Africa Pushes for Inclusive Climate and Biodiversity Funding at GEF-9 Talks

Stakeholders from across Africa have renewed calls for increased, accessible, and inclusive climate and biodiversity financing as discussions under the Global Environment Facility’s ninth replenishment (GEF-9) gain momentum on the continent.

The high-level engagements, held in December, brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, and environmental experts to assess Africa’s financing needs amid escalating climate impacts and biodiversity loss. The talks focused on ensuring that African countries are better positioned to access global environmental funds while strengthening accountability, transparency, and local participation in project implementation.

Africa remains one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. Extreme weather events, land degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity decline continue to threaten livelihoods, food security, and economic stability across the continent. Participants at the GEF-9 discussions stressed that climate and nature finance must move beyond pledges to tangible investments that reach communities on the frontlines.

A key outcome of the talks was the strong emphasis on civil society inclusion. Environmental advocates argued that grassroots organisations, Indigenous communities, women, and youth groups must play a central role in shaping and monitoring GEF-funded projects to ensure they deliver real environmental and social benefits.

“Civil society organisations are often the first responders to climate and biodiversity crises at the community level,” participants noted, adding that their involvement is critical to improving project effectiveness and sustainability.

The discussions also highlighted persistent barriers African countries face in accessing global climate finance, including complex application processes, limited technical capacity, and funding structures that favour larger economies. Stakeholders urged the GEF to simplify procedures under the GEF-9 cycle and increase direct support for least developed and fragile states.

Beyond climate mitigation, biodiversity protection featured prominently in the talks. Africa hosts some of the world’s most important ecosystems, yet these are under increasing pressure from illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, and urban expansion. Participants called for scaled-up financing for conservation, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based solutions that also support livelihoods.

The GEF-9 cycle is expected to play a critical role in supporting Africa’s commitments under international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Stakeholders stressed that aligning GEF financing with national development priorities would be essential to achieving long-term impact.

As negotiations continue, African representatives reiterated the need for global partners to recognise the continent’s dual challenge of development and climate resilience. They called for climate and biodiversity finance that is predictable, equitable, and responsive to local realities.

The December engagements mark an important step in shaping Africa’s position ahead of final GEF-9 decisions, with stakeholders hopeful that the next funding cycle will deliver stronger outcomes for both people and the planet.

By: Gloryann Osang.