From Climate to Communities: How Climate Action Africa Advances the SDGs
As the world commemorates Global Goals Week, it is a timely moment to reflect on how programs like the Expert Deployment Mechanism – Climate Action Africa (EDM-CAA) are moving progress where it matters most. Climate Action Africa (EDM-CAA) advances progress where it counts. From climate governance and adaptation to renewable energy, forestry, and urban resilience, EDM-CAA helps integrate climate solutions into key development priorities—while elevating women’s leadership for lasting impact.
Anchored by strong policy markers—gender equality, environmental sustainability, participatory governance and finance, climate change mitigation and adaptation— EDM-CAA takes a holistic approach to climate action. This integrated model ensures that technical assistance strengthens institutions, empowers women, protects ecosystems, and builds resilience across communities.
Climate Action Africa Blog: Advancing Global Goals Through Climate Solutions
The world today faces a defining challenge: the climate crisis. Across Africa, where communities are among the most vulnerable to climate shocks, action is not a choice—it’s a necessity. That is why the Expert Deployment Mechanism – Climate Action Africa is making a difference by advancing SDG 13 – Climate Action, with strong cross-cutting spillovers on several other Global Goals.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: The Heart of Our Mission
At its core, EDM-CAA responds to SDG 13 – Climate Action, helping African partners strengthen climate resilience, adapt policies, and implement solutions that reduce risks for people and ecosystems. Through technical advice on national climate strategies, support for national agencies and institutions, finance strategies or hands-on support for local projects, EDM-CAA provides the knowledge and partnerships needed to turn ambition into action.
But climate action cannot stand alone. Tackling climate change means tackling its impacts on food, water, energy, gender equality, cities, and ecosystems. That’s why the program also contributes meaningfully to at least six additional Global Goals.
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
Climate change is already undermining food security. Extreme droughts and floods reduce crop yields and threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. EDM-CAA advances climate-resilient agriculture by supporting initiatives that help farmers adopt sustainable practices, use climate-smart technologies, and vary crops, and seek diversification of finance mechanisms for climate smart agriculture. In places like Nigeria, learn more how CAA helped build capacity of women in agribusiness in climate-resilient agriculture. Please also see the Development Strategies to Empower Women Farmers for Climate Resilience in Kenya. This work ensures families can continue to feed themselves, enhance food value chains while building resilience to future climate impacts. Hunger is not only about food—it’s about resilience, dignity, and security.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
Women are powerful agents of change in climate action, yet they often face systemic barriers to participation and leadership. EDM-CAA addresses this directly. By fostering women’s leadership in climate initiatives and ensuring that technical assistance integrates a gender lens, in adaptation and mitigation initiatives, the program promotes more equitable and inclusive solutions. From training women entrepreneurs in renewable energy to ensuring women farmers have equal access to resources, EDM – CAA strengthens gender equality while advancing climate resilience. Check out this example in Malawi: Supporting Women in Climate Action Structure at Council Level.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
Water is life, and climate change puts water systems under pressure. Through technical support to governments and communities, CAA promotes sustainable water resource management. This includes improving access to clean drinking water, supporting watershed management, and building resilience to droughts and floods. These efforts not only safeguard health but also ensure that water systems can withstand future climate risks. Learn more about CAA’s initiative in Rwanda to strengthen climate action by building the gender-responsive adaptive capacity of the country’s water resources sector.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
Access to energy is key to development, yet millions in Africa still live without reliable electricity. CAA supports initiatives that expand sustainable and modern energy solutions, such as solar and off-grid technologies, particularly in underserved communities. These clean energy solutions reduce reliance on fossil fuels, create jobs, and provide households with affordable power. In this way, CAA accelerates the transition to greener economies while ensuring no one is left behind, like CAA’s work with the Chemichemi Foundation, which aims to tackle this energy poverty and inequality issues in Kenya; learn more about the Sustainable cooking in rural households– Upishi Safi Mashinani. Another telling example of CAA’s support on renewable energy work took place recently in South Africa with the Cape Sector Development Agency on a Strategy for the development of emerging cleantech cluster agencies.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Urban areas across Africa are growing rapidly, often without the infrastructure needed to withstand climate risks. In Sierra Leone, for instance, CAA advances projects that help cities become more inclusive, resilient, and safe. From flood management to urban planning, the program supports local governments in making cities better prepared for the challenges ahead. Resilient cities mean safer homes, stronger economies, and more sustainable futures for millions of urban residents. Learn more about the work with the City of Freetown on Catalyzing Leadership for Gender-Focused Climate Solutions.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Forests, soils, and ecosystems are critical to climate resilience. They store carbon, protect biodiversity, and sustain communities. Yet they are under threat from deforestation, desertification, and unsustainable land use. CAA supports technical assistance initiatives that promote sustainable forest management and combat land degradation. By doing so, the program protects ecosystems while safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on them. Learn more about a CAA initiative in Kenya supporting the Africa Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, Safeguarding the rights of vulnerable communities in carbon trading. Healthy land is the foundation of resilient communities.
A Call to Action
The challenges of climate change are immense, but so are the opportunities. Programs like the Expert Deployment Mechanism – Climate Action Africa show what’s possible when technical expertise, local leadership, and international solidarity come together. By aligning with at least seven Sustainable Development Goals, CAA proves that climate action is not just about reducing emissions or adapting to impacts—it is about creating a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world for all.
Global Affairs Canada recognizes this interconnectedness. By investing in EDM-CAA, Canada is helping African countries and communities build a more resilient, sustainable future. It is a clear example of how international cooperation can address today’s urgent climate challenges while advancing progress across the Global Goals.
