ACS23: US pledges $3bn annual support for climate adaptation in Africa

The United States has pledged a $ 3 billion annual donation to support Africa in adapting to and managing the impacts of climate change. 

John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy for climate, made the announcement on Tuesday while delivering his remarks at the high-level opening segment of the Africa Climate summit in Kenya.

Kerry described Africa as a land of great promise but added that it is also a place of upheaval because the entire continent is being disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.

“To combat this crisis, early and effective adaptation is required,” he said.

Kerry said US President Joe Biden is working with Congress to ensure that the fund would be available by 2024, describing it as the largest commitment in the country’s history.

The US envoy also announced that the country would provide $30 million to accelerate climate-resilient food security efforts across Africa.

“As part of implementing PREPARE, I’m pleased to announce the US’ intent to provide an additional $30 million to accelerate climate-resilient food security efforts across Africa,” he said.

“Africa has taken on the worst of this crisis, but through PREPARE, the United States is here to help Africa adapt to climate impacts.”

According to the  US envoy, the proposed $30 million would be disbursed in two tranches.

Kerry said the first batch would provide $20 million to the Africa adaptation initiative for the food security accelerator to help create independent and climate-resilient supply chains.

He added that the remaining $10 million would go to the climate resilience and adaptation finance and technology transfer facility, to scale technologies advancing the quality and safety of food.

The summit is focused on delivering climate-positive growth and finance solutions for Africa and the world.