AfDB secures $18 million Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding for Zambezi Basin and E-waste projects

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has secured more than $18 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for two major projects aimed at bolstering environmental sustainability and resilience across Africa.

The first project, "Strengthening Zambezi River Basin Management towards Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Health," has been allocated $10.57 million. This initiative aims to improve the collaborative management of water, energy, food, and environmental resources within the Zambezi River Basin, which spans eight southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The second project, the "Global Electronics Management (GEM) program (Horn of Africa Regional Child Project)," has received $7.83 million to address the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) in Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

GEF approved the funding during its 67^th Council meetings held in Washington DC, from 17-20 June 2024. Established ahead of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Facility is the largest source of multilateral funding for biodiversity, addressing interrelated environmental challenges globally. The African Development Bank is one of its implementing agencies with direct access to its resources.

The Zambezi River Basin project, estimated to cost $9.45 million, is expected to benefit millions through advancements in agriculture, fisheries, and dam operations. It focuses on promoting transboundary cooperation, integrated planning, and adaptive management practices to boost the basin's resilience and ecosystem health.

The $60-million GEM program aims to significantly reduce e-waste generation and increase circularity in the electronics sector of developing countries.

Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, stated, "Through these projects, the African Development Bank continues to lead the way in promoting environmental sustainability and resilience, driving positive change for both people and the planet." He added, "Over the years, we have also increased our interventions on issues related to chemicals and waste across the African continent."

These projects represent a continued commitment by the African Development Bank to foster sustainable development and resilience throughout Africa, addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative and collaborative approaches.

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