The African Development Bank has taken center stage in promoting gender-responsive climate finance at the Second Africa Climate Summit. The event, titled “Scaling Up Gender-Responsive Climate and Energy Solutions: From Finance to Policy and Data,” highlighted the critical role of women-led enterprises in Africa’s green transition.
A key announcement came from KawiSafi Ventures, a Bank Group investment partner, revealing that 35% of its $90 million Fund II will now target female-founded energy transition companies. This initiative aims to expand the reach of climate finance to women entrepreneurs, addressing systemic gender disparities in decision-making and access to funding.
The Bank’s flagship Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program continues to empower women-led businesses by unlocking climate finance, embedding gender-responsive reforms in policies, and supporting grassroots implementation through civil society partnerships. Panels at the summit featured thought leaders from Climate Investment Funds, Farm Africa, South Africa’s National Business Initiative, and KawiSafi Ventures, discussing how gender inclusion enhances climate resilience and energy access.
Jemimah Njuki, Director of Gender, Women Empowerment and Civil Society at AfDB, emphasized that women, especially in rural areas, disproportionately experience climate shocks yet are often excluded from green economy opportunities. “When women are empowered as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, our collective response to climate change becomes stronger,” Njuki noted.
Energy sector outcomes were highlighted by Farah Outeldait from Climate Investment Funds, stating that empowering women improves access to energy, strengthens resilience, and benefits entire communities. The Bank positions itself as both a financier and knowledge broker, ensuring women and youth are central to Africa’s climate transition.
Through programs like AFAWA and strategic partnerships, the African Development Bank continues to set global standards for inclusive climate action, demonstrating that financing women-led initiatives is not only equitable but essential for sustainable development.
