In a groundbreaking announcement today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled plans to invest $35 million in new initiatives aimed at bolstering climate resilience and sustainable economic growth across Africa. Pending the availability of funds, these projects mark a significant commitment by the U.S. government to address climate change challenges on the African continent.

These strategic investments will play a pivotal role in supporting communities throughout Africa as they strive to fortify their ability to withstand the impacts of climate change while fostering economic prosperity. The initiatives also align with key global priorities, including the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), the Just Energy Transition Partnerships, and global efforts to safeguard critical carbon sinks.

One noteworthy collaboration on the horizon is the partnership between USAID and Power Africa, which will see a substantial investment of $4.8 million. This funding will be directed towards advancing initiatives that respond to South Africa’s Just Energy Partnership investment plan. This partnership involves coordination with the U.S. African Development Foundation and the Departments of Energy, Commerce, and State, signifying a comprehensive effort to drive positive change.

Additionally, Power Africa is set to inject $6.3 million into the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, with the goal of enhancing access to electricity. An additional $2.7 million will be allocated to the African Legal Support Facility, facilitating legal counsel for clean energy transactions—a continuation of more than a decade of support for these vital funds.

Further strengthening its commitment to Africa’s sustainable future, USAID, in collaboration with Prosper Africa, will jointly invest $1.75 million in two impactful investment funds—EG Capital and The Catalyst Fund, supported by BFA Capital. These funds are poised to leverage a combined total of $140 million, with a focus on assisting communities in building resilience to climate-related risks and supporting high-growth startups and medium-sized businesses across various sectors such as food, climate, health, and education.

During her visit to Tanzania, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman revealed that USAID will initiate an $8 million investment to launch the Tumaini Kupitia Vitendo (Hope through Action) program. This five-year partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute aims to strengthen the management of natural resources at the government, village, and stakeholder levels in Tanzania.

Additionally, USAID is allocating an initial $2.1 million to enhance the climate resilience of coasts and fisheries in Tanzania as part of the ongoing Heshimu Bahari (Respect the Ocean) Activity.

USAID is also making significant contributions to the C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF), building on funding announced in June. USAID’s support will further bolster the CFF’s commitment to adaptation, particularly in assisting two South African cities in utilizing nature-based solutions to mitigate flood risks.

Lastly, through its Enterprises for Development, Growth, and Empowerment Fund, USAID is pledging $2.5 million to Acorn’s Cooperative Carbon Finance Fund as a first-loss tranche. This investment will unlock access to the voluntary carbon market for smallholder farmers, contributing to the fund’s ambitious goal of catalyzing $110 million for climate-smart and resilient agriculture. Importantly, 80% of the proceeds from the fund’s carbon credit sales will directly benefit smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

This multifaceted investment from USAID underscores the United States’ commitment to combatting climate change in Africa and fostering sustainable growth across the continent. As these initiatives take shape, they hold the promise of creating a brighter and more resilient future for communities throughout Africa.

Photo Source: Google

6th September, 2023
By: Delino Gayweh
Serrari Financial Analyst