The delegation was led by Catherine Koffman, Director of DAFR. Koffman joined AfDB operational teams for strategic sessions focused on the implementation of 11 active GCF-funded projects managed by the Bank.
The sessions reviewed project performance, identified bottlenecks slowing execution, proposed practical fixes to reduce delays, and captured lessons to improve future project design and delivery.
The meetings were described as highly constructive, with an emphasis on open dialogue aimed at improving implementation quality and maximising development impact.
During the closing session, Dr Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, thanked the GCF delegation for direct engagement with operational teams and reaffirmed AfDB commitment to accelerating disbursement of GCF resources already mobilised for African programmes. Kariuki also welcomed a decision taken at the 44th GCF Board Meeting in March 2026 to establish regional offices in Nairobi and Abidjan, marking the fund’s first physical presence in Africa. Kariuki said the move is expected to strengthen GCF proximity to partner countries and deepen collaboration with AfDB across key operational hubs.
Beyond the current portfolio, the partnership is also expanding efforts to streamline access to climate finance. Earlier in 2026, GCF Investment Services visited AfDB headquarters to explore co-development of eligibility criteria plus data exchange and verification mechanisms aimed at fast-tracking accreditation for eligible AfDB clients.
This work builds on reforms under GCF’s revised accreditation framework introduced in 2025, which seeks to improve efficiency, transparency and speed in onboarding Direct Access Entities. A key feature is an expanded fast-track accreditation model enabling GCF to rely on due diligence and fiduciary assessments already conducted by multilateral development banks, including AfDB.
The ongoing engagements underscore complementary roles for AfDB plus GCF in scaling climate action, mobilising finance for inclusive green growth, and supporting delivery of national commitments under the Paris Agreement.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
