UK’s Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, has announced a significant investment of €49 million across Africa during his visit to Kenya for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit.
This funding will be directed towards initiatives and projects aimed at promoting environmental conservation and assisting communities in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change throughout the continent.
This financial support is expected to have a major role in job creation, economic growth, and enhancing the well-being of women, farmers, and communities that have been impacted by the worldwide climate crisis.
These new commitments align with the UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverley’s dedication to fostering “honest and reliable investments in Africa” during his visit to Kenya in December 2022.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has disclosed that a sum of 6.2 billion shillings will be allocated to launch fresh initiatives in 15 African nations. Empowering Vulnerable Communities and Farmers in Africa
These initiatives aim to strengthen women, vulnerable communities, and over 400,000 farmers in the face of climate change impacts.
Furthermore, the funding will be utilised to establish early warning systems, incorporating methods such as text alerts, radio broadcasts, and social network messages, to enable remote and underserved communities to take proactive measures ahead of extreme climate events. These endeavours will also enhance access to clean water for over 1.5 million individuals.
Seven new climate finance initiatives are also set to be launched at the summit, with investments worth Sh2.7 billion from UK-backed Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD) Africa investments.
These projects will serve as catalysts for attracting funding from private sources and will open up avenues for small businesses to obtain financing.
They will also promote innovation in various sectors, including renewable energy and healthcare, and pioneer inclusive technology solutions.
“Our partnership with African countries on green investment and climate resilience are growing economies and improving lives. “But more needs to be done as those least responsible for climate change increasingly bear the brunt of its impacts.
“The UK is working closely with African partners to tackle climate change, build resilience and help those whose lives are most affected,” Said Mr. Mitchel.
During his visit to Nairobi, the minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to spend Sh.2 trillion on international climate finance over 5 years.