CIF Global Knowledge Exchange Opens in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2026 — Addis Ababa has emerged as a hub for global climate finance dialogue following the launch of the Global Knowledge Exchange by Climate Investment Funds, bringing together policymakers, development partners and private sector actors to advance country led climate investment.

According to Ministry of Finance, the four day forum, organized in partnership with the Government of Ethiopia, the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group, has drawn more than 150 participants from 27 countries and will run through April 30.

Opening the event, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide highlighted the importance of hosting the gathering, stating "Hosting the event is meaningful for Ethiopia as the country has long placed climate action at the center of its development vision. Through our climate resilient green economy approach, we are pursuing a development pathway that is green, inclusive and resilient".

A major highlight of the opening session was the launch of the Accelerating Resilience Investments and Innovations for Sustainable Economies initiative, a new investment program designed to scale up climate resilience financing.

The initiative will provide between 30 and 40 million dollars per country, while regional programs can access up to 50 million dollars, targeting up to five countries or regions.

The program aims to transform climate risks into investment opportunities while integrating resilience into national development strategies.

Ethiopia’s ongoing engagement with CIF includes nearly 90 million dollars in climate related investments supporting clean energy access and nature-based solutions.

Ahmed Shide also pointed to Ethiopia’s broader climate agenda, noting "Ethiopia is proud to prepare to host COP32, an opportunity to bring the world to Africa and to place Africa at the heart of global climate action.  Our priorities are clear: stronger adaptation finance, greater investment in resilience, accelerated energy access, nature based solutions, and a climate finance architecture that responds to the needs of developing countries".

Chief Executive Officer of CIF Tariye Gbadegesin emphasized the urgency of scaling up resilience financing, warning "Resilience investments keep farmers harvesting, businesses open, jobs intact, and services running when shocks hit".

The forum is also serving as a platform for knowledge exchange among developing countries, with Ethiopia showcasing its experience in renewable energy expansion, landscape restoration and climate resilient agriculture.

Reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment, Ahmed Shide said "We remain determined to work with all partners to turn climate ambition into investment, and investment into lasting impact for our people and our planet".

The Climate Investment Funds, with more than 13 billion dollars in resources, supports developing countries in advancing sustainable growth through financing clean energy transitions, resilience building and low carbon development pathways.