Introduction and Background
The Climate for Development in Africa (ClimDev-Africa) programme is a continental initiative established to strengthen Africa’s response to climate change by improving climate information services, early warning and early action, climate governance, research and climate intelligence, and evidence-based policymaking for resilient development. It brings together the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Afreximbank within a common framework for coordinated climate and development action.
Since its launch, ClimDev-Africa has played a catalytic role in advancing climate-informed development and adaptation across Africa. Phase I supported investments in hydrometeorological infrastructure, strengthened regional climate institutions and forecasting capacity, supported the African Group of Negotiators, advanced climate research and fellowship initiatives, and convened continental policy dialogue through the Climate Change and Development in Africa conference series.
Building on these achievements and lessons, ClimDev-Africa Phase II (2026–2030) is intended to strengthen institutional coordination and programme governance; scale up investments in climate information services and early warning systems; strengthen climate research and climate intelligence; operationalize the Africa Climate Resource and Information System (ACRIS); and mobilize resources for climate-informed implementation of continental and national development priorities.
The 11th meeting of the ClimDev-Africa Steering Committee (CDSC), scheduled for 13–14 August 2026 in Addis Ababa, marks an important milestone in the operationalization and launch of Phase II following the reconstitution of the Steering Committee. It will provide a high-level platform for strategic guidance on the rollout of the programme and for agreement on priority actions, governance arrangements, partnership coordination, resource mobilization and implementation.
Meeting Rationale
The transition to Phase II requires a fully operational governance architecture capable of translating the programme strategy into coordinated implementation. The CDSC is the principal governance body of the programme, providing strategic oversight, guidance and high-level coordination. It also serves as the Governing Council for the ClimDev-11th Meeting of the ClimDev-Africa Steering Committee (CDSC) | 10 August 2026 | Addis Ababa Africa Special Fund (CDSF), linking programme priorities with financial oversight and Africa-led climate action.
The meeting is therefore timely for establishing a common understanding of the Committee’s mandate and working arrangements; confirming strategic priorities for the initial implementation period; clarifying institutional roles and coordination mechanisms; and providing direction on resource mobilization, partnerships, monitoring, accountability, communication and visibility. It will also build on the preparatory work of the ClimDev-Africa partners and the Joint Working Group undertaken during 2026 in preparation for the reconstituted Steering Committee.
Objectives
The overall objective of the 11th CDSC meeting is to provide strategic direction and governance guidance for the effective operationalization and implementation of ClimDev-Africa Phase II (2026–2030).
- Review and provide strategic guidance on the implementation priorities, milestones and institutional arrangements for ClimDev-Africa Phase II.
- Consider and operationalize the CDSC Terms of Reference, including roles, decision-making arrangements, reporting, Secretariat support and linkages with subsidiary and technical structures.
- Review priority work programme and resource requirements for the initial Phase II implementation period and provide guidance on annual planning, budgeting and performance monitoring.
- Provide strategic direction on resource mobilization and partnership development, including engagement with development partners, climate funds, the private sector and innovative financing mechanisms.
- Provide guidance on the operationalization of the six Phase II programme components, including climate information services and early warning systems, research and analysis, governance and policy, ACRIS, communication and advocacy, and programme management.
- Consider the role and priorities of the CDSF under Phase II, consistent with the CDSC’s function as its Governing Council.
- Strengthen coordination among ClimDev-Africa core partners, associate partners, regional institutions, development partners and other strategic stakeholders.
- Agree on priority decisions, actions, responsibilities and timelines required to accelerate the rollout and visibility of Phase II.
Expected Outcomes and Deliverables
The meeting is expected to result in clear strategic guidance and an agreed set of decisions for accelerating Phase II implementation. Key outcomes will include:
- Agreed strategic priorities and immediate actions for the rollout of ClimDev-Africa Phase II.
- Guidance on the operationalization of the CDSC mandate, governance arrangements and supporting structures.
- Direction on the Phase II work programme, budgeting, monitoring, reporting and accountability arrangements.
- An agreed approach to resource mobilization, donor engagement and strategic partnership development.
- Guidance on the CDSF’s role and priorities within the Phase II programme architecture.
- Agreed institutional responsibilities, action points, timelines and follow-up arrangements.
- Strengthened coordination and common ownership among ClimDev-Africa partners and participating stakeholders.
Participants
The meeting will bring together members of the reconstituted CDSC and invited strategic stakeholders. In accordance with the proposed Terms of Reference, participation is expected to include representatives of the AUC, ECA, AfDB and Afreximbank; ClimDev-Africa associate partners; regional climate institutions; relevant ministerial and regional bodies; research and academic institutions; development partners; civil society, including women and youth representatives; Regional Economic Communities and Regional Climate Centres; and other invitees at the discretion of the Chair.
Post-Meeting Follow-up
A meeting report and decision/action matrix will be prepared following the meeting, capturing strategic guidance, decisions, responsibilities and timelines. The Secretariat will coordinate follow-up with responsible institutions and track implementation of agreed actions, with progress reported through the CDSC governance and reporting arrangements.
Conclusion
The 11th CDSC meeting represents a critical governance milestone for translating the ambitions of ClimDev-Africa Phase II into coordinated action. By providing strategic 11th Meeting of the ClimDev-Africa Steering Committee (CDSC) | 13–14 August 2026 | Addis Ababa direction on governance, programme priorities, financing, partnerships and accountability, the meeting will establish a strong foundation for effective implementation during 2026–2030 and reinforce ClimDev-Africa’s role as a continental platform for climate information, resilience, climate governance and evidence-based development.
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