ABOUT US

As the leading Africa-led adaptation initiative created in response to a mandate by African Heads of State at the 25th African Union Summit in June 2015. The AAI’s overall purpose is to enhance concrete adaptation action and address loss and damage on the Continent in the context of the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the African Union’s (AU’s) 2063 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is designed as the initiative for Africa driven by Africa. The devastating impacts of climate change have increased in Africa – including severe droughts, floods, reduced agricultural yields, food and water insecurity. Climate change threatens the economic growth of African states and impedes progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The recent IPCC report has found that the GDP per capita for 1991–2010 in Africa was on average 13.6% lower compared to if climate change had not occurred.

African Heads of States launched the AAI at the COP21 in Paris. This was the result of a mandate provided by the 25th African Union Summit to the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) to enhance support to Africa on adaptation together with the African Group of Negotiators, in order to respond to increasing climate change challenges. The AAI organisational Structure includes the AAI Champion, spearheading the initiative and appointed by the African Union; the Steering Committee that advises and oversees AAI’s work; and the Technical Support Unit, that serves as the Secretariat to the Initiative and is responsible for the day-to-day operationalisation of AAI.