Liberia's climate finance gap delays projects
While US$213 million of US$573 million identified funding was disbursed by December 2024, key climate projects remain unfinished.
African leaders at the United Nations climate conference in Türkiye called for predictable climate finance, but Liberia faces a significant funding gap for its climate plan. The country had identified about US$573 million in financing needs, but only US$213 million had been disbursed by December 2024, leaving approximately US$360 million outstanding.
Key projects aimed at improving weather forecasting and protecting Monrovia from coastal erosion are delayed due to this funding shortfall. Experts argue that adaptation needs grants rather than loans, as debt repayments limit resources for public services. Questions remain over whether climate finance will reach vulnerable communities.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned that the cost of climate damage competes with investment in essential services like schools and healthcare. Other African nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, also highlighted their struggles with climate finance and adaptation at the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya.
Why it mattersLiberia's climate projects, including a US$10 million Climate Information System and coastal protection, remain delayed due to a funding gap, impacting public services.