Eritrea Steps into the Climate Finance Spotlight with COMESA ASCENT
In the heart of Asmara, against the backdrop of the National Consultation Workshop on ASCENT GREEN, Eritrea took a decisive step toward shaping its climate future. On December 5th, 2025, the country’s Minister of Land, Water and Environment, Hon. Tesfai Ghebreselassie, welcomed a delegation from the COMESA ASCENT Project led by Dr. Malama Chileshe, Project Coordinator. The meeting was more than a courtesy call—it was a signal of Eritrea’s readiness to embrace innovative climate finance solutions and align with regional ambitions for sustainable energy access.
“Eritrea is ready to work hand in hand with regional partners to advance the green agenda.” — Hon. Tesfai Ghebreselassie
The ASCENT team, including Dr. Derick Ndimbwa, Carbon Finance Expert, and Ms. Ireen Simonga, Administrative Assistant, joined forces with Eritrean officials, among them Mr. Kibrom Weldegebriel, Acting Director General in the Ministry.
Together, they explored how the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—through a proposal jointly advanced by COMESA and the World Bank—could unlock new opportunities. Discussions spanned results-based financing, risk mitigation, private sector participation, and carbon credit mechanisms, painting a picture of how climate finance can be harnessed to power renewable energy projects, boost efficiency, and protect vulnerable communities.
“Climate finance is not just about numbers—it’s about resilience, opportunity, and transformation,” Dr. Chileshe said.
For Eritrea, the engagement was more than technical—it was symbolic. Minister Ghebreselassie reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to collaborate with COMESA and development partners, underscoring a vision of resilience and green growth. His remarks echoed a broader regional momentum toward climate-smart development, where partnerships and innovative financing are seen as the keys to unlocking sustainable futures.
The ASCENT GREEN program, as part of COMESA’s broader climate strategy, is designed to weave climate action into the fabric of regional development. By ensuring member states gain access to innovative financing solutions, ASCENT is not only accelerating energy access but also reshaping the narrative of climate resilience in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Eritrea’s engagement marks a fundamental moment, one where ambition meets opportunity, and where regional collaboration could light the path to a low-carbon, sustainable future.“ASCENT GREEN is about turning ambition into action—making climate goals achievable for all member states,” Stated Dr. Derick Ndimbwa
