The Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) has appointed Ali D. Mohamed, Kenya’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and Senior Advisor to the President, as a Distinguished Fellow under its Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP).
The prestigious recognition celebrates Mohamed’s three-decade career, shaping Africa’s climate resilience policies and amplifying the continent’s voice in global negotiations.
A veteran diplomat and strategist, Mohamed has been instrumental in advancing Africa’s climate agenda, from chairing the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) under the UNFCCC to spearheading the landmark Africa Climate Summit in 2023.
His work with initiatives like the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force and the Africa-California Climate and Economic Partnership has cemented his reputation as a leader in mobilising finance and policy for adaptation.
“I am deeply honoured to join the Global Centre on Adaptation as an AAAP Distinguished Fellow,” Mohamed said.
“Over the past three decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how smart climate diplomacy, robust policy, and strategic finance can change trajectories. Now, with GCA’s Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, we’ll drive even bolder solutions.”
The AAAP, a partnership between GCA and the African Development Bank (AfDB), has already climate-proofed KSh 2.21 trillion in investments across 40 African countries.
As a Distinguished Fellow, Mohamed will:
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Co-design high-impact adaptation programs
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Push for a doubling of adaptation finance
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Mentor emerging African climate leaders
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Advocate for Africa’s priorities in global forums
The fellowship provides access to GCA’s global knowledge networks, high-level policy platforms, and strategic visibility to scale resilience initiatives.
GCA CEO Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen hailed Mohamed’s appointment as pivotal for AAAP’s next phase:
“Ali’s visionary leadership will amplify Africa’s adaptation needs at the highest levels and unlock critical finance to safeguard the continent’s future.”
Mohamed’s role aligns with Africa’s push to make adaptation a cornerstone of development, ensuring communities withstand climate shocks while fostering sustainable growth.
“Together, we’ll ensure adaptation isn’t an afterthought but the bedrock of Africa’s progress,” Mohamed affirmed.
The GCA, through this appointment, reinforces its commitment to cultivating homegrown climate champions, proving that those who best know Africa's challenges should lead its solutions.