The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) has been recognized as the “Best Investable NDC Adaptation Investment Initiative of the Year” at the 2024 African NDC Investment Awards. This prestigious accolade was presented during the African NDC Institutional Investment Summit in New York, held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly. The award acknowledges the AAAP’s exceptional efforts in advancing climate adaptation initiatives across the African continent.
Launched in 2021 by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), the AAAP set an ambitious target to mobilize $25 billion by 2025 for climate adaptation in Africa. By the end of 2023, the program had already raised $9.22 billion, with the African Development Bank committing $12.5 billion to these efforts. This funding has supported transformative climate adaptation actions that benefit millions of people across Africa.
Professor Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, received the award on behalf of the institution. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the program, noting that these partnerships are positioning Africa at the forefront of global climate adaptation.
The award, sponsored by the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank and presented by Africa Investor Magazine, honors initiatives that excel in advancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by attracting private climate capital and boosting investment readiness. Achieving Africa’s NDC targets will require over $3 trillion by 2030 to meet adaptation and mitigation goals.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible impact of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program across the continent. We are not only on track to meet our financial commitments, but we are also transforming lives through resilient infrastructure, food security, and youth entrepreneurship. Together with our partners, we are driving real change,” said Professor Nyong.
The AAAP has already made substantial progress, integrating climate adaptation initiatives into 38 African Development Bank projects and 30 technical assistance activities across 41 countries. These initiatives span critical sectors such as agriculture, water and sanitation, transportation, energy, and urban development.
One of the standout features of the AAAP is its focus on youth entrepreneurship and job creation. The program has invested $5.5 million to support 41 young climate innovators in 20 African countries, positioning Africa’s youth as leaders in climate adaptation efforts.
In the area of food security, the AAAP has implemented 17 investment and technical assistance projects across regions like the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and Zambezi, improving food resilience for 9.4 million people. Additionally, the program has supported resilient infrastructure through 28 projects in 23 countries, helping communities build the capacity to withstand climate-related shocks.
The AAAP’s Technical Assistance Program has enabled 14 African organizations to gain accreditation with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), allowing them to directly access critical climate finance. These efforts have facilitated the development of GCF proposals that have mobilized over $250 million, benefiting 4.6 million people in countries including Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
Having been acknowledged at the 35th Ordinary Session of the African Union for its achievements, the AAAP continues to set a benchmark for climate adaptation in Africa and globally. The program’s success has drawn international attention, with its model being adapted in Asia, and there are ongoing discussions about expanding its reach to small island developing states.
Speaking on behalf of GCA’s CEO, Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, Richard Uku, Director of External Affairs at the GCA, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “This award underscores the power of partnership. The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program demonstrates that when we work together, we can achieve scale and speed in climate adaptation efforts.”
