A consortium led by EfD Nigeria has received a grant of one million Canadian dollars from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to implement a research project titled Innovative Climate Finance for Unlocking Development and Equity in Africa (INCLUDE-Africa).
The grant agreement was formally signed on Friday, January 23, 2026, by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya.
Project aims to increase finance for climate action
”The project aims to review and strengthen existing government policies, financial systems, and regulatory frameworks to attract increased public and private financing for climate action,” said the team lead and Director of EfD Nigeria, Professor Nnaemeka Chukwuone.
The project will also aim to develop new and practical financing tools and strengthen the ability of institutions to support developments that reduce carbon emissions and help communities better withstand climate change.
The INCLUDE-Africa project will be implemented in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal by a consortium of institutions led by EfD Nigeria. Other partners include the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF); the Development Bank of Nigeria; African Energy Transition Services (AETS), Côte d’Ivoire; the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana; and the Department of Forestry and the National REDD+ Secretariat of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment.
Outcome will improve climate funding from public and private sectors
Upon completion, the project is expected to improve policy and budgeting frameworks that promote sustainable economic growth while protecting the climate at both national and subnational levels. It will also help increase climate funding from public and private sources through practical tools such as blended-finance mechanisms, green bonds, and tailored loans for small and medium-sized enterprises and climate-smart sectors.
In addition, the project seeks to expand access to climate finance for underserved groups, including women-led enterprises, youth initiatives, local governments, and indigenous communities, by promoting inclusive financial products and more effective fund-delivery systems.
Recommendations from the project are expected to guide policymakers, financial institutions, and global climate platforms, including the United Nations climate process and Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings.
“We are committed to delivering the project within the approved timeline,” Professor Nnaemeka Chukwuone said, while thanking the IDRC for selecting the project for funding following a highly competitive review process.