Justicia Shipena
Africa is receiving the largest share of support from four global climate funds, according to new data from the Multilateral Climate Funds.
The report shows that the continent benefits more than any other region from climate adaptation, nature protection and renewable energy investment.
The joint results report from the Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Funds (CIF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Green Climate Fund (GCF) states that Africa accounts for 58% of all people supporting strengthening climate resilience.
This represents more than 216 million people.
The report provides the clearest view to date of collective progress across four shared results areas: mitigation, adaptation, energy and technology and nature.
It also reflects a shared commitment to credible and transparent reporting, as the funds work together in a more coordinated way.
The report was published at the just-concluded COP30 in Belém, Brazil, last week.
The report notes that support has included climate-resilient farming, improved water systems, health interventions and early-warning systems for at-risk communities.
Africa is also a major recipient of clean-energy investment. The climate funds expect the continent to receive 27% of all new low-emission energy capacity under active projects, equal to almost 18 000 MW.
So far, 5 385 MW of solar, wind and hydropower capacity has been installed.
On mitigation, the report projects Africa to contribute 24% of global emissions reductions supported by these funds over the full life of their projects, which amounts to more than 2.2 billion tonnes of COâ‚‚ avoided.
The report notes that Africa has already delivered 18% of achieved reductions, showing steady progress in shifting to low-carbon development.
The report reveals that Africa occupies about 46 million hectares, or 30% of the global land area currently under sustainable management. These areas include forests, farmland and other landscapes affected by rising climate risks.
Across all regions, the four climate funds have approved US$34 billion for project financing and mobilised US$176.2 billion in co-financing for 2 287 projects.
Many African countries are among the main beneficiaries, including Least Developed Countries and those facing conflict or instability.
The funders say these investments are critical for helping African countries manage severe droughts, floods, rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems.
These impacts continue to intensify, despite Africa contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The report shows Africa’s role in global climate finance is expanding, with the continent’s resilience viewed as essential to meeting international climate goals.
