# CAPE - FSD Africa > In partnership with: Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) Empowering high-integrity and high-impact, nature-based projects across africa. Explore CAPE About CAPE Empowering High-Integrity and High-Impact, Nature-Based Projects Across Africa --- ## Pages - [Home](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/): In partnership with: Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) Empowering high-integrity and high-impact, nature-based projects across africa. Explore CAPE... - [Projects](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/living-lab/projects/) - [About](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/about/): THE CHALLENGE Addressing Africa’s Biodiversity and Carbon Financing Gap A Continent of Untapped Potential. Africa’s natural capital is being depleted... - [Living Lab](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/living-lab/): Sharing Knowledge, Scaling Impact A core principle of CAPE is that success should be shared. The challenges facing nature-based projects... - [Applications](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/applications/): The Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) provides project development support and transaction advisory services to accelerate high-integrity, nature-based... - [Contact Us](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/contact-us/): GET IN TOUCH Do you have questions or need additional support? For general inquiries about CAPE, our programme, or partnerships,... - [News & Events](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/living-lab/news-events/): Home CAPE – FSD Africa Resources News & Events - [Resources](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/living-lab/resources/): Home CAPE – FSD Africa Resources News & Events In-Depth Resources for Carbon Market Stakeholders Explore our library of practical... --- ## Posts - [Ethiopian land restoration projects for CAPE](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/three-pioneering-ethiopian-land-restoration-projects-picked-for-uk-backed-cape-accelerator-programme/): Three pioneering Ethiopian land restoration projects picked for UK-backed CAPE accelerator programme The Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE)... - [Four Pioneering Projects Chosen to Advance High-Integrity Carbon Markets in Africa](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/four-pioneering-projects-chosen-to-advance-high-integrity-carbon-markets-in-africa/): The Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) has officially selected its first cohort, advancing four outstanding nature-based projects towards... - [The State of Carbon Markets in Africa | Financing Africa’s Future Podcast](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/the-state-of-carbon-markets-in-africa-financing-africas-future-podcast/): In the very first episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, host Kaara Wainaina speaks with Reshma Shah, Lead, Carbon... - [Gashaka Gumti Forest Carbon Project](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/gashaka-gumti/): Gashaka Gumti is Nigeria’s largest and most biodiverse national park containing one of West Africa’s last intact montane rainforests. Covering... - [Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/rubeho/): Eden: People + Planet’s Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project protects 260,900 hectares of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains—a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot—while... - [Barotse Rangelands for Restoration](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/barotse-rangelands/): Through the Barotse Rangelands for Restoration Project, Pro Green Earth and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) are partnering to improve... - [Papariko](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/papariko/): Vlinder’s flagship mangrove restoration initiative, Papariko, spans the coastal areas of southeastern Kenya. Operating in Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River... - [Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment CAPE - Launch webinar](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/carbon-accelerator-programme-for-the-environment-cape-launch-webinar/) - [FSD Africa Launches Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE)](https://cape.fsdafrica.org/fsd-africa-launches-carbon-accelerator-programme-for-the-environment-cape-to-unlock-finance-for-high-integrity-nature-based-carbon-projects-in-africa/): FSD Africa Launches Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) to Unlock Finance for High-Integrity Nature-Based Carbon Projects in Africa... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages In partnership with: Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) Empowering high-integrity and high-impact, nature-based projects across africa. Explore CAPE About CAPE Empowering High-Integrity and High-Impact, Nature-Based Projects Across Africa Launched by FSD Africa in partnership with Finance Earth and the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA), CAPE is a pioneering initiative designed to catalyse investment into high-integrity and high impact nature-based carbon and biodiversity projects across Africa. With over 62% of its GDP highly or moderately dependent on natural capital, Africa is highly exposed to climate change and biodiversity loss yet this natural capital faces unsustainable depletion rates. There are currently low levels of investment flowing into nature-based carbon and biodiversity projects with a global annual funding gap of US$ 32. 5 billion. Learn more Featured projects Explore Our Projects Kenya Papariko 1 min read Zambia Barotse Rangelands for Restoration 1 min read Tanzania Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project 1 min read Nigeria Gashaka Gumti Forest Carbon Project 1 min read A Coalition of Expertise Our Partners CAPE’s delivery is powered by the complementary experience of three leading organizations A specialist development agency with over a decade of experience in development finance in Africa. CAPE is an FSD Africa initiative, with funding from UK International Development. An African-led collaborative initiative focused on mobilising private capital for nature-based solutions and building capacity across the continent. A mission-driven social enterprise and FCA-regulated advisory firm that designs and delivers investment solutions for nature- and climate-focused projects globally. BE IN THE KNOW Resources and Insights We are currently working hard to make available information and resources to support CAPE’s stakeholders. Please revisit this page periodically for updates. Podcast The State of Carbon Markets in Africa | Financing Africa’s Future Podcast September 16, 20251 min read Press Release FSD Africa Launches Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) August 14, 20251 min read Webinar Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment CAPE – Launch webinar August 14, 20251 min read Do you have any questions or need additional information? Contact Us --- THE CHALLENGE Addressing Africa’s Biodiversity and Carbon Financing Gap A Continent of Untapped Potential. Africa’s natural capital is being depleted at unsustainable rates, with losses estimated at $195 billion every year. At the same time, 62% of the continent’s GDP is highly or moderately dependent on natural capital, yet there remains a significant funding gap for nature-based carbon and biodiversity projects. Despite the immense opportunity, many promising initiatives seeking to address this issue stall due to the absence of bankable structures, high development costs, and investor risk aversion. OUR SOLUTION A New Approach to Nature-Based Financing CAPE was designed to solve this. Our unique approach targets projects that are technically feasible but have yet to reach financial close. By providing a combination of project development funding and hands-on transaction advisory services, we create investable demonstration cases. Similarly, we aim to build a “living lab” of open-source best practices, helping to replicate and scale high-integrity projects across the continent. How CAPE works By fostering high-quality projects, CAPE seeks to strengthen confidence in African nature-based carbon markets, paving the way for sustainable investment flows. Initial Assessment Eligible projects undergo a comprehensive needs assessment and co-create a tailored support plan. Development & Advisory Support Projects receive recoverable grant funding for project development and transaction advisory services. Investment Readiness With CAPE’s support, projects advance towards financial close, equipped with the resources needed to attract investors. How It Works Tailored Support on the Journey to Investment CAPE offers tailored support to bridge the existing gap that limits a project's ability to reach transaction. We focus on the critical stage of finalising project design and piloting after a feasibility study is complete. Project Development Guidance on MRV techniques for carbon and biodiversity outcomes Developing jurisdiction-specific Project Design Documents (PDDs) Creating benefit-sharing frameworks Developing biodiversity studies Due diligence assessments Legal support Transaction Advisory Creating materials for commercial viability (financial models, pitch decks, business plans) Identifying and engaging with investors Managing investor outreach Building data rooms Modelling and structuring investment terms Supporting project-specific credit ratings A Coalition of Expertise Our Partners CAPE’s delivery is powered by the complementary experience of three leading organizations A specialist development agency with over a decade of experience in development finance in Africa. CAPE is an FSD Africa initiative, with funding from UK International Development. An African-led collaborative initiative focused on mobilising private capital for nature-based solutions and building capacity across the continent. A mission-driven social enterprise and FCA-regulated advisory firm that designs and delivers investment solutions for nature- and climate-focused projects globally. Do you have any questions or need additional information? Contact Us --- Sharing Knowledge, Scaling Impact A core principle of CAPE is that success should be shared. The challenges facing nature-based projects across Africa are common, and the solutions should be too. Our commitment is to building a market for high-integrity nature finance. Our Living Lab is an open resource hub for project developers, investors, carbon credit buyers and policymakers to share practical knowledge and insights. As we work with our cohorts, we will capture and share critical lessons, tools, and best practices to help replicate success and accelerate the growth of Africa’s nature-based economy. Everything here is designed to be used, adapted, and built upon. A Hub for Practitioners What You'll Find Here In-Depth Case Studies Actionable Technical Guides Insightful Investor Briefings Webinars & Event Recaps Featured Resources Explore Our Latest Insights Kenya Papariko Zambia Barotse Rangelands for Restoration Tanzania Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project Nigeria Gashaka Gumti Forest Carbon Project Press Release FSD Africa Launches Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) Webinar Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment CAPE – Launch webinar Explore The Living Lab The Living Lab will be updated with new resources and insights as our work progresses. Check in regularly and be the first to know when new tools, case studies, and application windows are announced. Do you have any questions or need additional information? Contact Us --- The Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) provides project development support and transaction advisory services to accelerate high-integrity, nature-based carbon projects across Africa towards investment. CAPE is being delivered by FSD Africa in partnership with Finance Earth and the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA). Expression of Interest Second Cohort APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED The first cohort of CAPE is already underway, with support being provided to four projects across Africa. We are now pleased to announce that, in partnership with FCDO Ethiopia, we are seeking applications for the next CAPE cohort Carefully review the eligibility criteria below to ensure your project is a fit. By applying, you’ll be considered for tailored support from the CAPE team to strengthen your project’s technical, financial, and impact foundations, and prepare it for investment. Submit an EOI Expression of Interest - First Cohort APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED Carefully review the eligibility criteria below to ensure your project is a fit. Timeline for First Round 27th Nov 2024 EOI Window Applications for CAPE close 15th Jan 2025 Additional information request Deadline for additional information February 2025 Finalisation of shortlisted projects Interviews completed and shortlisted projects agreed April 2025 Announcement of shortlisted projects Finalisation of service requirements with shortlisted projects. Nairobi workshop and commencement of service delivery March 2026 Completion Completion of Project Development and Transaction Advisory service support 27th Nov 2024 EOI Window Applications for CAPE close 15th Jan 2025 Additional information request Deadline for additional information February 2025 Finalisation of shortlisted projects Interviews completed and shortlisted projects agreed April 2025 Announcement of shortlisted projects Finalisation of service requirements with shortlisted projects. Nairobi workshop and commencement of service delivery March 2026 Completion Completion of Project Development and Transaction Advisory service support WHO CAN APPLY TO CAPE? Is Your Project a Fit for CAPE? CAPE prioritises projects that include carbon, biodiversity and social impacts. In addition, CAPE is seeking projects that can show clear pathways to financial viability, evidence of buyer demand, are scalable and/or replicable, can prove adherence to high-standard validation, and are located in an enabling jurisdiction for nature-based initiatives. Projects considered for the second cohort of CAPE will demonstrate: Location Based in Ethiopia Project Type Nature-based carbon projects with strong biodiversity and local community impact potential Development Stage We encourage projects at any stage of their development journey to apply All CAPE Eligible Projects Should: Be nature-based and located in Ethiopia. Have completed a feasibility study. Have identified revenue opportunities (i. e. , carbon credits). CAPE is Particularly Interested In Projects That: Have a clear pathway to financial viability and evidence of buyer demand. Are considering biodiversity and social impact beyond standard requirements (e. g. , CCB). Intend to use a robust standard for validation (e. g. , Verra, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo). Can be scaled and/or replicated. Operate within an enabling jurisdiction. In-Scope Project Types Include: ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation & Restoration) Blue Carbon Peatland & Soil/Agriculture Projects generating Biodiversity Credits FAQs Do I need to commit my own financial resource and a certain amount of staff time? What is that expected to be? All projects that go through CAPE will need to be able to provide an adequate level of input and engagement to allow the agreed project development support and transaction support to take place. This will vary based on the requirements of each project and will form an important part of the co-design phase. There may be scope for CAPE to fund some of this core staff time cost. What will the second stage of the EOI involve? Stage 2 of the EOI will be shared with projects who successfully pass Stage 1 eligibility. It will involve collecting more detailed information and key documentation (e. g. , feasibility study, financial model) from the selected projects. This information will allow us to assess projects against our screening criteria. What types of funding are available? CAPE has grant funding available for projects. This may be on a pure grant basis, or a repayable basis (0% interest loan). The specific structuring of this would be developed during the co-design of project support. Do you have any questions or need additional information? Contact Us --- GET IN TOUCH Do you have questions or need additional support? For general inquiries about CAPE, our programme, or partnerships, please use the form below or contact us via email. For media inquiries, please direct your message to communications@fsdafrica. org address (honeypot) Send FAQs Do I need to commit my own financial resource and a certain amount of staff time? What is that expected to be? All projects that go through CAPE will need to be able to provide an adequate level of input and engagement to allow the agreed project development support and transaction support to take place. This will vary based on the requirements of each project and will form an important part of the co-design phase. There may be scope for CAPE to fund some of this core staff time cost. What will the second stage of the EOI involve? Stage 2 of the EOI will be shared with projects who successfully pass Stage 1 eligibility. It will involve collecting more detailed information and key documentation (e. g. , feasibility study, financial model) from the selected projects. This information will allow us to assess projects against our screening criteria. Are there any countries that are excluded from CAPE? All African countries are eligible for CAPE. In the EOI, projects should outline any political/regulatory/legal risks in their jurisdiction and demonstrate a good understanding of how to mitigate them. What types of funding are available? CAPE has grant funding available for projects. This may be on a pure grant basis, or a repayable basis (0% interest loan). The specific structuring of this would be developed during the co-design of project support. --- Home CAPE - FSD Africa ResourcesNews & Events --- Home CAPE - FSD Africa ResourcesNews & Events In-Depth Resources for Carbon Market Stakeholders Explore our library of practical guides, analysis, and case studies designed to help project developers, investors, and policymakers navigate Africa's evolving carbon landscape. --- --- ## Posts - Categories: Press Release Three pioneering Ethiopian land restoration projects picked for UK-backed CAPE accelerator programme The Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) has selected its first cohort of projects from Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone for community-led land restoration and nature-based carbon solutions in the country. Chosen from more than 40 applications, these initiatives demonstrate strong potential to deliver high-integrity climate, biodiversity, and livelihood outcomes. The cohort includes: AfriScout Regen (Ethiopia): Restoring pastoral rangelands at scale through adaptive grazing practices supported by satellite data and AI, while improving livestock productivity and household incomes. Chifra Landscape Restoration Project (Ethiopia): A community-based initiative in the Afar region using Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) to restore degraded rangelands and generate high-quality carbon credits. The People’s Chaka (Ethiopia): A community-led forest restoration project reversing deforestation in a highly biodiverse ecosystem, with a strong revenue-sharing model to support rural livelihoods. These projects will receive tailored project development and transaction advisory support to help bridge the early-stage funding gap and progress towards investment readiness. Together, they highlight how equitable, community-driven carbon initiatives can deliver scalable solutions for climate mitigation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable economic development. For further details, partner perspectives and full project descriptions, please read the full press release. --- - Categories: Press Release The Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) has officially selected its first cohort, advancing four outstanding nature-based projects towards investment-readiness. Chosen from a competitive field of over 100 applicants across 28 nations, these initiatives in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia represent the forefront of community-led ecosystem restoration. The cohort includes: Gashaka Gumti Forest Carbon Project (Nigeria): A scalable model for forest regeneration. Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project (Tanzania): Protecting a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot. Barotse Rangelands for Restoration (Zambia): Improving rangelands through traditional livelihoods. Papariko Mangroves (Kenya): A pioneering blue carbon initiative with deep community involvement. These projects will receive recoverable grant funding and tailored advisory support to address the critical early-stage funding gap in Africa. They will serve as powerful demonstrations of how to build investable, high-integrity projects that deliver value for climate, nature, and people. For a comprehensive overview, including partner quotes and in-depth project descriptions, please see the full press release attached. Full Press Release Document --- - Categories: Podcast In the very first episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, host Kaara Wainaina speaks with Reshma Shah, Lead, Carbon Markets, FSD Africa, about the state of carbon markets in Africa. Their discussion explores the progress made so far, the challenges that continue to limit growth and the role carbon markets can play in mobilising climate finance for the continent. The Financing Africa’s Future podcast is produced by FSD Africa, a specialist development agency working to build and strengthen financial markets across sub-Saharan Africa. Through this series, we share insights from experts and practitioners who are shaping financial innovation and driving sustainable development. --- - Categories: Nigeria Gashaka Gumti is Nigeria's largest and most biodiverse national park containing one of West Africa’s last intact montane rainforests. Covering approximately 600,000 hectares, this pioneering nature-based carbon project, led by Africa Nature Investors Foundation and Africa Carbon Partners, uses Assisted Natural Regeneration to protect critical ecosystems and species like chimpanzees and pangolins. It targets 12 million tonnes of CO₂e emissions removals while delivering lasting community and biodiversity benefits, secured through a dedicated endowment fund. The project, which involves over 150,000 people in 70 settlements in and around the park, is creating tangible community benefits at the same time as reducing pressures on the park. CAPE selected Gashaka Gumti for its scalability and replicability to other national parks. As one of the first nature-based carbon projects in Nigeria, the team is setting the standard for best practice in the development of high-quality carbon initiatives in Nigeria’s emerging nature-based carbon market. --- - Categories: Tanzania Eden: People + Planet's Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project protects 260,900 hectares of Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains—a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot—while restoring 10,000 hectares of degraded afromontane forest. This transformative 40-year initiative safeguards the headwaters of both the Wami and Great Ruaha Rivers—critical catchments that support downstream communities, drive national hydropower generation, and underpin food and water security for millions. As pressure on these resources grows, including from rapidly expanding cities like Dar es Salaam, the Rubeho forests may play an increasingly strategic role in ensuring national resilience. The project aims to create sustainable livelihoods for over 90,000 community members across 40 villages, and aims to deliver 14 million tonnes of CO₂e combined emission reductions and removals. By addressing a 10-year deforestation rate of 6% - exceeding Tanzania’s national average - the project seeks to demonstrate how community-centred conservation can protect ancient forests that shelter endemic species and sustain essential ecosystem services at landscape scale. --- - Categories: Zambia Through the Barotse Rangelands for Restoration Project, Pro Green Earth and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) are partnering to improve grassland quality, productivity, and biodiversity through community-driven rangeland management and traditional cattle-based livelihoods in Western Province, Zambia. Partnering with traditional leadership and local institutions, Pro Green Earth is leveraging climate finance to generate locally-led economic growth, expand sustainable use of natural resources, enhance the Barotse floodplains’ ability to provide ecosystem services, and support the Barotse people's ability to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The project aims to generate an estimated 30 million tonnes of CO₂e removals over its 40-year lifetime. CAPE has selected the Barotse Rangelands project as it showcases how large-scale carbon projects can be developed jointly with community, governmental and private stakeholders to deliver long-term impact. --- - Categories: Kenya Vlinder’s flagship mangrove restoration initiative, Papariko, spans the coastal areas of southeastern Kenya. Operating in Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River Counties, the project has to date restored more than 250 hectares of degraded mangroves while improving livelihoods for vulnerable communities, and aims to deliver an estimated 1 million tonnes of CO₂e removals. The Papariko project is Kenya’s first registered blue carbon initiative on Verra's registry and the only mangrove restoration project worldwide to achieve certification under Verra’s VCS, CCB, and SD VISta standards. Co-designed and co-managed with local stakeholders, the project aims to strengthen resilience through new income opportunities such as agroforestry, beekeeping, and ecotourism, with over 70% of local staff being women. By combining indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge science, Papariko aims to safeguard biodiversity, enhances fisheries, and protect communities from extreme weather. CAPE selected Papariko for its governance structure with deep community involvement, its demonstrated impact to date and its potential to provide a scalable and replicable model for blue carbon initiatives worldwide. Mangrove restoration is emerging as one of the most powerful nature-based solutions to address climate change, biodiversity loss and community resilience. In this video, we speak with Tom Kagerer, CEO of Vlinder, about the Papariko Blue Carbon Project in Kenya, part of the first cohort of the Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE), launched by FSD Africa, Finance Earth and the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA). The Papariko Project is restoring 1,500 hectares of mangroves along Kenya’s coast, with 260 hectares already completed in partnership with over 300 local community members. A defining feature of the project is that 40% of carbon revenues are shared directly with local communities, supporting initiatives such as table banking, community halls, eco-tourism development and alternative livelihoods. Recognised as Verra’s first certified blue carbon project in Kenya, and the first worldwide to achieve all three Verra standards (VCS, CCB and SDVista), Papariko is setting a new benchmark for high-integrity carbon credits and sustainable blue carbon solutions. This conversation highlights how blue carbon projects in Africa can deliver both environmental and socio-economic benefits, while attracting the investment needed to close the global nature finance gap. --- - Categories: Press Release FSD Africa Launches Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) to Unlock Finance for High-Integrity Nature-Based Carbon Projects in Africa FSD Africa is proud to announce the launch of The Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE), a pioneering initiative designed to catalyse investment into high-integrity nature-based carbon projects across Africa. CAPE addresses two critical challenges: the lack of investment flow into projects that tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, and the need to build confidence in Africa’s nature-based markets. The programme aims to provide direct support to projects that have significant potential but are struggling to secure full funding. By leveraging a combination of high-quality carbon credits and biodiversity improvements, CAPE seeks to demonstrate that there is a viable commercial business case for investors while offering a solution to integrity challenges in nature-based markets. CAPE will be delivered in partnership with Finance Earth, a leading independent impact investment advisory firm, as the implementing partner, and the Africa Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA), a collaborative coalition focused on mobilising private capital for nature-based solutions in Africa, as a core partner. Nature-based carbon project developers are invited to register interest in the programme following this link, to receive an Expression of Interest form in the coming days. Following the selection process, CAPE will deliver project development funding and technical support to up to 5 projects for a year from Spring 2025. Read full article here --- ---