Kenya and the Zambezi Basin region will receive US$96 million from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to support nature-based solutions for sustainable development. The funding, part of CIF’s Nature, People and Climate (NPC) programme, is expected to generate US$771.5 million in co-financing and drive private-sector engagement in ecosystem restoration, forest rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation.
Kenya will receive US$35.66 million from the CIF and an additional US$108 million in co-financing. The investment will focus on protecting wildlife and indigenous communities, particularly in the Lake Victoria South and Ewaso Ng’iro North regions. Implemented by the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, the initiative aims to strengthen natural capital, enhance ecosystems and support regenerative agriculture.
“This approval unlocks additional resources for Kenya’s conservation agenda,” said Aden Duale, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. “It bolsters our national restoration and climate adaptation efforts.”
The Zambezi Basin (including Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia) will receive US$60.35 million and expects co-financing of over US$600 million. The investment, managed by the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, will focus on sustainable land use, carbon stock protection and human-wildlife conflict management.
Collins Nzovu, Zambia’s Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, highlighted the plan’s importance: “This initiative will enhance adaptive capacity, promote sustainable economic opportunities and strengthen community resilience across the basin.”
An additional U$15 million will be allocated through the CIF’s Dedicated Grant Mechanism providing direct funding to indigenous peoples and local communities in African regions as well as Brazil. This approach aims to empower communities implementing sustainable projects.
“By integrating environmental, social and economic considerations, these investments will protect ecosystems while improving local livelihoods,” said Felix Ngamlagosi, Executive Secretary of the Zambezi Watercourse Commission.
CIF’s NPC programme supports developing nations implementing nature-based solutions that address climate change and enhance community resilience.
Nearly US$300 million has been committed to the programme to date with past endorsements including projects in the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Zambia.
