The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has officially launched a Call for Proposals for the Technical Assistance sub-window of the Climate Action Window (CAW), marking an important milestone in the fight against climate change. This announcement was made during the High-Level launch event at the #AfricaPavilion at COP29, where the AfDB highlighted its commitment to addressing the growing climate finance gap across Africa.
What is the Climate Action Window (CAW)?
The Climate Action Window is part of the African Development Fund’s (ADF) Sixteenth Replenishment (ADF-16) cycle, which aims to mobilize significant climate finance to support African nations in tackling climate challenges. The CAW is designed to provide quick and flexible access to climate finance for countries that need it most, especially those vulnerable to climate impacts.
With an ambitious goal to mobilize $4 billion during the current ADF cycle (2023-2025) and an ultimate target of $13 billion, the CAW will help bridge the critical financing gap facing the 37 African Development Fund (ADF) countries.
Key Objectives of the Climate Action Window
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Mobilizing Resources:
The CAW seeks to mobilize co-financing resources from various international, regional, and private-sector partners to bolster efforts in addressing climate change across Africa. -
Focusing on Vulnerable Communities:
A key priority of the CAW is to support vulnerable and fragile communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts, such as droughts, floods, and desertification. -
Rapid Access to Climate Finance:
The CAW is designed to provide quick access to funding for African countries, enabling them to implement effective climate adaptation and mitigation projects on the ground. -
Supporting Sustainable Development:
By channeling resources into climate-smart initiatives, the CAW aims to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster climate-resilient economic growth across the continent.
Technical Assistance Sub-Window: A Key Tool for Capacity Building
The Technical Assistance sub-window is a critical component of the CAW, providing funding to strengthen the capacity of African countries and institutions to design, implement, and scale up climate action projects. This funding is available to support technical assistance in areas such as:
- Climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
- Capacity building for climate resilience
- Feasibility studies and project preparation
- Knowledge sharing and best practices
- Policy and institutional reforms
The technical assistance provided through this sub-window will empower African countries to build robust climate action frameworks and enhance their ability to secure additional financing from global and regional sources.
Why Is This Call for Proposals So Important?
The launch of this call for proposals is a critical step toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensuring that Africa’s climate agenda is adequately funded. The increasing impacts of climate change threaten the livelihoods of millions of people across the continent, with vulnerable communities being the hardest hit. This call for proposals invites eligible countries and organizations to submit project proposals that align with the objectives of the CAW, ensuring that climate finance is channeled to where it is needed most.
By supporting both large-scale infrastructure projects and smaller, community-driven initiatives, the African Development Bank aims to create a transformative shift in the way climate finance is accessed and distributed across Africa. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, the CAW has the potential to drive sustainable and impactful climate action across the continent.
Application Deadline: 5th February 2025
Ensure you submit your proposal by the deadline of 11:59 PM GMT on 5th February 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered, so make sure to submit your proposals before the closing time.
For more information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and how to submit your proposal, visit the official African Development Bank Group website here.
The Way Forward
As Africa continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, initiatives like the Climate Action Window offer a beacon of hope. The CAW will provide much-needed financial resources to ensure that Africa can tackle climate challenges head-on, with a focus on those who need it the most. The ongoing efforts of the African Development Bank to mobilize $13 billion for climate action across the continent represent a bold vision for the future—one in which African nations are equipped to thrive in the face of climate change.
Join the Fight Against Climate Change
The Climate Action Window’s Technical Assistance sub-window is an opportunity to be part of the solution. Apply now and help drive climate action in Africa!
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