SONGDO, Korea, March 2026 -The Eastern and Southern Africa office of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is set to be hosted in Nairobi following a successful bid by Kenya.
Crucially, the move is poised to cement Nairobi’s position as a strategic hub for climate finance access and coordination.The announcement was made at the just concluded 44th GCF Board meeting in Songdo from 25–28 March 2026, after undergoing several competitive processes.
With a laser-focus on the Fund’s decentralisation under decision B.41/10, the Board approved the creation of regional offices “to improve geographical balance and operational efficiency.”
Delegates followed proceedings during the 44th GCF Board meeting in Songdo from 25–28 March 2026. Photo Courtesy
Consequently with support from the UNFCCC, this move birthed the decision to set out rules and guidelines for the host’s selection.
The highly competitive process attracted 17 African countries among other 47 developing countries for the global call for proposals.The Nairobi office is expected to enhance access to climate finance, strengthen regional partnerships, and accelerate climate action across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Present at the crucial meeting was Dr Pacifica Ogola, Director of Climate Change and a representative of the Africa Group of Negotiators on the GCF Board. Her presence reinforced Kenya’s major influence in global climate finance decision-making table.
Other regional hosts who emerged victorious after thorough assessment by the GCF Board, include as Cote d’Ivoire for (West, Central, and North Africa), Panama City (Latin America and the Caribbean), and Jordan (Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East).
