Across East Africa, momentum is growing around sustainability as governments, businesses, and communities increasingly prioritise climate action, green innovation, and responsible resource use. The first half of 2025 has seen several significant developments that underscore the region’s commitment to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

Climate Finance and Green Investment Gains

One of the most notable shifts has been the acceleration of climate finance. In Kenya, financial institutions are expanding their green lending portfolios, supported by global climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and international development partners. These efforts are enabling smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs to access financing for solar irrigation kits, drought-resilient seeds, and green post-harvest technologies.

Uganda and Rwanda are also scaling climate financing through green bonds and concessional lending facilities. Rwanda’s Green Investment Facility, launched in partnership with the Development Bank of Rwanda, aims to support private sector-led projects in clean energy, waste management, and circular economy solutions.

Renewable and Clean Energy Expansion

The renewable energy sector continues to thrive. Kenya leads the region with over 90% of its electricity coming from renewable sources, including geothermal, wind, solar, and hydropower. In May 2025, the Meru Wind Farm project—East Africa’s largest community-owned wind initiative—announced its full commissioning, providing clean power to 50,000 households.

Uganda is scaling up mini-grids to reach rural communities, while Tanzania’s Energy Access Expansion Project is integrating solar energy into public infrastructure such as schools and health centres. These decentralised systems are reducing reliance on fossil fuels and providing stable power in off-grid areas.

ESG Reporting and Corporate Accountability

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is gaining traction among East African corporates. Companies in the agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors are increasingly aligning their operations with international frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Policy and Cross-Border Collaboration

Governments are stepping up regional cooperation through the East African Community Climate Change Policy Framework, which seeks to harmonise adaptation and mitigation efforts. In March 2025, the EAC convened a high-level summit on carbon markets and green industrialisation, laying the groundwork for a regional carbon credit trading platform.

Meanwhile, cities such as Nairobi, Kampala, and Kigali are implementing green urban planning initiatives, including tree-planting drives, non-motorised transport infrastructure, and low-emission zones, to combat urban pollution.

Looking Ahead

As climate risks intensify, East Africa’s sustainability journey is not without challenges—from financing gaps to ineffective policy enforcement. However, the convergence of public-private partnerships, grassroots innovation, and bold leadership is positioning the region as a growing hub for green transformation.

In the coming months, attention will turn to COP30 preparations and how East African voices can shape global climate action, backed by progress that’s already taking root at home.