We are delighted to have partnered with the Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) for the appointment of their new CEO -Tariye Gbadegesin, effective March 2024. In joining CIFs, Tariye will lead one of the world's largest multilateral climate funds, with over $ 11 billion pledged, pioneering clean energy transitions, nature-based solutions, and resilience in over 70 developing countries.
Tariye brings a wealth of experience to CIFs, having previously served as the CEO of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments, where she played a pivotal role in leading investments in energy transition and climate-resilient infrastructure across Africa. Additionally, her co-chairmanship of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative underscores her commitment to fostering high-integrity voluntary carbon markets for effective climate action.
As a seasoned climate finance executive with over two decades of experience, Tariye has been instrumental in mobilising private capital for climate initiatives and shaping policy design for energy transition finance. Her recent accomplishments include structuring and delivering over $3 billion in large-scale energy, infrastructure, and industrial investments. Tariye's expertise extends to designing complex blended finance funds, platforms, and syndications, mobilising capital from the private sector, multilateral development banks, and concessional windows.
Her diverse professional journey includes roles at the International Monetary Fund, the Boston Consulting Group, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Africa Finance Corporation. Tariye's advisory contributions to leading organisations such as the Climate Policy Initiative's Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero underscore her commitment to shaping impactful climate policies.
Tariye, a dual US and Nigerian national holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Amherst College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Her dedication to the cause of climate action is evident in her words: "I am deeply honoured to join the Climate Investment Funds to accelerate collective climate action. Developing countries are at the forefront of the climate crisis, and we will only meet this decisive moment by working together to scale climate finance where it is needed most."
CIF Trust Fund Committee Co-Chairs Bob Natifu of Uganda and Edward Webber of the United Kingdom commend Tariye's appointment, noting her as a trailblazer and strategic thinker with the drive and vision needed to deliver impactful solutions in the face of urgent environmental challenges.
As we welcome Tariye Gbadegesin to the helm of CIF, we look forward to a future marked by innovation, sustainability, and collaborative efforts to address the pressing climate issues of our time. Together, let us build a multilateral system that keeps the 1.5C target alive while uplifting millions from poverty—a future that Tariye aptly describes as "an exciting time for the global community."
We wish Tariye all the best in her new role!
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