Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16 July 2026 – At a time when climate change is accelerating health threats across Africa and placing unprecedented pressure on communities and health systems, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed a major financing breakthrough by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) that will unlock an additional USD 4 billion in capacity to support new climate investments.
Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya congratulated the GCF on its landmark efficiency reforms, describing the move as a powerful example of how smarter financial management can expand the resources available to countries facing the growing impacts of climate change.
“Climate change is one of the greatest health challenges of our generation. Across Africa, it is already affecting disease patterns, increasing the risk of outbreaks, disrupting food and water security, and putting additional strain on health systems,” said Dr Kaseya. “Africa CDC congratulates the Green Climate Fund for this important milestone, which will help accelerate investments that protect communities, strengthen resilience and advance health security.”
The GCF’s refined balance sheet management approach will increase its capacity to finance new programmes and projects from USD 1.37 billion to USD 5.65 billion over the second half of 2026 and 2027, while preserving its unique concessional financing model and risk appetite. The additional capacity is expected to mobilise further investment, potentially unlocking up to USD 16 billion in total climate finance through co-financing.
Importantly, this expanded financing capacity will maintain the GCF’s focus on supporting the countries and communities most vulnerable to climate change. More than half of GCF financing is directed towards adaptation, with the majority of adaptation finance reaching developing countries, including small island states and African countries. The Fund’s approach also continues to catalyse private-sector investment, create new markets and expand the reach of climate action.
Dr Kaseya highlighted the importance of ensuring that climate finance reaches sectors and communities where it can have the greatest impact.
“Investments in climate resilience are investments in health security. Strengthening climate adaptation, supporting resilient infrastructure and enabling innovation are essential to helping countries prepare for future health emergencies and protect the most vulnerable populations,” he said.
Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to working with global partners to promote integrated solutions that link climate action, public health preparedness and sustainable development across Africa.
About Green Climate Fund
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund, established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It supports developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change through investments in climate-resilient and low-emission development.
Through grants, loans, guarantees and equity investments, GCF works with governments, international organisations, financial institutions and private-sector partners to deliver transformational climate action. Its investments support areas such as climate adaptation, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, food and water security, and resilience of vulnerable communities.
###
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States in strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.africacdc.org and follow Africa CDC on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Media contacts
Communications and Public Information Directorate, Africa CDC: communications@africacdc.org
