GCF Africa Regional Dialogue opens with a focus on regional climate solutions

The Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Regional Dialogue with Africa convened government focal points (Nationally Designated Authorities), implementing partners (national, regional and international Accredited Entities), civil society, and private sector partners from across the continent.

The overall theme of the Dialogue, held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Conference Centre, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is ‘Towards a Resilient Africa: Advancing Regional Solutions for Climate Action, Sustainable Growth, and Inclusive Development.’

In the opening, H.E. Mr. Seyoum Mekonen, State Minister, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Development, said the outcome of the recent Africa Climate Summit charted an ambitious path ahead for climate action based on “unity, courage, and decisive action.”

“GCF is one of our most important partners and can be the catalyst for transformation. We look to GCF to live up to its motto of being a unique fund for humanity’s greatest challenge,” State Minister Mekonen said.

GCF’s Director of the Africa Region, Catherine Koffman, emphasised the Dialogue’s strategic importance in her opening speech: “This forum is a unique opportunity for direct and in-depth engagement with our African partners. It is a space for GCF to listen, learn, and respond to their priorities. We aim to support Africa’s self-determined climate leadership and help build vibrant green economies that lift communities out of climate-aggravated poverty.”

Ambassador Seyni Nafo, Co-chair of the GCF Board, provided an overview of his 14-year engagement with GCF in various capacities and highlighted the opportunity for more finance to be channeled through more African entities, including the private sector.

The three-day event aims to understand and respond better to the African region’s priorities, challenges, and needs. Key themes will seek to build on the momentum generated at the Africa Climate Week and the Africa Climate Summit earlier in the month, where leaders called for stronger national and regional leadership on climate action.

GCF’s Africa Strategy (2025–2027) aligns with this vision. The strategy prioritises country ownership, regional investment platforms, and enhanced access to climate finance. With over USD 7 billion invested in 132 African projects, GCF is scaling up its support through streamlined operations and is moving towards a new regional presence to bring the Fund closer to its partners.

The Dialogue focuses on reforms within GCF, including the Revised Accreditation Framework and the Efficient GCF initiative, which aims to accelerate funding proposal reviews and simplify access. Sessions will also explore how Africa can design its own climate action pathways, with discussions on greening the Africa Free Trade Area and harnessing synergies across infrastructure, transport, and energy sectors among the highlights.

The Dialogue also provides updates on GCF Readiness support for national capacity building on climate action (USD 252 million provided to Africa so far), environmental and social safeguards, and tools for demonstrating climate impact.