• GCF to establish regional offices to boost country engagement

• 43 countries expressed interest in hosting offices

• Decision aims to strengthen impact across all partner countries

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved $960.3 million in new financing on Saturday, bringing its total commitments to more than $20 billion.

Meeting in Incheon, South Korea, the Fund’s board cleared financing for 18 projects focused on both emissions reduction and climate adaptation. It also endorsed the creation of regional offices, including two in Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya, and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to strengthen engagement with recipient countries and speed up project preparation and implementation.

The Fund supports 354 projects and programs and was set up to finance climate action in developing countries.

GCF Board #GCFB44 selects Nairobi, Kenya ?? as the host for the GCF Africa Regional Office covering East and Southern Africa. As the world's climate fund for developing countries, this brings us closer to the countries we serve for more efficient delivery of #ClimateAction. pic.twitter.com/DOglAo445r

— Green Climate Fund (@theGCF) March 28, 2026

The funding package includes 18 projects, some approved under a simplified review process designed to improve access to financing.

Of the total, about $441 million, or 46%, will go to projects in Africa. Among them is the ASCENT-GREEN program, a $250 million initiative developed in partnership with the World Bank. It aims to expand energy access and strengthen climate resilience across 21 countries in eastern and southern Africa, and could directly benefit 28.8 million people in regions where an estimated 365 million still lack electricity.

Other initiatives target specific challenges, including adapting agricultural systems in Chad through the SCALE program implemented in partnership with ACTED, developing climate risk protection tools for smallholder farmers in Zambia, and deploying climate-smart solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises and farmers in Kenya with KCB Bank.

Abidjan to Host West Africa Regional Office

The board selected Abidjan to host the regional office covering West and Central Africa and part of North Africa. Nairobi will oversee East and Southern Africa.

According to the Ivorian government, the office is expected to strengthen coordination of climate projects, support governments and improve access to financing.

GCF Board #GCFB44 selects Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire ?? as host of GCF Africa Regional Office covering Central, North, & West Africa. As the world's climate fund for developing countries, this brings us closer to the countries we serve for more efficient delivery of #ClimateAction. pic.twitter.com/nubEe50f1L

— Green Climate Fund (@theGCF) March 28, 2026

The decision comes as Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a regional energy hub, with increasing investment in renewable energy.

“The selection of host cities for our regional offices will bring us closer to the countries that we serve, increasing impact and engagement. I would like to thank all 43 countries who expressed an interest in hosting a GCF office and reassure them that the decision on regional presence will strengthen our engagement across all countries,” Executive Director Mafalda Duarte said.

The announcements come as climate financing in Africa continues to face structural constraints.

In an interview published by Proparco, the chief executive of Equity Group Holdings said access to affordable, long-term capital remains limited. Africa still receives less than 5% of global climate finance despite being highly exposed to climate risks.

Perceived risk, small project size and difficulties in mobilizing private capital at scale continue to limit investment.

In that context, financial instruments designed to reduce risk and attract private capital, such as those included in the newly approved GCF programs, are seen as critical to accelerating climate project implementation across the continent.

Abdoullah Diop