What We Do
GFCSI helps public institutions and partners address the financing, governance and knowledge challenges shaping Africa's green transition. We combine strategic advice, applied research, technical assistance and capacity development across four connected practice areas.
Climate, Nature & Green Transition Finance
Accessing finance requires institutions that can identify priorities, develop credible proposals, coordinate resources and meet financing requirements. GFCSI supports the frameworks and capabilities that connect environmental ambitions with appropriate sources of finance.
Areas of Support
- Climate and nature finance readiness assessments.
- Analysis of financing gaps, barriers and institutional responsibilities.
- Financing strategies and frameworks linked to national priorities.
- Early-stage investment pipeline development and project preparation support.
- Sustainable finance approaches, including green taxonomies and blended finance options.
- Carbon market readiness and governance, including Article 6, safeguards and benefit-sharing considerations.
Typical Outputs
Readiness diagnostics, financing strategies, institutional assessments, pipeline frameworks, policy options and targeted training.
Who We Work With
Ministries, public agencies, financial institutions, development partners and other organisations working on climate, nature and sustainable investment.
Applied Research & Knowledge Systems
Effective policy and investment decisions depend on evidence that is credible, accessible and relevant to context. GFCSI produces applied research and supports the people, methods and knowledge systems needed to inform institutional choices.
Areas of Support
- Sector assessments, country diagnostics and thematic studies.
- Climate and nature finance analysis.
- Policy research on governance, investment and institutional development.
- Research design, evidence reviews and analytical frameworks.
- Knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and research communication.
- Research capacity development through the GFCSI fellowship.
Typical Outputs
Research reports, policy briefs, evidence reviews, diagnostic frameworks and learning resources.
Current Initiatives
The GFCSI Research Series brings together substantial, independent studies on the financing, governance and institutional choices shaping Africa’s green transition. Its first study examines solar energy in Somalia, with an investment and policy outlook for 2027–2030.
The inaugural GFCSI Research Fellowship supports six emerging researchers through a structured programme of learning, applied research and policy communication.
Climate & Environmental Governance
Environmental commitments require clear mandates, workable rules, effective coordination and institutions equipped to carry them out. GFCSI supports the design and strengthening of these governance arrangements.
Areas of Support
- Institutional diagnostics and organisational development.
- Policy and regulatory analysis.
- Clarification of institutional roles and coordination arrangements.
- Environmental agency establishment and operational frameworks.
- Climate and biodiversity integration into planning and public financial management.
- Measurement, reporting and verification frameworks, data responsibilities and transparency arrangements.
- Implementation planning and institutional capacity development.
Typical Outputs
Institutional assessments, policy recommendations, governance frameworks, coordination mechanisms, implementation roadmaps and training programmes.
Who We Work With
Government ministries, environmental agencies, subnational institutions and partners supporting policy implementation and institutional reform.
Climate & Environmental Diplomacy
International environmental processes influence national policy, financing opportunities and development choices. GFCSI supports informed participation, institutional preparation and clear articulation of African priorities.
Areas of Support
- Analysis of international climate, biodiversity and environmental processes.
- Evidence-based policy and negotiation briefings.
- Delegation preparation and institutional learning.
- Coordination of technical inputs and stakeholder perspectives.
- Analysis of climate finance and other relevant negotiation agendas.
- Strategic communication and policy dialogue grounded in evidence.
Typical Outputs
Briefing papers, negotiation analyses, preparation sessions, dialogue summaries and strategic communication materials.
Who We Work With
Public institutions, delegations, regional bodies, research organisations and partners engaging in environmental cooperation and international policy processes.
How Our Work Connects
Research helps define the problem and assess available options. Advisory work translates that evidence into policy, financing and institutional choices. Technical assistance and capacity development help institutions apply those choices, while dialogue and diplomacy connect national priorities with wider cooperation.
Our engagements may combine several practice areas. The scope, responsibilities and expected outputs are agreed for each assignment.
Engage GFCSI
We welcome enquiries about research collaboration, strategic advisory work, institutional strengthening and capacity development.
Contact us with a brief description of your organisation, the challenge you are addressing and the support or collaboration you would like to explore.