Nairobi, Kenya, 24 November 2025 – The African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), the leading pan-African multilateral development insurer, has officially published its Climate Change Policy, marking a significant step in aligning its operations with global climate goals and Africa’s sustainable development agenda.
Approved by the Board of Directors in 2025, the policy outlines ATIDI’s comprehensive framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, manage climate-related risks and increase its support for climate conscious investments, and support a just energy transition in Africa. The Policy will be reviewed at least every three years, or earlier if necessary.
As a major enabler of trade and investment across Africa, ATIDI plays a vital role in shaping the financial landscape of the region. The Climate Change Policy is guided by the principles of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and supports the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of its Member States.
The Policy outlines ATIDI’s commitment to:
- Reducing internal GHG emissions and aligning its operations with low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathways.
- Mainstreaming climate risk assessment into its business operations, including underwriting, risk analysis and product design.
- Supporting clean energy projects by increasing financing and insurance for renewable energy.
- Tracking and reporting emissions, including Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions, in line with global standards such as the GHG Protocol and PCAF insurance industry guidelines.
- Encouraging clients, especially those in carbon-intensive sectors, to monitor and reduce their emissions, with emphasis on voluntary carbon market participation.
Key Commitments include:
- Support for energy projects will be guided by ESG principles, ensuring alignment with sustainable development and energy transition goals
- Prioritized support for renewable energy sectors such as hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal and bioenergy
- Annual reporting on GHG emissions and policy implementation
- Integration of climate risks into ESG assessments and business decisions
- Development of a Climate Risk Assessment Framework to guide due diligence and transaction screening
“Africa faces disproportionate impacts from climate change. With this Policy, ATIDI is not only safeguarding its business but is actively contributing to building climate resilience and unlocking climate-aligned investment opportunities across the continent,” noted Clement Yapo, ATIDI’s Senior ESG Officer.
ATIDI’s Chief Executive Officer, Manuel Moses, stated as well “Our climate change policy sets out the requirements for managing climate-related risks across our portfolio. It calls on us to increase our contribution to combating climate change through the transactions we cover. This Policy reinforces our commitment to playing a major role in efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Africa.”
Recognizing Africa’s unique energy and development challenges, ATIDI’s approach is both pragmatic and inclusive. The organization is committed to supporting Member States in achieving energy access and security while also promoting climate-resilient investments. The Policy provides for exceptions where projects are of strategic development importance, with built-in safeguards and client commitments to climate mitigation or resilience.
A robust internal framework is in place to ensure that climate-related risks and opportunities are systematically integrated across ATIDI’s business lines.
About ATIDI
ATIDI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATIDI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATIDI has supported USD88 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. For over a decade, ATIDI has maintained an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard & Poor’s, and in 2019, ATIDI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody’s, which has now been upgraded to A2/Stable. In recognition of its growing impact, ATIDI was named the Development Finance Institution (DFI) of the Year at the 2025 African Banker Awards.
