Sustainable Finance And Investment

At RBGLP, we are committed to helping clients in Zambia, Africa, and the sub-region leverage sustainable finance and investment opportunities to advance their business goals while meeting global and regional sustainability targets.

Mission Statement

Our Sustainable Finance & Investment group brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts. We deliver unparalleled support to clients navigating this rapidly evolving sector by providing transactional and regulatory advice tailored to local contexts, ensuring they overcome challenges and maximise opportunities for sustainable growth.

The Issue

In Zambia, Africa, and across the globe, sustainable finance plays a pivotal role in addressing pressing climate and socio-economic challenges. Whether through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or infrastructure projects, businesses in the region are increasingly aligning their operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Agreement, and national commitments to net-zero emissions.

However, navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding sustainable finance presents significant challenges:

• Ensuring compliance with mandatory and voluntary disclosure frameworks.
• Developing financial products that align with evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
• Addressing greenwashing risks and maintaining the trust of investors, consumers, and regulators.
• Capitalising on opportunities to attract institutional capital for projects with measurable social and environmental benefits.

RBGLP works alongside businesses, investors, and institutions to address these challenges, ensuring their financial strategies align with sustainability goals while meeting regional and global expectations.

What We Do

Our practice focuses on providing comprehensive legal and strategic advice across the sustainable finance and investment spectrum.

Our Services

• ESG Strategy, Reporting, and Disclosure:
  We guide businesses in developing and aligning ESG policies with their corporate strategies, ensuring compliance with both local and international standards.
• Navigating the Regulatory Landscape:
  Our expertise includes advising clients on Zambia’s emerging ESG frameworks, as well as aligning with regional standards such as the African Continental Free Trade Area’s sustainable trade initiatives.
• Establishing Sustainable Investment Funds:
  We assist in setting up funds for renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and impact investments, including hybrid transactions that combine profit with measurable social outcomes.
• Dispute Resolution and Risk Management:
  We counsel clients on issues such as greenwashing, regulatory enforcement actions, and ESG-related class actions.
• Fostering Partnerships and Networks:
  By leveraging our regional and international networks, we connect clients with organisations, foundations, and enterprises, raising awareness of opportunities for collaborative impact.
• Support for Sustainable Financial Products:
  We facilitate the creation of innovative financial products, including sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and ESG fund financing tailored to local needs.

Our Impact

At RBGLP, we have supported a range of clients in navigating the complexities of sustainable finance:

• Advising a Zambian renewable energy company on structuring green bonds to fund rural electrification projects.
• Assisting a regional investment fund in aligning its portfolio with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 sustainability goals.
• Providing guidance to a local agribusiness on ESG disclosures to attract international impact investment for sustainable farming projects.
• Supporting a sub-regional infrastructure fund in structuring public-private partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable urban development initiatives.

Why RBGLP?

With our deep understanding of Zambia and the African sub-region’s economic, social, and regulatory landscape, RBGLP offers tailored legal and strategic advice to help clients achieve their sustainability objectives.

Partner with us to lead the way in sustainable finance and investment, ensuring long-term success while positively impacting Africa’s communities and environment.