UN Capital Development Fund

1966. The @UN General Assembly created the Capital Development Fund with a singular purpose: to unlock finance where risks are high and capital is scarce, first and foremost in LDCs. The challenges are immense. But so is the opportunity.

The Resident Coordinator system, pooling joint UN capacities and catalytic mechanisms such as the @JointSDGFund, is demonstrating how the UN is a vital facilitator of financing ecosystems for small island states. Read more ⬇️

Climate risk data exists. Pilots work. Finance instruments are there. So why isn't adaptation scaling? UNCDF and SINTEF unpacked that this week. 📺🔗 Watch here ➡️ bit.ly/42dxwsc @DKinUganda

Large institutions like @UN can feel distant, until you see how much of the work is carried out by local people. With @UNCDF in #Uganda 🇺🇬, Decimon’s local expertise led him to his UNV role. Now he coordinates 20+ climate adaptation investments in Gulu. unv.org/Success-storie…

📢 Calling qualified applicants UNDP and @UNCDF are seeking a Climate Risk Insurance Consultant in Papua New Guinea. 📥Apply now zurl.co/gQCH9

What will it take to scale finance for women-led small businesses? 🔍 Last week in Kampala, entrepreneurs, fintechs, regulators & investors sat down to explore. 🤝 Part of 10X Programme with @OutboxHub, @wituganda and @refactory_acad, in partnership with the @MastercardFdn.

The perception of risk in Africa is higher than the actual risk. UNCDF Senior Advisor Mita Samani made that point in a conversation with @cnbcafrica, speaking about the first two investments made in partnership with Bayer Foundation. 📺 Watch here: bit.ly/424ydUJ

With the right mix of public support and targeted engagement, private investment can help scale climate adaptation efforts where they are needed the most. Learn more ⬇️

Agriculture drives Africa's growth. The financing doesn't reflect that. 🌱 This week, UNCDF, @AGRA_Africa, and the @AGF_Group convened partners for a dialogue on solutions that can unlock sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural finance at scale.

At a media round table today, 🇪🇺Ambassador @JanSadek had the pleasure of joining @TourismBoardUg Ag Deputy ED @MachellSamora to formally introduce the #PearlofAfricaTourismAwards2026, a platform built to honour the excellence, innovation, & sustainability shaping 🇺🇬's tourism.

Uganda scales local climate action as LoCAL expands to 24 districts 🌱 Uganda is accelerating locally led climate adaptation through the UNCDF's flagship LoCAL programme. @MoLGUganda @EU_Commission, @BelgiumMFA, @DanishMFA, @DKinUganda, @dfatirl, @ndcpartnership

"By working with China Development Bank and @UNDP, UNCDF aims to reduce risks for lenders, support early-stage SME financing, and build models that attract more commercial investment to underserved businesses across Africa" Learn more ⬇️

The Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility is a Government of Uganda programme, implemented by @MoLGUganda with support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund. It enables districts to access climate finance &respond directly to the impacts of climate change.

🔍 Evidence from MSME finance in fragile and conflict-affected settings, as well as efforts to expand opportunities for women-owned businesses in Afghanistan, shows that progress is sustained by strengthening the systems that connect capital, institutions, and markets.

💬 In a recent dialogue co-hosted by UNCDF and the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations during the Financing for Development Forum in New York, one message came through clearly: lasting impact requires a systems approach.

"Having them participate in the digital space does change their lives." 💬 Shamim Nampijja is making that happen in Uganda with the 10x Programme. 🎥 Watch her story. @refactory_acad, @OutboxHub, @wituganda, @MastercardFdn

"At first, I was just trying to survive. Now I think like a businessperson." Jane fled South Sudan in 2016. Today she runs an agribusiness in Uganda. 📺 Watch her story: bit.ly/3OHKECOhttps:/… @WFP @MastercardFdn

UN Fiji met Pacific Blue Foundation to explore collaboration on the Beqa Yanuca Seascape—leveraging nature-based solutions, community partnerships & AI to protect reefs and livelihoods. #BluePacific2050 #Fiji

We listen. We partner. We deliver. In 2025 alone, 1.1 billion people in 170 countries gained better services, governance and economic opportunities. More in our Annual Report: annualreport.undp.org

In Kiribati, Meri used to spend a full day traveling and waiting to collect her payment. 📲 Now it arrives in her bank account. Digital finance. Real change. @UNDP_Pacific With support from @EU_Commission, @dfat, @MFATNZ

300+ applications. 33 selected. 93% co-led by women. 🤝 The FinWise Acceleration Program, with @EDI_Ethiopia, in Ethiopia is backing the fintechs building financial services for people who've never had them.