The SCALA Private Sector Engagement Facility was launched at the COP26 by the programme to foster stronger partnerships and dialogue between public and private sector actors through demand-led approaches based on countries’ national agriculture and land use sector priorities. It seeks to identify private sector-oriented interventions to engage businesses in implementing climate plans to mobilize resources and develop innovative climate services solutions.
The Facility is available to support 12 non-SCALA countries and will draw on tools, emerging lessons, and partnerships development under the programme.
There is a major financing gap for the agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors. The private sector can play a more substantial role given the emerging investment opportunities in this space. In addition to helping bridge the financing gap, the private sector is an important source of technical knowledge, human capital, and innovation. By working with the private sector, public sector climate change interventions can target changes at multiple entry points in the agri-food system and scale-up their impact.
In 2022, SCALA opened a call for applicants through UNFCCC Focal Points of countries, focusing on Least Developed Countries, and received expression of interest from 9 countries (90 percent in Africa and 10 percent in Asia and the Pacific). To date, 4 Letters of Agreement (LoA) have been signed with Sao Tome and Príncipe, Solomon Islands, Somalia and Niger. Additionally, a Scope of Work has been approval in The Gambia. In 2023, the SCALA programme will have another call of interest focusing on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and middle-income countries. More information on the portfolio of services available for countries below.