The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) is an institute at the University of Cape Town (UCT).Since its inception in 2011, ACDI has grown to be a world-leading research institute that contributes to shaping science, policy, and practice on climate resilient and low carbon development across Africa and globally. In line with UCT’s Vision 2030, we are committed to building a fair and just society that is rooted in Africa with global reach.
ACDI’s work centres around three themes, namely: (1) Climate risk diagnosis, (2) Climate governance, and (3) Climate resilient development. These are discussed in more detail in Section 3. ACDI works on these themes through engaging in transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, developing and facilitating training and capacity building initiatives, synthesis of data and information, and convening diverse stakeholders to deliberate key issues and influence climate and development discourses and decisions.
Our Values
Making an Impact
To make an impact, we prioritise five objectives. Each objective has several key results to guide and evaluate progress towards achieving the objectives.
ACDI serves as a central platform for climate change and sustainable development research at the University of Cape Town and across the continent. As the host of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Climate and Development, alongside partners at the Universities of Nairobi and Ghana, ACDI plays a leading role in coordinating inter- and transdisciplinary research, teaching, and capacity building. It is also home to several research labs, including ASCEND, the Climate Risk Lab, and the PiNC Lab, which collectively advance innovative, African-led responses to climate and development challenges. ACDI’s strategic plan outlines its priorities in supporting equitable, climate-resilient development across Africa and beyond.
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