The African Development Bank Group has approved more than $31 million in funding through its African Climate Action Window (CAW) to enhance climate resilience in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.

The funding will support 41 climate adaptation projects, valued at $321.75 million, which have been selected through the CAW’s first call for project proposals. These projects will focus on addressing climate change, strengthening the livelihoods of vulnerable communities—particularly women and youth—and improving climate information systems. Additionally, the Green Climate Fund will contribute $28.13 million as part of climate co-financing.

Dr. Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of Power, Energy, Climate Change, and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, said that the CAW seeks to mobilize $4 billion by 2025, with aim to support transformative solutions in Africa’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

"From enhancing water security in Sierra Leone to promoting youth-led agribusiness in Djibouti and restoring biodiversity in Madagascar, these initiatives go beyond mere adaptation—they foster prosperity. Through these investments, we are empowering communities to withstand climate shocks, create jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic growth," – he noted

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, while also introducing modernized hydrometeorological observation networks and early warning systems. Up to 700,000 people will benefit from the project.

In South Sudan, the climate resilient agri-food systems transformation programme will receive $9.4 million to scale up climate-adaptive technologies that boost agricultural productivity and improve food and nutritional security. The program also includes a rehabilitation component, focusing on 1,200 hectares of land and rural infrastructure, and will provide training to approximately 8,000 individuals.

In addition, the project is expected to effect to a reduction of approximately 720,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the creation of 180,000 direct jobs, particularly for women and youth, and the training of 90,000 farmers in climate-efficient practices.

In Djibouti, the youth entrepreneurship for climate change adaptation project will receive $7.5 million to enhance the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems, particularly in horticulture and pastoralism. The project aims to increase the self-sufficiency rate of selected market garden crops from 10% to 30%. It is also expected to generate approximately 3,500 permanent jobs and create 200 new medium, small, and micro enterprises.

In Madagascar, $9.4 million has been allocated for biodiversity conservation, focusing on the protection of Lokobe, Nosy Hara, and Andringitra national parks. Beyond environmental conservation, the project will boost agricultural production in surrounding communities, adding 24,000 tonnes of rice and 14,000 tonnes of cereals, legumes, and other crops. Additionally, 24,000 farmers will receive irrigation training, and 12 women-led farmers' groups will be provided with agricultural kits.

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