1 — Who are you, and what has your journey been so far?
Thank you, Samir, for this opportunity to share my experience alongside those of your peers in the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program.
I’m from Togo, and my professional path has been built around financial and accounting management, with a growing specialization in impact finance – particularly in private equity, ESG criteria, and climate finance.
My commitment began in 2011 with the association ALAFIA Jeunes, a platform that allowed me to develop leadership skills through volunteer work. This involvement later led me to join the accounting department of the parent NGO, ALAFIA, where I took my first steps in the professional world. I was involved in managing projects funded by institutions such as UNICEF, AWDF (African Women’s Development Fund), the U.S. Embassy in Togo, and the European Union.
In May 2016, I joined Climate Analytics, a German organization specialized in climate science and policy. As an accounting manager, I oversaw the financial operations of the Africa office and managed projects implemented in Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo. In 2021, I co-founded Sustainable Solutions for Africa (SSA), an organization dedicated to climate finance.
As Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, I helped establish financial management systems, develop project proposals, and raise funds from institutions such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the European Union, the Open Society Foundation, and the U.S. Department of State.
Today, I work as a finance consultant while also dedicating time to the development of International Actions for Sustainable Development (AIDD).
2 — What were the key stages of your transition into impact and climate finance?
Every organization I’ve worked with has played a key role in shaping my career.
At ALAFIA, I learned the importance of rigor in development project management, especially in budgeting, financial reporting, and meeting donor requirements.
At Climate Analytics, I was introduced to global climate issues, worked in a multicultural environment, and enhanced my international collaboration and coordination skills.
At SSA, I experienced a deep dive into entrepreneurship and impact finance. I contributed to structuring climate adaptation and mitigation projects and developed innovative financial strategies to mobilize sustainable funding.
3 — How would you explain climate finance and sustainable development in simple terms?
Climate finance refers to the mobilization of public and private financial resources to fund projects that help societies adapt to or mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Sustainable development, as defined by the United Nations, means meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It is based on three pillars: economic, social, and environmental.
These two concepts go hand in hand to build collective resilience, reduce inequalities, and ensure a viable future for generations to come.
4 — What is the main mission of AIDD, the organization you are developing?
AIDD aims to support local stakeholders in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The organization works by strengthening local economies through targeted technical support, promoting sustainable investment and impact finance to enhance financial inclusion, and encouraging education and leadership, which are both essential to the success of sustainable development initiatives.
By adapting its interventions to the specific needs of its partners, AIDD delivers tailored solutions designed to unlock local potential in a sustainable and autonomous way.
5 — Why is it so difficult for SMEs and women entrepreneurs to access green finance in Africa?
In West Africa, nearly 80% of the economy is informal, which creates major barriers to financing for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
The main challenges include poorly structured business models, which make them unattractive to banks and investors; limited access to funding, often in the form of small loans that do not support long-term growth; and a lack of reliable financial data, making it difficult to assess profitability and create solid projections.
Our role is to support these entrepreneurs in structuring their business models, improving financial governance, and accessing what we call « patient capital »—private funding that fosters sustainable growth.
6 — How has the Humphrey Fellowship experience changed the way you work?
This experience taught me to value team diversity and harness it for collective success, to bring meaningful contributions to every mission, and to embrace constructive criticism as a tool for personal and professional growth. It also encouraged me to take concrete initiatives that lead to tangible results, to remain resilient in the face of challenges, and to actively seek mentorship while drawing inspiration from successful leaders—especially through reading.
7 — What are your plans after the Hubert H. Humphrey Program?
My main goal is to focus on developing AIDD, particularly through a project to incubate green and sustainable solutions. This involves building a project pipeline, supporting entrepreneurs, and facilitating access to private investment (fundraising). At the same time, I will continue to work as a consultant in impact finance, with a special focus on projects led by African actors.
8 — What motivates you in your work every day?
I don’t have a specific story, but I hold a simple belief: if people elsewhere can achieve great things, so can we here in Africa. My motivation is to contribute, in my own way, to building the foundation of sustainable development on our continent.
9 — If I were to visit Togo, what would you absolutely want me to discover?
I’d take you to the Kloto region to see the Womé Waterfalls – a stunning, peaceful site – followed by some delicious foufou in Kpalimé. Then we’d head to Aného, where the waters of Lake Togo mysteriously never flow into the ocean. We’d continue with a canoe ride on the lake in my home village, Keta Akoda, and wrap up the day with sifio (fish and pinon made from gari) on the beach in Agbodrafo.
10 — What message would you like to share with young Africans?
Africa is already facing severe climate challenges: droughts, floods, coastal erosion… Action is needed—and it must start now. I urge young people to get involved actively in building a more sustainable and equitable future for our continent.