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Projects backed by the UK, totalling £49 million in value, are set to be unveiled at the first-ever Africa Climate Summit taking place in Kenya from 4-6 September.
These initiatives aim to channel funds towards climate-related actions and assist individuals in coping with climate change repercussions throughout Africa—two pivotal aspects in the continent’s battle against climate change.
The financial support will contribute to job creation, economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for women, farmers, and vulnerable communities.
This move fulfils the assurance given by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly for transparent and dependable investments in Africa during his Kenya trip in December 2022. It also aligns with the pledges made at COP26, showcasing the robustness and effectiveness of partnerships between the UK and Africa.
The package includes an allocation of £34 million for fresh initiatives in 15 African nations. These projects, under the existing CLARE, CIWA, and WISER programmes, will empower women, vulnerable communities, and over 400,000 farmers to better withstand climate change impacts.
Early warning mechanisms like text messages, radio broadcasts, and social media will enable remote communities to prepare for severe climate events. Additionally, these initiatives will bolster water security for over 1.5 million individuals.
The Summit will also see the launch of seven new climate finance projects. FSD Africa Investments, supported by the UK, will invest £15 million to attract private capital, thereby facilitating access to funding for small enterprises.
These projects will develop innovative goods and offer tech solutions like transforming deserts into arable land. Collectively, these projects will enhance access to essential services such as renewable energy and healthcare for more than half a million people, create 3,400 jobs, and offer affordable and reliable electricity to households.
UK Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said, “Our partnerships with African countries on green investment and climate resilience are growing economies and improving lives. But more action has to be taken, as those least responsible for climate change are increasingly bearing the brunt of its effects.”
“The UK is working closely with African partners to fight climate change, boost resilience and help those whose lives are most impacted.”
During his Nairobi visit, Minister Mitchell will reassert the UK’s pledge to contribute £11.6 billion in international climate finance over a five-year period.
He will also advocate for a swift overhaul of the global financial framework to free up trillions of dollars for climate change mitigation.
Additionally, he will celebrate the inauguration of Weza Power, a collaborative venture between the Burundi Government and UK-supported Virunga Power, aimed at extending energy access to nearly 70% of Burundi’s populace.
He will also tour Nairobi Railway City, a city centre revitalisation project conceived by British designers and backed by KES 11.5 billion in UK funding. This project is one of six climate investment initiatives expedited by President Ruto and Prime Minister Sunak at COP27. Construction is already underway, and groundwork has commenced on a second project.
Minister Mitchell will further disclose information about the upcoming third Climate and Development Ministerial. This event, co-chaired by Malawi and Vanuatu, will be hosted by the COP28 UAE Presidency and the UK prior to COP28. The Ministerial was initially introduced by the UK before COP26 to produce concrete results in the areas of climate finance access and loss and damage.
