Kampala, Uganda, 20th- 22nd September 2023 –  The 2nd East Africa Region Climate Finance Director Level (EARCFD) meeting was held in Kampala. Organized by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), and the British High Commission in Kampala, this event brought together Directors of Climate Finance from seven East African countries. The central goal of this meeting was to discuss strategies and opportunities for enhancing climate finance accessibility and fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate access to climate finance within the East African region.

At the core of the discussions during the meeting was the heightened vulnerability of the East African region to the adverse impacts of climate change. Despite this vulnerability, obstacles in accessing climate finance persist, prompting an urgent call to augment investments in climate mitigation and adaptation measures. These initiatives aim to bolster resilience and support sustainable development within these nations. Throughout the meeting, delegates engaged in substantive deliberations and put forth crucial recommendations, some of which are highlighted below.

1. Country Ownership and Collaboration were key highlights, stressing the importance of countries taking ownership of their climate finance initiatives. Emphasizing collaboration among East African countries within the East African Community (EAC) to achieve the desired levels of climate financing was a key takeaway. Learning from each other and harmonizing positions can help present a united front at global climate conferences like COP28.
2. Enhancing technical capacity was noted as a vital intervention needed for effective climate finance mobilization. This includes strengthening institutional frameworks, creating enabling environments for climate finance management, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors.
3. Lastly, transparency in financial matters was identified as a key factor in mobilizing climate finance for immediate action. It is essential to have the right mechanisms in place to access climate finance, and this can be achieved through partnerships and alignment between global, regional, and country levels.

In his address, Hon. Minister Haruna. K. Kyeyune, Minister for Microfinance and Small Enterprises at MoFPED emphasized the importance of consensus-building and peer-to-peer collaboration within the East African Community. He highlighted the need for mutual learning and harmonization of positions to ensure that the region can present a unified front at COP28 in the UAE.

H.E Kate Airey, British High Commissioner to Uganda, also shared her perspective during the meeting, stressing the significance of regional dialogues where member states can keep each other updated on progress related to climate finance access mobilization. She encouraged creating linkages with the Task Force in the East African region and emphasized the need for institutions to establish the right mechanisms to access climate finance. This can be achieved through partnerships and alignment between global, regional, and country levels.

Moving forward, to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, the East Africa Region Climate Finance Directors’ meeting is working on developing a declaration of action. This declaration is expected to be released in Q4 2023 and will serve as a roadmap for the region. It will outline specific steps and strategies to mobilize funds, build capacity, and promote collaboration among stakeholders. By fostering a unified approach, the region can maximize its potential for addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development goals.

Building on Past Success

This 2nd EARCFD builds on the success of the first meeting held in Kampala in March 2023. During that initial gathering, a resolution was passed to hold biannual meetings where member countries can share their progress, challenges, experiences, and best practices in mobilizing climate finance. This second meeting has provided a platform for identifying common strategies and collaborations to enhance climate resilience and adaptation efforts in the region effectively.

The 2^nd East Africa Region Climate Finance Director Level meeting in Kampala serves as a vital step toward accelerating access to climate finance within the East African region. By focusing on collaboration, transparency, and capacity building and by developing a declaration of action, the countries in the region are working together to address the pressing issues of climate change and sustainable development. This collaborative effort is a testament to the commitment of these nations to a greener and more resilient future.

The meeting was attended by the delegates from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the Global Green Growth Institute, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), the Climate Change Department (CCD), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and Government Officials from Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and the East African Community Secretariate.