As droughts, floods and extreme weather events intensify across Africa, and geopolitical shifts reshape the global energy and development landscape, Africa is entering a defining period that will determine not only its climate future, but its broader development trajectory.
We believe that Africa faces an increasingly urgent question: will the continent’s climate transition be shaped from within, or imposed from without?
Our 2026-2030 strategy reflects what we see as a pivotal moment for the continent’s climate future and how we are evolving to ensure transition pathways are shaped by Africa’s own priorities and realities.
“The decisions being made today around energy, finance, industrialisation, trade and resilience will impact development outcomes for decades. Our role is to ensure that those driving this transition from within Africa have the institutions, capabilities and investment platforms they need,” says Saliem Fakir, Executive Director and founder of African Climate Foundation.
Building the ecosystem to ensure investment supports transformation
The new strategy builds on lessons learned over six years of work across the continent and recognition that climate action and development are inextricably linked. The challenge for African countries is no longer about securing commitments, but building the systems, institutions and partnerships needed to translate ambition into meaningful progress.
Despite contributing only a small share of global emissions, Africa continues to face disproportionate climate impacts while receiving only around 3% of global climate finance.
We believe that for African countries, climate action is increasingly about resilience to economic and climate shocks, food and energy security, and long-term competitiveness. The challenge is not simply to mobilise more finance, but to ensure investment strengthens resilience, builds capability, and supports transformation.
Adapting to Africa’s evolving climate priorities
Professor Carlos Lopes, Chairman of the African Climate Foundation, says Africa’s role in global climate conversations has changed.
“Africa brings important perspectives, priorities and capabilities to global climate discussions. It’s no longer about importing what others are saying on climate, but how African voices help shape the agenda and define a transition that reflects the continent’s own realities and ambitions,” says Lopes.
The new strategy reflects this change. It places greater emphasis on country-led implementation platforms, climate-resilient economic development, green industrialisation, adaptation, and institutional capacity-building to help African countries navigate increasingly complex climate and economic pressures.
Systems that enable lasting progress
The climate and development challenges cannot be addressed through isolated projects or short-term interventions, but require stronger collaboration between governments, institutions, communities, funders and regional partners.
Through grant-making, fiscal hosting and incubation, we support institutions and ecosystems designed to strengthen local capacity, deepen regional engagement, and create the conditions for sustained progress across the continent.
Explore the African Climate Foundation: Strategy 2026–2030 here.
