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20/02/2025 | 2.30 – Online meeting
No participation fee CHF – Open to public
The World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2025 theme: “Mobilizing Blended Finance for PPPs”. This first part of the webinar will start with a technical approach, in partnership with Convergence Blended Finance, that will delve into the fundamentals of blended finance and its strategic role in delivering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The session will explore how blended finance, which involves the strategic deployment of concessional capital alongside commercial investment, enhances the financial viability of projects focused on public infrastructure and services. The goal is to promote the adoption and understanding of blended finance as a key approach for achieving successful PPPs, particularly in developing countries where these projects are often underserved.
Following the technical presentation, representatives from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) will offer insightful comments on the use of blended finance in PPPs. This webinar will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing case studies and global experiences in leveraging blended finance for PPPs. Attendees will gain valuable insights into building capacity, structuring blended finance projects, and fostering collaborations among stakeholders to create more environmentally and socially responsible projects. This is a unique opportunity to deepen understanding and expand the use of blended finance as an essential tool in mobilizing private investment for sustainable development.
Join us on 20 February 2025 at 14:30 CET and check out our exciting program for the year at this link.
Meet our expert moderator and speakers!
JYOTI BISBEY
Executive Committee Member
WAPPP
Jyoti Bisbey, a WAPPP Executive Committee member, is a global expert with 20+ years of experience in green and resilient infrastructure finance and PPPs in developing countries. She has worked with the World Bank Group and the UN, supporting governments in preparing PPP projects and financing climate-focused infrastructure. Jyoti helped establish global benchmarks like CP3P and PCM and serves on the FAST-Infra Label’s Executive Advisory Committee and UNECE PIERS Climate Panel. She advises ISRC, sits on InfraBlocks’ Advisory Board, and is Associate Editor of the Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development at NUS. A published author, she holds an Executive Diploma from Harvard, an MBA from George Washington University, and an honors degree in mathematics from St. Stephen’s College.
JOAN M. LARREA
CEO
Convergence Blended Finance
Joan M. Larrea, a seasoned expert in emerging markets investments with nearly 30 years of experience, specializes in catalyzing investment in underserved regions. As CEO of Convergence since its inception, she has established it as a leading authority on blended finance. Previously, she led OPIC’s efforts to partner with philanthropic and private investors, launching innovative programs to finance high-impact funds using blended finance structures. Her career includes roles as Managing Director at Global Environment Fund, focused on energy and natural resources, and Investment Officer at IFC, where she spearheaded pioneering infrastructure and manufacturing projects across Asia. Joan also serves on several advisory and investment committees, including the Global Environment Facility’s Blended Finance Advisory Group and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
CHRIS CLUBB
Managing Director
Convergence Blended Finance
Chris Clubb, with over 20 years of experience, has financed development projects across 50+ emerging and frontier markets. At Convergence, he draws on his leadership at EBRD, where he grew annual investments fivefold in early transition countries and pioneered blended finance programs, including a local currency initiative for SME finance. Previously, he financed European infrastructure projects at the European Investment Bank, supported cross-border financing at Export Development Canada, and started his career in corporate banking at Toronto Dominion Bank. Chris has also held senior roles in strategic risk management, designing enterprise-wide frameworks at EBRD and EDC.
ZIAD-ALEXANDRE HAYEK
President
WAPPP
Ziad Alexandre-Hayek is President at WAPPP and Vice-chair of the Working Party on PPP of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and High Commissioner of the World Business Angel Investment Forum for Lebanon. Following a long career in international finance and as an investment banker with Citibank, Salomon Brothers, Indosuez Capital, Bear Stearns, he led the Republic of Lebanon’s High Council for Privatization and PPPs for 12 years until he was nominated for President of the World Bank Group. He owns Hayek Associates, a PPP advisory boutique, and sits on numerous boards.
ANTHONY MUNGAMELI MEHLWANA
Economic Affairs Officer
UNECA
Anthony Mongameli Mehlwana is an Economic Affairs Officer in the Energy Infrastructure & Services Section at the UNECA, focusing on clean energy infrastructure for Africa’s industrialization. With extensive experience in the energy sector since 1995, he has worked with leading institutions such as the University of Cape Town’s Energy Research Centre and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. He has authored numerous publications and was a Lead Author for the Nobel Peace Prize-winning IPCC team on Climate Change Mitigation in 2007.
MATTHEW JORDAN-TANK
Director
EBRD
Matthew Jordan-Tank serves as the Director of Sustainable Infrastructure Policy and Project Preparation at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). He oversees initiatives across the energy, transport, and municipal sectors, focusing on upstream policy support, PPP transaction advisory, project preparation, technical due diligence, and implementation.
ABABACAR SAMBE
Senior PPP Operations, AfDB
Ababacar Sambe, a certified PPP expert with over 13 years of experience, is currently a Senior PPP Operations Specialist. He holds a PhD in Economics from Aix-Marseille University and specializes in public finance and infrastructure PPP financing. Having worked at the African Development Bank (AfDB), the West African Development Bank (BOAD), and Quebec’s Ministry of Transportation, he focuses on strengthening governance, PPP frameworks, and advancing sustainable infrastructure development across Africa.
