Summary
This briefing note explores how Europe can support Africa in addressing its critical climate adaptation finance crisis. The EU remains a major global climate finance provider – providing €28.6 billion in 2023– but unmet financial pledges, a lack of transparency around funding and limited local impact have fueled growing disillusionment in Africa. Meanwhile, Europe grapples with its own climate adaptation finance gaps, domestic political pressures and shifting priorities favouring middle-income countries and short-term economic gains.
The note argues that, amidst these various challenges, the EU can still make use of innovative financing mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps and blended finance while improving the quality of finance. It stresses the need for stronger Africa-Europe climate cooperation to help drive reforms to the multilateral financial system.
Key opportunities in 2025, including EU budget negotiations, COP30, and the foreseen AU-EU ministerial and summit with heads of state, offer critical moments for the EU to address Africa’s urgent adaptation challenges. Sustained cooperation and diplomacy are vital to responding to Africa’s climate adaptation challenges and reinforcing the EU’s positioning as a global actor in an increasingly competitive world.
About the Author
Hanne Knaepen is the head of ECDPM’s climate action and green transition team. She focuses on climate adaptation, resilience and a just transition.