Recently, the 3rd Annual Africa Climate Finance Conference opened in Kampala with a clear and urgent message: Africa’s climate ambitions must now be translated into functioning institutions, accountable financing systems and investments that reach the people and communities confronting climate change every day.
Convened under the theme, “From Commitments to Capital: Operationalizing Africa’s Climate Finance Architecture,” the conference brought together policymakers, researchers, financial institutions, development partners, legislators and climate practitioners at the Kampala Marriott Hotel.
In his keynote address, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Uganda’s Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, highlighted the importance of building systems capable of mobilising climate finance and translating it into practical development outcomes.
Ms. Chavi Meattle of the Climate Policy Initiative subsequently presented on “Unlocking Climate Capital for Africa: From Gaps to Action,” focusing attention on how climate finance is mobilised, allocated, tracked and evaluated.
Another major highlight was the launch of the Africa Climate Finance Outlook 2026. Moderated by Mr. Washington Kanyangi of the African Research and Impact Network, the session featured Dr. Joanes Atela, Akinyi J. Eurallyah, PhD, Mr. William Otieno and Dr. Mary Nantongo , Director of the Climate Finance and Sustainability Centre at MUBS and a NIERA member.
Today, as part of Day 2, NIERA convened a research and policy dialogue titled “From Finance to Impact: What Is Climate Finance Actually Delivering in Africa?”
Moderated by Jennifer Nyakinya, NIERA’s Director of Programs, the session moved the conversation beyond climate finance commitments and disbursements to a more important question: is the financing producing measurable, equitable and lasting results?
Tugume A., Monitoring and Results Measurement Specialist at FSD Uganda, presented evidence on the impact of results-based financing on renewable-energy development in Uganda. His presentation examined how linking finance to verified results can support the expansion of renewable-energy solutions while strengthening accountability for delivery.
Maurice Owiti, Economist with the New Climate Economy Programme at WRI Africa, presented research undertaken with NIERA Member Laura Barasa Barasa on whether Green Climate Fund adaptation programmes are building climate resilience across Africa.
The presentations were followed by policy reflections from Ocanya Samuel, Project Manager for the Electricity Access Scale-up Project at UECCC, and Atukwasa Rita (Hon), Independent City Woman Representative for Mbarara City in the Parliament of Uganda.
Their contributions connected the research findings to implementation realities, public accountability and the role of policymakers in ensuring that climate finance responds to national priorities and reaches intended beneficiaries. The dialogue brought researchers, policymakers and practitioners into a shared conversation about what works, where accountability gaps remain and how evidence can strengthen climate finance delivery across Africa.
As the conference concluded today, one message stood out: securing climate finance is only the beginning. Success must ultimately be measured by what that finance delivers which is cleaner energy, stronger institutions, more resilient communities and sustainable development outcomes.
NIERA remains committed to advancing African-led evidence and strengthening the connection between research, policy and practice so that climate finance delivers meaningful results across the continent.
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