Across East and Southern Africa and the Arab States, UNCDF works in 16+ countries, specifically in some of the world's most dynamic, underserved, and climate-vulnerable markets to unlock capital where it is needed most. Through catalytic finance, blended finance solutions, and technical advisory support, UNCDF partners with governments, financial institutions, development partners, UN agencies, and the private sector to expand access to finance and build more inclusive and resilient economies.

Our work focuses on increasing access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), advancing digital financial inclusion, strengthening food systems, supporting climate adaptation and resilience, and mobilizing investment for sustainable local development. Through guarantees, concessional loans, grants, investment readiness support, and innovative financing mechanisms, UNCDF helps reduce investment risks, crowd in private capital, and create pathways for long-term market growth.

Operating across Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), fragile contexts, and frontier markets, UNCDF supports entrepreneurs, financial institutions, local governments, and communities that are often excluded from traditional sources of finance. Particular focus is placed on women, youth, smallholder farmers, refugees, cross-border traders, and climate-vulnerable populations to create jobs, strengthen livelihoods, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

The latest from the region

Our projects in the region

FinWise (2026–2029)

FinWise is UNCDF's flagship US$62 million MSME finance programme operating across Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Through grants, concessional loans, guarantees, and advisory services, the programme expands access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women- and youth-led businesses, agribusinesses, refugees, cross-border traders, and digital entrepreneurs. Working with financial institutions, fintechs, governments, and development partners, FinWise helps strengthen local financial markets, unlock private capital, and create pathways for inclusive and sustainable economic growth across East Africa. The programme also supports digital financial inclusion, innovation ecosystems, and market development initiatives that enable underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses to access the capital and services they need to grow and create jobs.

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Food Systems Innovation Finance Facility (2025–2027)

Supported by the Bayer Foundation, the Food Systems Innovation Finance Facility (FSIFF) is a global investment vehicle that mobilizes catalytic capital for innovative food systems enterprises operating in underserved markets. Through concessional loans, guarantees, and partnerships with local financial institutions, the facility supports businesses that improve food security, strengthen agricultural value chains, and enhance smallholder farmer livelihoods. The facility operates across Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, with initial investments deployed in Uganda and Kenya. The programme aims to crowd in additional capital for enterprises delivering sustainable and inclusive food systems solutions.

Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility – Private Window (LoCAL+)

The Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility – Private Window (LoCAL+) is a global financing initiative designed to mobilize private-sector investment for climate adaptation and resilience. Building on UNCDF’s internationally recognized LoCAL framework, the facility deploys guarantees, loans, and other tailored financial products to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the green economy. LoCAL+ supports investments across Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and African countries, helping to crowd in domestic and international capital for locally led climate adaptation. Current implementation includes support to climate adaptation efforts in countries such as Uganda and Tanzania, while the facility continues to expand its footprint globally.

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Digital Finance for Resilience (DFS4Res) (2021–2026)

Funded by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Digital Finance for Resilience (DFS4Res) programme supports the development of inclusive digital finance ecosystems across Ethiopia, Gabon, Malawi, Niger, Trinidad and Tobago, the Eastern Caribbean, and Pacific Island countries. Through policy and regulatory reform, digital payments, digital wallets, agent networks, and fintech innovation, the programme expands access to financial services for women, youth, and MSMEs while strengthening economic resilience and accelerating digital transformation. Since its launch, DFS4Res has supported digital finance reforms, ecosystem development, and innovative financial solutions aimed at reaching more than 600,000 low-income beneficiaries across participating countries and regions.

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ReStart Fund (2025- ongoing)

The ReStart Fund is a joint UNDP–UNCDF global financing platform that supports early recovery and economic resilience in fragile and crisis-affected contexts. Through grants, concessional loans, guarantees, and technical assistance, the Fund helps MSMEs, financial institutions, and local economies recover from conflict, climate shocks, and other crises. Operating through country and regional windows, ReStart bridges the gap between humanitarian response and long-term development by restoring access to finance, sustaining livelihoods, and mobilizing investment for resilient recovery. Current country windows include Syria, Jamaica, and the State of Palestine.

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