African Climate & Development Initiative

The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) is a leading institute based at the University of Cape Town, dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of climate change and sustainable development from an African perspective. Established in 2011, ACDI serves as a platform for collaborative research, education, and action, bringing together expertise from across disciplines to develop innovative solutions for climate resilience and low-carbon development.

With a mission to support Africa’s transition to equitable, sustainable development, ACDI focuses on three key areas: climate risk diagnosis, solutions pathways, and governing climate action. As a Centre of Excellence in Climate and Development under the African Research Universities Alliance, ACDI plays a pivotal role in advancing climate knowledge and action across the continent and beyond.