Luanda, Angola | 29–31 July 2026. The Government of Angola, through the Ministry of Environment (MINAMB), with support from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), successfully convened a three-day capacity-building and stakeholder validation workshop on Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note development from 29 to 31 July 2026 in Luanda. 

The workshop formed part of a GCF Readiness initiative implemented by Oxfam Consults and its sub-grantee, EcoJango, to strengthen Angola’s capacity to access international climate finance and develop high-impact investment concepts aligned with the country’s national climate and development priorities. 

The event brought together representatives from government ministries, development partners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector, with 23 stakeholders participating in the first two days of capacity-building and technical review sessions, and 25 delegates attending the final validation day. The workshop strengthened national capacity in GCF programming while supporting the review and validation of two strategic climate investment Concept Notes for future submission to the Green Climate Fund. 

As climate change continues to intensify droughts, land degradation, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and pressure on rural livelihoods, Angola faces growing demand for investment in climate adaptation and low-carbon development. While the country has established ambitious climate commitments through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), National Climate Change Strategy (ENAC 2022–2035), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and National Development Plan (PDN), achieving these ambitions will require stronger investment pipelines and greater access to international climate finance. 

The workshop combined technical training with stakeholder validation to strengthen national capacity in developing high-quality GCF Concept Notes. Participants enhanced their understanding of key elements of GCF project design, including climate rationale, and a theory of change. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants explored how to design transformational climate investments capable of meeting GCF standards and attracting large-scale climate finance. 

Building on this learning, participants reviewed and validated two draft Concept Notes developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and climate finance pipeline assessments undertaken by Oxfam Consults and EcoJango. 

The first Concept Note focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening ecosystem resilience through Emissions Reductions Traditional Fire Management (ER-TFM). The proposed investment introduces a community-led approach that combines indigenous knowledge, modern fire management practices, and satellite monitoring to reduce destructive late dry-season wildfires. By promoting sustainable landscape management, the project aims to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and improve the livelihoods of communities that depend on Angola’s savanna and dry forest ecosystems. 

The second Concept Note focuses on strengthening climate resilience in Southern Angola through integrated investments in climate-smart agriculture, water security, and landscape restoration. The proposed project promotes sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, ecosystem restoration, and community-based adaptation to help vulnerable communities better withstand recurrent droughts and land degradation. By integrating nature-based solutions with institutional strengthening and climate information services, the project seeks to improve food security, livelihoods, and long-term resilience. 

During the technical review sessions, participants provided recommendations to strengthen the investment concepts, covering areas such as project design, stakeholder engagement, gender responsiveness, implementation arrangements, sustainability, climate impact, and alignment with national priorities. Discussions also explored opportunities for partnership building, co-financing, and engagement with potential Accredited Entities that could support the projects through the Green Climate Fund approval process. 

The final day focused on validating the revised Concept Notes and agreeing on priority actions for their further refinement. Participants reviewed how stakeholder feedback had been incorporated and reached consensus on the next steps required to strengthen both concepts before advancing them through the GCF project development process. 

By integrating capacity building, technical review, and stakeholder validation into a single process, the workshop strengthened national ownership of Angola’s climate investment pipeline while enhancing institutional capacity to mobilise and manage international climate finance. It also reinforced collaboration among government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, civil society, and the private sector—an essential foundation for scaling climate investments and achieving Angola’s long-term climate and development objectives. 

As Angola continues its transition towards a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy, the two validated Concept Notes represent important opportunities to mobilise international climate finance while delivering tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits. The concepts will now undergo further refinement as discussions continue with prospective Accredited Entities and development partners to advance them towards future funding consideration by the Green Climate Fund. 

About the Green Climate Fund 

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest dedicated climate fund supporting developing countries in pursuing low-emission and climate-resilient development. Established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the GCF plays a central role in implementing the Paris Agreement by financing transformational climate investments. 

In Angola, GCF Readiness support is helping strengthen national capacity to access climate finance, develop bankable investment concepts, and build the institutional systems required to mobilise climate finance at scale. 

About GGGI  

GGGI is a treaty-based international, intergovernmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. With 55 Member States and a presence in more than 50 countries, GGGI develops innovative solutions, provides technical assistance, strengthens capacities, and supports the development of green investment projects. Its work contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.