The Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF), hosted by the African Development Bank, showcased its portfolio's impact during a side event at the Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, highlighting. The event, "Showcasing ACCF Project Results: Advancing Climate-Resilient, Low-Carbon Development in Africa, highlighted how the Fund's investments of $40.64 million across 33 projects is building climate resilience across Africa.
Proven Results Across Sectors
Prof. Anthony Nyong, the Bank's Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, opened by emphasizing the Fund's track record. "Over eleven years, ACCF has reinforced community-led resilience and mobilized climate finance across Africa," he said, while calling for increased donor support to meet growing continental needs.
A panel discussion, moderated by ACCF Coordinator Rita Effah offered project leaders an opportunity to share concrete achievements.
The African Technology Policy Studies Network Executive Director Nicholas Ozor said it has made significant policy gains, training 72 champions across 12 countries, publishing 12 policy briefs, and launching Africa's first online NDC Implementation Index.
Gender inclusion remains central to ACCF's approach. "Women with disabilities are survivors, solution-holders, and builders of resilient communities," said Faith Gikunda of ICCASA-CEMIRIDE, which advocates for the rights of vulnerable and indigenous communities in Kenya. She concluded by calling for disability inclusion across all climate programs.
Youth-led initiatives also show particular promise. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Deborah Nzarubara--known as the "mother of bees"--has transformed her childhood beekeeping passion into a resilience-building enterprise. Working with ETS-GRENCOM, she now coordinates 23 cooperatives and 1,200 members using connected hives.
In Ethiopia, Farm Africa's $1 million project in Afar and Oromia regions is already benefiting 37,000 people--primarily women and youth. "Gender equality is a prerequisite to climate resilience," explained Program Director Tom Cadogan.
Donor Commitment Continues
Canada reaffirmed its partnership through Ms. Claude Landry, Head of Global Affairs Canada's Pan-African and Regional Development Program. "Climate change affects people differently, and effective responses must reflect this," he said, emphasizing Canada's ongoing commitment to expanding inclusive climate finance access.
The event concluded with practical next steps. To continue the conversation beyond the panel, Ms. Rita Effah led an ACCF Clinic on September 9, providing direct stakeholder guidance on accessing funding and replicating successful models--reinforcing the Fund's transparency and accessibility.
