Climate Finance Short Course in Australia: Lessons and Perspectives from a Transformative Journey

Written by: Carla Lima Semedo. Director of the Resource Mobilization Service. National Planning Directorate. Ministry of Finance, Cape Verde

First published online in Newsletter 6: Climate Portal – Cabo Verde

“Participating in the Australia Awards Africa Financing Climate Action in Africa Short Course, presented in Australia by Curtin University was a deeply enriching and inspiring experience. The structure of the course was organised into three main phases, ensuring continuous and practical learning:

• Pre-Learning Activities (PA): Online via MS Teams (January 20-25, 2025)
• Core Learning Elements (CLE): Face-to-face in Australia (Perth and Canberra) (February 3-14, 2025)
• Applied Learning Activities (ALA): Online via MS Teams (March 21-27, 2025)

Phase 1: Pre-Learning Activities (PA)

The first phase of the course consisted of online sessions to prepare for the face-to-face experience. One of the most relevant moments was the presentation on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the 18 participating countries, which gave participants a prior understanding of the topic, facilitating more in-depth discussions during the face-to-face course. The hybrid format proved to be an effective strategy for maximizing the use of the program.

Phase 2: Face-to-face learning in Australia (CLE)

First Days: Introduction and Background

The course kicked off in Perth, where we were warmly welcomed with an opening ceremony that highlighted the importance of international cooperation in responding to climate challenges. Between February 3 and 14, 2025, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in an intensive learning environment, exploring the nuances of climate finance and interacting with renowned experts, as well as colleagues from various African countries. In the first few days, we explored the bigger picture of climate finance, looking at global mechanisms and regulatory frameworks that determine access to these resources.

One of the most striking sessions dealt with the integration of national climate policies into international financing systems, where participants were able to present and compare the approaches of their respective countries. As this topic had already been analysed in the online phase, it was possible to deepen the discussions, bringing more detailed insights into challenges and opportunities. In this context, sharing Cape Verde’s experience in mobilizing climate finance proved to be a valuable contribution to the debate.

Exploring Climate Finance Opportunities

In the following days, we delved into the financial instruments that enable the transition to low-carbon economies, studying practical cases of green finance and innovative climate resilience mechanisms.

A particularly impactful session was dedicated to the role of the private sector in mobilising resources, bringing concrete examples of how public-private partnerships have boosted sustainable projects in different contexts.

Evaluation and monitoring of climate action projects was one of the main topics, with a focus on the Australian experience in integrating MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) systems into climate finance. The discussion on gender, social inclusion, and climate finance was also a highlight of the program. We reflected on how access to finance can be structured in a more equitable way, ensuring that women and vulnerable communities have active participation in climate solutions.

In addition, we analysed the socio-economic impacts of climate change, the opportunities that exist in carbon markets, and the implementation of climate risk management instruments at national and international levels.

Still in Perth, we had the opportunity to visit the University of Western Australia and see the CO₂ Lab. This was one of the most enriching moments of the mission, allowing us to observe innovative experiments in reducing emissions and storing carbon, reinforcing the importance of applied research in the fight against climate change.

Engagement with various stakeholders

In the second part of the face-to-face phase, in Canberra, the focus was on interaction with government entities and strategic institutions.

We participated in sessions with the Clean Energy Regulator, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and the Climate Change Authority, where we shared best practices, challenges, and strategies for implementing effective climate policies.

These interactions provided an in-depth understanding of climate finance mechanisms, the existing regulatory system, and case studies on how the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) system works.

Phase 3: Practical Application of Knowledge (ALA)

The course did not end with the face-to-face experience in Australia. The final phase consists of online activities focused on implementing the knowledge acquired in a real work context. As a requirement of the program, each participant was encouraged to develop and apply a Reintegration Action Plan (RAP), adapting the learning to the reality of their country and institution. This step reinforces the need to replicate good practices and assess the applicability of financial instruments in the Cape Verdean context.

Lessons learned and prospects for Cape Verde

• This immersion in the Australian climate finance ecosystem has provided fundamental insights that I intend to incorporate into my professional duties in Cape Verde.
• The need to strengthen the integration of sustainable financial mechanisms into national policies.
• The strategic role of the private sector in boosting climate projects.
• The importance of continuous training for professionals in formulating projects in line with the criteria of international climate funds.
• Networking and international collaboration as fundamental pillars for strengthening global climate resilience.

This experience in Australia was not just a learning experience, but a starting point for new initiatives and partnerships that could benefit Cape Verde in mobilising and managing funding for climate action. I returned with a new perspective on the opportunities and challenges of climate finance. Now, the focus is on translating this knowledge into concrete actions that contribute to the country’s climate resilience and to strengthening public policies in this area.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for funding the course, to Curtin University, for its exceptional teaching staff and support team, and for the excellent conditions provided at the university campus in Perth, Western Australia.

A big thank you to the National Planning Directorate for their institutional endorsement of my participation in this training. And to all the colleagues who shared this incredible learning journey, especially Nilda da Mata, from São Tomé and Príncipe, and Nuno Ribeiro, a member of the Climate Action Program in Cape Verde, who also took part in the course and with whom I tried, together, to represent our country at the highest level.

A big congratulations to everyone involved! Together, we continue our mission to build a more sustainable future for everyone!”

Carla