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More than $31 million in funding has been approved Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti and Madagascar have received funding to assist in bolstering agriculture and clean water initiatives as part of a climate resilience drive. The African Development Bank (AfDB) confirmed that it has approved more than $31 million in funding under its African Climate Action Window (CAW) for the four countries. This funding is aimed at driving innovative climate adaptation projects to assist in protecting vulnerable communities and improving sustainability across key sectors. The CAW is part of the Bank Group’s African Development Fund and seeks to mobilise $4 billion by 2025. This is “to provide rapid and coherent access to climate finance, support co-financing and prioritise the most vulnerable countries, fragile states, and those affected by conflict.” The African Development Fund is the concessional arm of the Bank Group. The funding, approved in November and December 2024, will support innovative projects that respond to the CAW’s first call for project proposals. The AfDB said that 41 pioneering climate adaptation projects valued at $321.75m have been selected in the initial funding wave, with a focus on tackling climate change, bolstering livelihoods of vulnerable communities, including women and youth and enhancing climate information systems. The projects will also benefit from $28.13m in climate co-financing from sources including the Green Climate Fund. Project highlights by country Sierra Leone The Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project will receive $5m to enhance access to sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services and introduce modernised hydrometeorological observation networks and early warning systems, benefiting approximately 700,000 people. Another key component of the project is the creation of an interactive flood map for the Freetown Peninsula, a crucial tool for disaster risk reduction. South Sudan The Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems Transformation Programme in South Sudan has been allocated $9.4m to expand climate-adaptive technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and food and nutritional security. The programme also has a rehabilitation element focusing on 1,200 hectares of land as well as rural infrastructure and will provide training to about 8,000 individuals. Among expected benefits are a projected reduction of about 720,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and the creation of 180,000 direct jobs with a strong focus on women and youth; additionally, 90,000 farmers will learn about climate-smart farming practices. Djibouti The Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project will receive $7.5m to strengthen the resilience of productivity of agricultural systems, particularly for horticulture and pastoralism, including increasing the self-sufficiency rate of selected market garden crops from 10% to 30%. It is also expected to generate about 3,500 permanent jobs, a significant share of these for youth and women, and create 200 new medium small and micro enterprises. Madagascar The Climate Resilience through Park Biodiversity Preservation Project has been allocated $9.4m for investment in conserving biodiversity by protecting Lokobe, Nozy Hara and Andringitra national parks. The project will restore 100% of these protected areas, sequestering 10 million tonnes of CO2 and creating 1,500 green jobs, with 500 specifically reserved for women. In addition to environmental conservation, it will boost agricultural production in surrounding communities to add 24,000 tonnes of rice and 14,000 tonnes of cereals, legumes and other crops. Further, 24,000 farmers will receive irrigation training, and 12 women-led farmers’ groups will be provided with agricultural kits. Strengthening agriculture and water security Dr. Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, said: “The Climate Action Window is catalysing 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.” |
