AfDB takes over Africa’s natural capital accounting secretariat managed by World Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has assumed hosting of the Africa Natural Capital Accounting Community of Practice (Africa NCA-CoP) Secretariat, previously managed by the World Bank.

The move, announced at the Africa Climate Summit 2.0 in Addis Ababa, positions the Bank to lead efforts in integrating natural capital into national policies, economic planning, and climate-resilient investments across Africa.

A statement by the bank stated the Secretariat will operate from AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan and coordinate implementation of the Africa NCA-CoP strategy, mobilise resources, and expand capacity building in partnership with UNECA, the African Union, and other stakeholders.

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“With this step, the Bank is prioritizing natural capital as a driver of inclusive and climate-resilient development,” said Fred Kabanda, Manager of AfDB’s African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Bank’s Natural Resources Management and Investment Action Plan (2025–2029) and its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033).

Launched in 2020, the Africa NCA-CoP has over 500 members from 48 countries, promoting data-driven policymaking and knowledge sharing on valuing ecosystems and natural resources.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.