AfDB’s Climate Action Window Technical Assistance Facility launched at COP29

African Development Bank (AfDB) has unveiled its new Climate Action Window (CAW) Technical Assistance Facility at COP29

Before the conference, which is running in Baku from 11-22 November, the organisation stated its intention to mobilise additional resources for climate action in Africa and to launch a new approach to assess African economies. Following this, it has taken a ‘major step’ to address the continent’s climate finance gap by launching a new funding call with an initial allocation of US$56mn.

The CAW Technical Assistance Facility will support the preparation, financing and implementation of adaption and mitigation projects aligned with the Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and National Adaption Plans (NAPs). It will aim to transform the development of climate projects across 37 low-income countries in the continent and is backed by funding commitments from partners such as the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. It will be accepting proposals from governments, regional organisations, NGOs, and Un agencies in ADF countries via its online portal.

“The CAW provides a veritable channel for countries to meet their global climate commitments,” remarked Kevin Kariuki, vice president of power, energy, and climate change at AfDB. “This facility will ensure that projects in Africa’s most climate-vulnerable regions are well positioned to attract significant funding, creating a win-win scenario where countries can achieve climate targets, while advancing sustainable development."

Enabling adaption projects in Africa

The launch was supported by a number of stakeholders from the countries that are set to benefit from the initiative who welcomed the new initiative.

“I would like to thank the African Development Bank and its partners, as these funds will finance the resilience of our people,” commented Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Assahoré Konan Jacques. “Specific activities have been identified and targeted, and I call on the African Development Bank to learn from the challenges other funds have faced, ensuring that CAW succeeds where others have struggled.”

Fatima Haram Acyl, the Chad Minister for Economy and Planning, added, “For countries like Chad, climate vulnerability is not just a term. Our people face floods, droughts, and immense losses, and we need real, fast-acting solutions. The CAW presents an opportunity to deliver transformative projects that strengthen our communities' resilience.”

Max Andonirina Fontaine, Madagascar’s Minister of Environment, surmised, “The CAW enables African nations to pilot initiatives that truly address our needs. With its flexible approach, we can, for example, fund ecotourism projects in Madagascar that both protect forests and create jobs – support that Africa urgently needs.”