The ARUA Centre of Excellence in Climate & Development (ARUA-CD) is a pan-African partnership driving high-quality research, postgraduate training, and policy engagement to advance sustainable development in the context of climate change.

Through a strong regional alliance of three leading institutions, ARUA-CD strengthens the continent’s ability to understand, adapt to, and shape responses to climate challenges. Our work spans diverse African contexts and contributes to global knowledge on climate-resilient development.

Our Focus

• Research: Advancing context-specific climate knowledge through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.
• Training: Developing the next generation of African climate and development scholars through postgraduate education and mentorship.
• Influencing: Engaging with policymakers, communities, and practitioners to inform evidence-based, inclusive decision-making.

Our Regional Network

ARUA-CD brings together three core regional partners:

• The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) at the University of Cape Town – Southern Africa
• The Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) at the University of Ghana – West Africa
• The Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA) at the University of Nairobi – East Africa

Together, these centres lead collaborative, interdisciplinary initiatives that respond to pressing environmental and development priorities across the continent.