African leaders call for enhanced climate finance partnerships

African leaders and officials are calling for enhanced partnerships and innovative financing to address climate change and promote sustainable development across the continent.

At a United Nations General Assembly roundtable, African Union Commissioner Moses Vilakati emphasized the need for cooperation between governments, development finance institutions, the private sector, and philanthropies. He noted that Africa faces increasing climate shocks, including droughts and floods, which threaten economic growth and ecosystems. Vilakati highlighted the potential of blended finance, green bonds, and capital markets to mobilize investment, citing examples such as Kenya’s green bonds and Rwanda’s Ireme Invest Facility.

In a separate regional dialogue in Ghana organized by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), West and Central African Minister of State Seidu Issifu advocated for stronger institutions to transform climate priorities into bankable, investment-ready projects. The discussions focused on improving access to GCF resources, increasing the use of public and private-sector finance, and overcoming barriers to project implementation. Key sectors identified for investment include climate-smart agriculture, clean energy, resilient cities, and food security.