Axum

Climate-Positive Development

We advance approaches that reduce environmental risk while generating opportunities for growth.

By aligning climate action with social and economic priorities, Axum supports pathways that protect natural ecosystems and build resilient futures for communities.

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Climate Smart Forest Economy Program

Climate Smart Forest Economy Program

Challenge Forest ecosystems in the Global South face deforestation, degradation, and economic underutilization. At the same time, local housing deficits and economic needs persist, creating pressure to extract rather than conserve. Solution Established in 2020, the Climate Smart Forest Economy Program (CSFEP) partners with various stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South to develop regional forest product industries. The program employs a forest-first, collaborative approach ensuring forest product industries: Reverse deforestation trends by providing sustainable management revenue Build resilient, climate-smart, regenerative forest economies with accessible biobased materials Create local small businesses and sustainable green jobs along value chains Breakthrough initiatives include co-designing Bhutan's climate-smart forest economy, supporting timber construction startups in Kenya and Uganda, and partnering with Cassa Guatemala on bamboo housing in climate-vulnerable communities. An East Africa Coalition convenes stakeholders across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in the biobased construction sector. Fiscally sponsored by Dalberg Catalyst; Devang Vussonji serves on CSFEP's Advisory Council. Impact CSFEP is building momentum for climate-smart forest economies that prioritize both ecological integrity and community prosperity.

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Biodiversity Investments–Researcher and Accelerator (BIRA)

Biodiversity Investments–Researcher and Accelerator (BIRA)

Challenge Africa is home to 25% of the world's biodiversity but receives less than 6% of global conservation financing. This disconnect leaves high-impact, on-the-ground conservation efforts underfunded and disconnected from capital markets. Solution In response, Axum and partners launched BIRA, Africa's first biodiversity accelerator. Initially funded by FSD Africa Investments and now incubated by SITU, BIRA is a coalition that includes the African Leadership University's School of Wildlife Conservation, CreditNature, Xilva, and Axum. Together, the coalition supports nature-positive enterprises through pipeline development, ecosystem valuation, and innovative financing instruments. Key components include: The Accelerator Funders' Circle Buyers' Club Communities of Practice Executive Training Impact BIRA is bridging the gap between conservation practice and investment by aggregating, supporting, and de-risking ventures with strong environmental and community outcomes.

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African Green Food Systems Investment Catalyst

African Green Food Systems Investment Catalyst

Challenge Africa's food systems face increasing pressure from climate change, underinvestment, and fragmented value chains, all of which threaten food security, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihoods. Solution The initiative develops investment-ready materials including food system strategies and costed value chain plans. It mobilizes investment through global showcases and SME financing, plus implementation support via capacity building and analytics. Impact By aligning climate, nutrition, and economic outcomes, the Catalyst is helping build food systems that are more regenerative, productive, and inclusive.

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Sounds Right

Sounds Right

Challenge Conservation efforts often face difficulties securing long-term funding, while the cultural sector remains an untapped force for environmental action and investment. Solution Axum partnered with the Museum for the United Nations (UN Live) and EarthPercent to launch Sounds Right, a global music initiative that recognizes the value of nature and channels music royalties into conservation. The team refined the impact model, designed fund governance, identified ecosystems for focus, and engaged artists and music industry partners across Africa. Impact Sounds Right is pioneering a new way for the creative sector to support conservation by using music's global influence to inspire collective action and generate sustainable funding for nature.

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Gender Links

Gender Links

Challenge Gender Links aimed to strengthen its organizational planning and improve its positioning as a leading provider of Gender Integration (GI) services across Africa. To do this effectively, the organization needed a clear picture of its internal capabilities, strategic gaps, and areas for improvement. Solution Axum partnered with Gender Links to conduct an internal organizational effectiveness assessment. Using a tailored framework grounded in best practices and Gender Links' existing approaches, the process included stakeholder consultations, staff surveys, and field visits to ensure a comprehensive review of the organization's strengths and gaps. Impact The assessment led to a set of priority recommendations and the development of a detailed five-year action plan. This roadmap is helping Gender Links align its strategy, operations, and internal systems with its long-term goals for regional leadership in GI services.

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Empowering Creatives to Tell the African Story

Empowering Creatives to Tell the African Story

Challenge Historically, international media has marginalized voices from the global south, leading to biased perspectives and limited representation. Yet, empowering underrepresented communities in the film industry presents an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion in storytelling. Solution Axum supported partners in designing and implementing a creative equity scholarship initiative for West and Central Africa, distributing funds among 52 film students across Benin, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria. Financial support covered tuition and stipends while creating industry networking opportunities. Impact Disbursed over US$400,000 of funds over two years, enabling 52 students from 5 universities in West and Central Africa to benefit from financial aid, building the next generation of African storytellers.

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Alliance for Health Financing in Africa (AHFIA)

Alliance for Health Financing in Africa (AHFIA)

Challenge Many African countries face persistent challenges in financing healthcare systems that are accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Gaps between health and finance sectors have limited the ability to create integrated solutions that can scale. Solution Axum launched the Alliance for Health Financing in Africa (AHFIA) in November 2024, with support from the Gates Foundation, to help address these structural gaps. AHFIA brings together governments, financial institutions, and development partners to co-design innovative funding mechanisms and advance policy, investment, and implementation efforts that strengthen health systems. Impact By bridging the health-finance divide, AHFIA is enabling countries to design and scale more inclusive and resilient health financing models. The initiative supports stronger health systems, improved economic resilience, and greater access to care across the continent.

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