By Abbas Nazil
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved over $31 million in funding under its African Climate Action Window (CAW) to support agriculture and clean water initiatives in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.
The funding is part of a broader effort to drive climate adaptation and protect vulnerable communities while improving sustainability in key sectors.
This initiative aligns with CAW’s goal of mobilizing $4 billion by 2025 to provide climate finance access to fragile states and countries most affected by climate change.
The projects approved under this funding round aim to enhance food security, water access, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
In Sierra Leone, the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project has received $5 million to improve sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
The project will introduce modernized hydrometeorological observation networks and early warning systems, benefiting approximately 700,000 people.
It is also to develop an interactive flood map for the Freetown Peninsula to aid disaster risk reduction.
South Sudan’s Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems Transformation Programme has been allocated $9.4 million to expand climate-adaptive technologies that boost agricultural productivity and food security.
This initiative includes the rehabilitation of 1,200 hectares of land and rural infrastructure development, along with training for 8,000 individuals in climate-smart farming.
The program is projected to cut 720,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions while creating 180,000 jobs, with a strong focus on women and youth.
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Around 90,000 farmers will gain knowledge of climate-adaptive practices.
Djibouti’s Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project will receive $7.5 million to strengthen agricultural systems, particularly in horticulture and pastoralism.
The initiative aims to increase the self-sufficiency rate of market garden crops from 10 percent to 30 percent.
It is expected to generate 3,500 permanent jobs, with a significant share allocated to youth and women.
Additionally, it will facilitate the creation of 200 new small and medium enterprises, contributing to economic resilience.
Madagascar’s Climate Resilience through Park Biodiversity Preservation Project has secured $9.4 million to invest in conserving biodiversity within Lokobe, Nozy Hara, and Andringitra national parks.
The project will restore these protected areas, sequester 10 million tonnes of CO₂, and create 1,500 green jobs, with 500 designated for women.
Furthermore, it will enhance agricultural productivity by increasing rice production by 24,000 tonnes and other crops by 14,000 tonnes. Training will be provided to 24,000 farmers, and 12 women-led farmers’ groups will receive agricultural kits.
AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change, and Green Growth, Dr. Kevin Kariuki, emphasized that these projects go beyond adaptation by fostering prosperity, creating jobs, and strengthening communities against climate shocks.
Prof. Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the AfDB, highlighted that these initiatives empower vulnerable communities and demonstrate the importance of directing adaptation finance to those who need it most.
The CAW has since launched two additional funding calls focused on mitigation and technical assistance, further expanding its reach in supporting Africa’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
