The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved over $31 million in funding through its African Climate Action Window (CAW) to enhance climate resilience in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.
The Climate Action Window, part of the Bank Group’s African Development Fund, aims to mobilize $4 billion by 2025 to facilitate access to climate finance, support co-financing, and prioritize the most vulnerable nations, including fragile and conflict-affected states. The African Development Fund serves as the concessional financing arm of the Bank Group.
The newly approved funding, granted in November and December 2024, will support projects selected through the CAW’s inaugural call for proposals. A total of 41 climate adaptation projects, valued at $321.75 million, have been chosen for initial funding. These projects are designed to combat climate change, support the livelihoods of vulnerable communities—particularly women and youth—and enhance climate information systems.
Additional support of $28.13 million in climate co-financing will be provided from sources such as the Green Climate Fund.
Country-Specific Climate Resilience Initiatives
In Sierra Leone, the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project will receive $5 million to improve access to sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It will also introduce modernized hydrometeorological observation networks and early warning systems, benefiting around 700,000 people. A key component includes the creation of an interactive flood map for the Freetown Peninsula, essential for disaster risk reduction.
In South Sudan, $9.4 million has been allocated to the Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems Transformation Programme, aimed at expanding climate-adaptive technologies to improve agricultural productivity, food security, and nutritional health. The program includes rehabilitating 1,200 hectares of land, upgrading rural infrastructure, and training approximately 8,000 individuals. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 720,000 tonnes and generate 180,000 direct jobs, with a strong focus on women and youth. Additionally, 90,000 farmers will be trained in climate-smart agriculture.
In Djibouti, the Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project will receive $7.5 million to enhance agricultural resilience, particularly in horticulture and pastoralism. The initiative aims to increase the self-sufficiency rate of selected market garden crops from 10% to 30%. It is expected to create approximately 3,500 permanent jobs, with a significant share reserved for women and youth, and establish 200 new micro, small, and medium enterprises.
In Madagascar, $9.4 million has been allocated to the Climate Resilience through Park Biodiversity Preservation Project, focused on conserving biodiversity in Lokobe, Nozy Hara, and Andringitra national parks. The project will restore 100% of these protected areas, sequester 10 million tonnes of CO2, and create 1,500 green jobs, with 500 specifically for women. Additionally, it will boost agricultural production in nearby communities, adding 24,000 tonnes of rice and 14,000 tonnes of cereals, legumes, and other crops. The initiative will also provide irrigation training to 24,000 farmers and distribute agricultural kits to 12 women-led farmers' groups.
Driving Climate Adaptation and Economic Growth
Dr. Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change, and Green Growth, said: "The Climate Action Window is catalyzing transformative solutions in Africa’s most climate-vulnerable regions. From strengthening water security in Sierra Leone to advancing youth-led agribusiness in Djibouti and restoring biodiversity in Madagascar, these initiatives go beyond adaptation—they drive prosperity. Through investments, we are equipping communities to withstand climate shocks, create jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic growth."
Prof. Anthony Nyong, the Bank’s Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, emphasized: "These initiatives are not just about responding to climate change—they empower communities to take control of their own futures. They show that adaptation finance can and must be directed to those vulnerable communities that need it most. The Climate Action Window is more than just a funding mechanism—it’s a lifeline for communities facing the harsh realities of climate change every day."
Following this funding round, the CAW has launched two additional calls focused on climate mitigation and technical assistance.
No comments:
Post a Comment