Call summary :

Following the launch of the Third Call for Proposals (CfP3) of the Climate Action Window (CAW) at COP 29, eligible beneficiaries are invited to apply for grant funding under the Technical Assistance (TA) Sub-window.

The CAW is structured to accelerate climate action in Africa’s least developed countries, aligning projects with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. It is divided into three sub-windows: adaptation, mitigation, and technical assistance (TA), with funding allocated as follows: 75% for adaptation, 15% for mitigation, and 10% for TA. Each sub-window is rolled out through separate calls for proposals.

The CAW’s Third Call for Proposals will focus on the Technical Assistance (TA) Sub-window, which aims to support project preparation, capacity building, and expanding green finance initiatives. The objective is to enhance the bankability of climate projects and promote the development of Paris-aligned strategies, such as Long-Term Strategies (LTSs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). These projects should integrate gender considerations and target underserved and fragile communities.

Projects funded through the CfP3 Technical Assistance Sub-window of the CAW must be Paris-aligned, emphasizing readiness for climate finance and investment. The CAW will prioritize activities that remove barriers to project bankability, such as gaps in knowledge, technology, and capacity, or that prepare climate projects for implementation. Technical assistance should be the primary objective of the proposals.

These TA projects should focus on preparing climate-resilient projects, strengthening adaptive capacity, and reducing climate vulnerabilities at the systemic level. Proposals should demonstrate how the technical assistance provided will build resilience to climate-related shocks and extreme events, reduce risks associated with climate change (such as extreme heat, drought, flooding, etc.), and leverage the most beneficial opportunities linked to climate adaptation and mitigation. The CAW will prioritize transformative and impactful TA projects. Proposals must integrate gender, youth, and the inclusion of underserved communities in fragile settings.

Eligible beneficiaries are encouraged to complete the concept note template for the CfP3 Technical Assistance Sub-window online. The application process involves registering on the portal, answering eligibility questions, and accessing the Concept Note Template. Applications can be submitted in either English or French. It is crucial to ensure all sections of the template are completed, as incomplete concept notes will not be considered.

This call for proposals represents an important step toward mobilizing resources for climate action in Africa, addressing critical preparation needs in key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, land use and fisheries; water access and wastewater management; energy access and renewable energy; transport and infrastructure; and green and sustainable finance. The deadline for submitting concept notes is midnight GMT on February 5, 2025.

Who are the eligible beneficiaries?

External beneficiaries:
(i) Governments and government entities of ADF countries (see below for a list of ADF countries)
(ii) Regional or sub-regional intergovernmental bodies and other intergovernmental vehicles including climate centers, river basin organizations, regional economic communities.
(iii) Non-sovereign entities (such as NGOs, Community Based Organizations and UN Agencies) that fulfil the eligibility criteria. Private sector entities are not eligible to apply for CAW funding.
(iv) Proposals from consortia are allowed if all members of the consortium are eligible beneficiaries.

Internal beneficiaries:
(i) African Development Bank departments: Bank departments may submit proposals directly or may work with eligible external beneficiaries to support them in preparing high quality project proposals.

Is there a threshold amount or ceiling to apply for a project or country?

Financing for individual projects may range from US$ 260,000 but not exceed US$ 1,300,000 for Technical Assistance. Funding allocation decisions will be made based on recommendations from the Independent Evaluation Panel.

Is the CAW a 100% grant or will it be part of concessional loan?
In the current program window, the CAW provides only grant funds.