Africa Climate Summit Goodies: UK Pledges KSh 9 Billion For Projects Across Africa

• Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023 kicked off in Nairobi on Monday, September 4
• The United Kingdom announced plans to spearhead financing for climate solutions in the continent
• UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said about seven projects touching climate change solutions will be initiated by the fund

United Kingdom has announced plans to finance projects worth £49 million (KSh 9.02 billion) during the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023.

Kenya hosted the inaugural ACS and Africa Climate Week at KICC Nairobi between September 4 and September 6.

Africa climate change solution funding

UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell, attending the event, confirmed that the multibillion projects will spearhead funding for climate action and solutions across the continent.

"Our partnerships with African countries on green investment and climate resilience are growing economies and improving lives. But more action has to be taken, as those least responsible for climate change are increasingly bearing the brunt of its effects.

"The UK is working closely with African partners to fight climate change, boost resilience and help those whose lives are most impacted," said Mitchell, in a press statement on Monday, September 4.

The funds include £34 million (KSh 6.3 billion) for new projects across fifteen African countries to help women, at-risk communities, and more than 400,000 farmers build resilience against the effects of climate change.

Who benefits from Africa Climate Summit funding?

Seven new climate finance projects will also be launched at the Summit.

Investments worth £15 million (KSh 2.8 billion) from UK-backed FSD Africa Investments will mobilise capital from private sources, allowing small-scale businesses to access finance, create innovative products and deliver inclusive tech solutions.

Together, these projects will improve access to basic services, including renewable energy and healthcare, for over 500,000 people, generate 3,400 jobs, and provide cheaper and reliable power to households.

UK green energy projects in Kenya

In November 2022, Kenya and the United Kingdom governments agreed on a strategic partnership to fast-track six green investment projects worth KSh 500 billion.

Ruto and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sealed the deal during the COP27 climate summit in Eqypt.

Among the projects to be implemented under the deal include the new mega-dam in Kitui and Tharaka Nithi and Menengai Geothermal.