Brief project description: The Gap Fund Step-Up Project (Gap Fund SUP), implemented in collaboration with ICLEI, aims to strengthen the capacities of selected cities in Africa and Latin America, including three Brazilian and two Ecuadorian cities, to advance the preparation of investment-oriented urban infrastructure projects. The project promotes peer learning and cooperation through exchange cycles, regional communities of practice, and in-person workshops, creating spaces for dialogue on common challenges and fostering sustainable connections and collaborations among local governments beyond the project's duration.

Implementation period: 2023 – 2024

Funders: It is financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). 

Implementing organizations: ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

Territory(ies) where it was implemented: Globally, the following countries participated: Ecuador, Brazil, Morocco, Kenya, and Uganda. The Ecuadorian cities of Cuenca and Portoviejo participated.

Products developed:

• Implementation of the ICLEI Cooperation Cycle for 5 cities in Brazil and Ecuador.
• Creation and facilitation of Regional Communities of Practice (RCoMP) with a focus on NbS, water management and financing.
• Support for cities at the GAP Fund SUP International Event at the World Urban Forum.

Key results:

• Strengthening technical capacities for the preparation of urban infrastructure projects.
• Improvement in the structuring and focus of projects, thanks to expert feedback.
• Identifying climate finance options and mechanisms for long-term sustainability.