Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security has opened a grant competition for pilot projects that use nature-based solutions to protect port and logistics infrastructure in six African countries, as part of a broader initiative to build climate resilience in regions bearing a disproportionate share of the consequences of global warming.
The call for proposals—the first one for African countries under the Nature-based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA)— is promoted in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
It forms part of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, which aims to promote sustainable investment and long-term partnerships with African nations.
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Africa accounts for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet ranks among the regions most exposed to climate change impacts, according to the announcement, made by the Italian environment ministry last week.
By 2050, damage to coastal and port infrastructure could increase significantly due to rising sea levels and more intense extreme weather events, with knock-on effects for trade, food security, and economic stability.
The call is open to pilot projects in Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania, and targets nature-based approaches to strengthen the climate resilience of port and logistics infrastructure, including mangrove restoration, natural coastal barriers, and hybrid green-grey engineering solutions.
Port infrastructure handles over 80% of international trade by volume and represents a strategic hub for African economies, making its exposure to flooding, coastal erosion, and storms a critical vulnerability.
Project proposals may be submitted until June 30 and must demonstrate strong potential for replicability and scalability across different geographical and sectoral contexts.
Selected consortia will receive grants and be connected to potential capital providers and investors to accelerate innovation and ensure long-term impact.
“The experience we have gained proves that economic growth and reducing environmental impacts are not contradictory goals,” said Matteo Paroli, President of the Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea, adding, “We are ready to make this expertise available for international cooperation.”
The Africa call follows a parallel round launched for five Central Asian countries at the beginning of April, marking the NBS-IA initiative’s first deployment across two regions simultaneously.
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