By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) has held a workshop in Accra aimed at enhancing the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to understand and track African Development Bank (AfDB) climate finance mechanisms.
The workshop brought together climate leaders and representatives from various CSOs to bridge the knowledge gap on AfDB funds climate projects and to empower them to hold the Bank accountable for sustainable and inclusive climate finance implementation.
The event was held ahead of the AfDB Annual Meeting, scheduled for 26th to 30th May 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where the election of a new Bank president will take place.
Community Engagement Campaigner for the African Climate Reality Project, Nana Mariam Yussif in an interview with the B&FT highlighted the need for grassroots actors to demystify climate financing.
“As climate leaders, we need to understand the origin and flow of climate finance, particularly from institutions like the AfDB. Many Bank-funded projects lack sufficient community-level assessment and monitoring, which leaves vulnerable populations exposed to the worsening impacts of climate change,” she said.
Ms. Yussif explained that while the AfDB operates mainly at high policy and institutional levels, its work often overlooks sustainability and impact at the grassroots.
“This gap results in communities being left behind and more vulnerable,” she noted, urging CSOs to act as watchdogs to ensure the Bank learns from past mistakes and truly builds resilience.
She also emphasised the timing of the workshop in relation to the upcoming AfDB Annual Meeting, where a new president will be chosen.
“Candidates have promised greener transitions and inclusivity, but it is critical that we hold them accountable through petitions and social media campaigns demanding real progress,” she stated.
Another advocate, Rita Kigbara from Nigeria in her presentation underlined the essential role of CSOs in fiscal accountability and transparency in climate finance.
As such, she urged CSOs to actively participate in policy debates and ensure a diverse range of voices inform decisions on climate finance.
She also highlighted effective ways for CSOs to engage with the AfDB, including building partnerships, staying informed about Bank activities, and contributing expertise to Bank initiatives.
“We must monitor where funds go and how they are used to ensure climate justice is served. CSOs’ knowledge and grassroots connections make them vital contributors,” she noted.
Executive Coordinator of SYND Ghana, Chibeze Ezekiel at the workshop also shared practical insights on how CSOs can effectively engage governments and development partners like the AfDB.
He further encouraged them to shift from mere criticism to constructive, solution-focused dialogue.
“Often, CSOs complain about government and partners but do not present alternatives or offer collaborative solutions. This limits our influence…we must become development partners ourselves—bringing our own proposals and expertise to the table,” he explained.
He further advocated for collaboration saying “CSOs have the skills and capacity to participate meaningfully, but working in silos is a barrier. Forming coalitions will increase our influence and bargaining power”.
Executive Director of Philanthropy Ghana, Yayra Blessing presented on the AfDB’s West Africa priorities and the pathways available for CSO engagement.
She detailed flagship Bank programmes urging CSOs to deepen their involvement especially in monitoring and evaluation to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
“Despite challenges like funding and technical capacity, CSOs must keep abreast of Bank mechanisms, participate in policy forums, review relevant policies, and amplify grassroots concerns through advocacy and research,” she said.
