AFRICA
ADAPTATION
INITIATIVE

Amb. Seyni Nafo AAI’s Coordinator was a distinguished panelist in a side event held in the International Solar Alliance that focused on solarizing communities through woman led Climate Action gave an example of a personal woman led example of a successful solar initiative and gave an insight on the challenge existing in the process of implementing concrete action on the ground

AAI held another very insightful event on technological innovations as a catalyst for Climate Adaptation in Africa, in exploring ways in which technological innovations can impact and enhance adaptation efforts. It starts by understanding the key components that would create a fertile environment for technological innovations to be effective.The research capacity that would explore the local context and provide adequate solutions, the expert innovators that would develop innovations based on the afore mentioned research, the process of co creation with the beneficiaries is crucial for a successful implementation of the innovations and finally the policy makers that would enable the innovations to scale up.

Dr Portia Adade Williams  insisted on the importance of embedding indigenous knowledge into the process especially when exploring nature based innovations. Nature based innovation that would be integral part of a wholistic approach to development and implementation of the innovations, when partnered with the right institutional and technological innovations.The right conditions for a successful development and implantation would need the governments to create enabling environment, the NAP’s need to be aligned with the priorities of the major funds (such as GCF, AF), mixed source of funding are essential to explore, put a great accent on capacity building and development, initiate and maintain a constructive dialogue with policy makers in regards to funding opportunities, the co-creation aspect of innovation is a must in regards to local context application and communicate on successes and challenges via feedback.

AAI and the Adaptation consortium held a second session on Catalysing Climate Resilience in Africa in the Namibian Pavilion again deep diving into leveraging experience from locally led and global climate informed innovative financing models.

We got reminded that only 10% of mobilized funds reach the actual communities in need as if the expressed and actual needs are used as bait to get funded, of the crucial role of partnerships to work in a synergetic manner in order to build a strong and collaborative system that enables effective capacity building and of the pivotal need to institutionalise initiatives to achieve results local level. Additional key points were made about the need for the public sector to promote alternative sources of funding and for the private sector to push forth innovative solutions in that regard, noting that, the agricultural sector in Africa represent 80% of the work force, 40% of the GDP but manages to mobilise just 4% of funding. We need to promote food security at local level. Communication gaps that need to be addressed were highlighted, such as the gaps that exist at may levels between the parties involved in the efforts to successfully implement and scale up Adaptation projects in local contexts, with the expressed reinforced need to shift the overall mindset and control the African Narrative especially in regards to the private sector.

Tunisia had scheduled a side event about Financing sustainable water management in the face of the global challenges of climate change: Case of the implementation of Tunisia's Water Strategy 2050 and its action plans

Insights from a pivotal side event at COP29 featuring Amb. Seyni Nafo (AAI Coordinator) and climate expert Mr Kamal Djemouai, spotlighting Tunisia's innovative Water Strategy 2050. Tunisia's pioneering approaches to water resource management demonstrate exceptional adaptation and resilience strategies in the face of climate vulnerability. Participants explored opportunities for strategic alliances to overcome financial barriers, engaging with international institutions and multilateral development banks. Tunisia's Water Strategy 2050 serves as a model for innovative water management in climate-vulnerable regions.

Catalysing climate resilience in Africa. AAI held a side event at COP29 in collaboration with the Adaptation consortium held a side event in the Climate Mobility Pavilion on the topic of Catalysing climate resilience in Africa precisely Leveraging experiences from locally-led and global climate-informed innovative financing models. The event featured Sarah Makena (Financial Sector Deepening, Kenya) as moderator, Mr. Koffi Koumassi (AAI's APIA coordinator), Tracy C. Kajumba, (IIED) and Isaac Otolo, (PwC Kenya). The need for direct access to climate finance was expressed as a key take away along with the need to achieve sustainability at local level, the projects should not rely on one source of funding and feasibility study for projects is significant in attracting investors. Effective climate change risk management necessitates a comprehensive approach involving all sectors of society, where collaboration is vital and founded on mutual trust and shared benefits. It is essential to make climate change actions and investments economically viable, along with creating a supportive environment (through policies, tax incentives, etc.) to encourage climate-related investments. 

AAI coordinator Amb. Seyni Nafo concluded a fruitful meeting with H.E. Hassan Bakhit Djamous Chad Minister of Environment.
The main objective of that meeting with the minister was to really accelerate the partnership between the GCF and Chad, as Chad doesn’t have yet an accredited entity, our objective was to see how from next year it could have a GCF accredited entity to enable direct mobilisation of resources and thus initiate flagship programmes that would have the capacity to mobilize funds in a direct fashion without the recourse of international organisations but instead through national entities.

AAI and the West African Development Bank (BOAD) on Unlocking private sector finance for adaptation in Africa.

Mr. Eric Amoussou (Head, Climate Finance Portofio BOAD) and Mr. Isaac Otolo ( PwC Eastern Africa), shared key insights on the challenges and opportunities for mobilising private sector investment in climate adaptation in Africa. Mr. Amoussou highlighted BOAD’s unique approach to financing climate projects, which prioritises impact over purely financial returns, in contrast to the commercial banking model. He emphasised that for a project to be considered viable, it must demonstrate measurable impacts, particularly in resilience and tangible benefits for beneficiaries. This requires projects to be underpinned by rigorous research and technical expertise to secure funding. Mr. Otolo addressed the importance of socio-political stability and contextual understanding in African countries for attracting private investment. He noted that, while climate adaptation projects differ in nature from traditional private sector ventures, there are substantial opportunities for private entities to leverage the growing landscape of adaptation projects.

Meeting with Ivory Coast's  Minister of environment

The Coordinator of the Initiative Amb. Seyni Nafo who acts in this capacity as the GCF representative, met with the Minister on Environment of Ivory Coast, Monsieur ASSAHORÉ KONAN JACQUES to discuss Ivory Coast's very ambitious Climate projects portfolio (5 to 8 Billions Dollars to mobilize until 2030). Brainstorming and  analysing the array of national and international instruments available, be it private or public. And be in the position as GCF to best advise Ivory Coast in that matter.

The Africa Adaptation Initiative held its annual steering committee in Baku at the dawn of COP29 in Azerbaijan, the Road2Cop29 brought us to the actual arena to fight for ClimateAdaptation, advocate for ClimateFinance.

The notable presence of Amb. Mohamed Nasir who presided the session, Amb. Seyni Nafo the AAI Coordinator, Dr Augustine Njamshi of. PACJAC Amb. Ali Mohamed chair of AGN, Mr Elong Mbassi secretary general of UCLG Africa, Ms Kulthoum Omari Motsumi, Mr Kamal Djemouai, and the members of AAI Technical Support Unit, made for a very insightful and inspiring meeting, addressing the necessity of data collection, expressing the need for more support for the African Civil Society and much more. An update on AAI's flagship programmes were given, specifically on the Food Security Accelerator, The Adaptation Project Incubator, The State of Adaptation Report and The Communication Strategy. Thus putting under magnifying glass the more than tangible roadmap of actions, targets and challenges to be met in order to make a real difference in the implementation of Climate Adaptation strategies.

🌍 AFRICA ADAPTATION INITIATIVE HOLDS SCOPING MEETING FOR 2025 STATE OF ADAPTATION REPORT 📑

On the sidelines of hashtag#COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Africa Adaptation Initiative (AAI) has held a scoping meeting with key stakeholders in preparation for the next bi-annual Africa State of Adaptation Report (SOAR), 2025. The report is a comprehensive synthesis of Africa's adaptation progress, challenges, and strategic priorities. The meeting, which was expertly moderated by Ms. Kulthoum Omari Motsumi, AAI’s special Advisor, brought together adaptation experts from across Africa representing key stakeholder institutions.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Motsumi highlighted the importance of the report, which was mandated by the African Heads of States to ensure that African negotiators’ are well informed and effective in the negotiation process. Key thematic and dimensional targets to be tackled in the report include; water, food and agriculture, health, ecosystems and biodiversity, infrastructure and cultural heritage. The SoAR, 2025 is earmarked to be launched at COP30 in Belem, Brazil.