AfDB and GEF Partnership Drives Climate Action Across Africa

Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains one of the regions most exposed to the impacts of climate change.

World Environment Day serves as an annual reminder that environmental protection and economic development are deeply connected. Strong ecosystems support food production, clean water improves public health, and climate resilience helps communities withstand growing environmental pressures. This year's observance carries added significance as it coincides with the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, one of the most important international gatherings focused on environmental governance and sustainable development.

For the African Development Bank (AfDB), the event provides an opportunity to highlight its long-standing partnership with the Global Environment Facility, a collaboration that has helped address some of Africa's most urgent environmental and climate challenges while supporting economic growth across the continent. Since becoming a GEF implementing agency in 2007, the Bank has built a portfolio worth $521 million in GEF resources and attracted approximately $4.8 billion in additional co-financing. The partnership has supported projects covering climate adaptation, emissions reduction, biodiversity conservation, land restoration and water resource management.

Africa Faces Climate Risks Despite Low Emissions

Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains one of the regions most exposed to the impacts of climate change. Many countries are experiencing more frequent droughts, severe flooding, rising temperatures and environmental degradation. These pressures affect agriculture, water supplies, public health and economic development, creating challenges for millions of people across the continent.

Despite facing some of the world's most severe climate risks, Africa continues to receive a relatively small share of global climate and environmental finance. Addressing this imbalance has become a central objective of the partnership between the African Development Bank and the GEF.

According to the 2025 AfDB-GEF Annual Report, climate finance accounted for 54 percent of the Bank's total approvals during the year, representing $5.93 billion. More than half of that funding was directed toward helping countries adapt to climate impacts rather than simply reducing emissions.

The Bank also exceeded its climate finance target for the 2020–2025 period, reaching $25.5 billion and surpassing its original goal of $25 billion. The achievement reflects a growing commitment to helping African countries pursue development pathways that are both climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable.

Projects Deliver Real Benefits for Communities

Behind the financial figures are projects that are improving lives in communities across Africa.

In Mauritania, solar-powered water supply systems supported through $6.35 million in AfDB-GEF financing have expanded access to clean water, strengthened livelihoods and created new economic opportunities for women.

Communities in The Gambia have benefited from climate-smart water and sanitation projects that have improved health conditions, increased school attendance among girls and strengthened resilience to climate-related challenges.

The Facility for Energy Inclusion provides another example of the partnership's impact. Supported by $10 million in GEF funding within a broader $370 million blended finance programme, the initiative has helped deliver electricity access to more than 220,000 people. It has also prevented an estimated 184,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and supported more than 3,400 jobs.

Additional projects approved in 2025 are expected to strengthen sustainable agriculture, fisheries management, water security, climate resilience and pollution reduction efforts in countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Samarkand Meeting Shapes Next Phase of Environmental Action

The Assembly in Samarkand will launch the GEF-9 funding cycle covering the period from 2026 to 2030. The new cycle aligns closely with the African Development Bank's Ten-Year Strategy and is expected to place greater emphasis on climate-resilient infrastructure, private sector engagement, blended finance and support for vulnerable communities. Leaders gathering in Uzbekistan are expected to discuss how environmental financing can be expanded and directed toward solutions that address both development needs and environmental challenges.

For nearly two decades, the AfDB-GEF partnership has been guided by the belief that sustainable development and environmental protection must advance together. As countries prepare for the next phase of global environmental action, Africa is expected to remain at the centre of efforts to develop practical solutions that strengthen economies, protect natural resources and improve the lives of millions of people.