and Policy, the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)

Daniel Udeme-Joseph
CEO, Farm Monitor Africa

Monday Utomwen
Chief Risk Officer, WAICA Reinsurance Corporation

Gloria Zvaravanhu
Managing Director, Old Mutual Insurance Company