GCF, KOICA sign landmark urban climate resilience project in Ethiopia – EnviroNews

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The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed a project agreement on September 17, 2026, to implement an urban climate resilience project in Ethiopia. As the first GCF project implemented by KOICA, the milestone advances a partnership among Ethiopia, the Republic of Korea and GCF to strengthen climate resilience in some of Ethiopia’s fastest-growing cities.

The signing ceremony, held at the KOICA headquarters in Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea, brought together Catherine Koffman, GCF Director of the Africa Region, and Lee Yun Young, Vice President of KOICA, along with representatives from GCF and KOICA. 

The Building Urban Climate Resilience through Nature-based Solutions in Ethiopia project reflects a shared commitment to supporting country-led climate action. With $25 million in GCF financing and $22 million in KOICA co-financing, the project will help Addis Ababa and Jimma address growing risks from floods and heat through nature-based solutions, including the restoration of forests, wetlands, and river corridors, as well as investments in greener and more climate-resilient urban spaces.

The new project represents more than an investment in urban resilience. As the first GCF project with KOICA, it expands GCF’s partnership network and demonstrates how new Accredited Entities can help bring additional expertise, financing, and innovation to climate action in developing countries.

Developed to reflect Ethiopia’s priorities, the project also reflects GCF’s commitment to country ownership and locally driven climate solutions. By working with national and local stakeholders, the project will support efforts to integrate nature-based solutions into urban planning while creating a model that can be replicated in other climate-vulnerable cities.

Speaking about the foundations of effective climate finance, Catherine Koffman emphasised the importance of listening to countries’ needs and supporting solutions that are shaped by local priorities.

“Africa has its own voice and vision, and the most effective climate investments are those that build on countries’ own priorities, knowledge, and ambitions,” she said. 

“Korea knows from its own history that resilience can transform lives, and today, sharing that experience and supporting climate resilience in Africa is an investment in a safer, more sustainable future for everyone,” she added.

The project highlights how GCF works with countries and partners to support climate solutions that respond to local needs and can be scaled over time.  By combining climate finance with local leadership, it aims to strengthen resilience today while creating lasting benefits for communities and ecosystems in the years ahead.