The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved over $31 million in funding to support climate resilience initiatives in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.
The funding, provided under the bank’s African Climate Action Window (CAW), is designed to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change.
The CAW, a financing arm of the African Development Fund, aims to mobilize $4 billion by 2025 to support climate adaptation in fragile states and conflict-affected regions.
This latest funding, approved in November and December 2024, is part of an initial round that will back 41 climate adaptation projects worth $321.75 million.
Key Climate Resilience Projects
- 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. The project will also introduce modern hydrometeorological observation networks and early warning systems, benefiting approximately 700,000 people. A key component is an interactive flood map for disaster risk reduction.
- South Sudan: The Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems Transformation Programme has been allocated $9.4 million to promote climate-adaptive farming technologies aimed at enhancing food security. The initiative will rehabilitate 1,200 hectares of land, improve rural infrastructure, and train 8,000 people on climate-smart agriculture.
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- Djibouti: The Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project will receive $7.5 million to strengthen horticulture and pastoral farming. The project aims to increase self-sufficiency in key market garden crops from 10% to 30% while creating 3,500 jobs, many for women and youth. It will also establish 200 new small and medium enterprises.
- Madagascar: The Climate Resilience through Park Biodiversity Preservation Project will receive $9.4 million to protect national parks, including Lokobe, Nozy Hara, and Andringitra. The initiative will restore 100% of these protected areas, sequestering 10 million tonnes of CO2 while creating 1,500 green jobs. It will also boost agricultural production, adding 24,000 tonnes of rice and 14,000 tonnes of cereals, legumes, and other crops.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Communities
Beyond adaptation, these initiatives aim to reduce carbon emissions, create 180,000 direct jobs, and provide 90,000 farmers with training on climate-smart practices. The projects will also benefit from $28.13 million in co-financing, including support from the Green Climate Fund.
“The Climate Action Window is catalyzing transformative solutions in Africa’s most climate-vulnerable regions. These initiatives go beyond adaptation—they drive prosperity. Through these investments, we are equipping communities to withstand climate shocks, create jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic growth,” said Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change, and Green Growth.
AfDB has since launched two further funding calls focused on climate mitigation and technical assistance, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development in Africa.
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