The Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) have awarded EUR 2,000 small grants to 15 youth-led organisations in Africa, aiming to scale climate adaptation and leadership training at national and local levels.
The initiative builds on the landmark Youth Academy that united young leaders from 50 countries, advancing resilient, community-based solutions continent-wide.
New Wave of Youth Empowerment in Africa's Climate Fight
GCA and MMUST's small grant program is a major step in Africa's climate adaptation journey, empowering youth organisations across 15 countries.
Each group receives EUR 2,000 to replicate successful Youth Academy training, using the GCA Adaptation Training Toolkit for project design, adaptation planning, and community resilience.
Pan-African Reach and Focus on Locally Led Solutions
Organisations span Egypt, Tunisia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Cameroon, and DRC, representing every continental region.
Members of the African Youth Adaptation Network will learn to prepare high-quality proposals, access climate finance, and foster locally led innovation aligned with AAAP's acceleration model.
Scale, Skills, and Real Community Impact
This grassroots funding will channel training into practical project implementation, unlocking adaptation jobs and supporting resilient communities.
GCA leadership highlights youth's role in driving climate innovation, with the ultimate aim of turning knowledge into action and building Africa's next generation of adaptation leaders.
Toolkit Deployment and Expansion of Youth Academy Impact
Organisations will deploy the GCA Adaptation Training Toolkit to lead local programs in their communities, supported by ongoing partnerships with GCA and MMUST.
The project moves Youth Academy results from theory to practice, enabling youth leaders to train peers and catalyse more local adaptation projects.
Path Forward – Building a Pipeline of Climate Champions for Africa's Future
With continuous support and capacity building, GCA's model could become a template for wider youth engagement, powering adaptation jobs and innovative solutions in vulnerable regions.
The initiative signals a robust shift toward scalable, inclusive climate resilience at the grassroots.
Key Data Table: GCA/MMUST Youth Climate Action Grants
| Metric | Value/Detail |
| Youth Organizations Awarded | 15 |
| Grant per Organization (EUR) | 2,000 |
| Nations Covered | 15 (all Africa regions) |
| Youth Academy Participants | 50 countries |
| Project Focus | Adaptation, Training, Jobs, Resilience |
Empowering Youth-Led Climate Action: GCA/MMUST Grants—Impact Across 15 African Nations (2025)
