AFD's €4.5 Billion Investment in India Boosts Climate Action and Gender Equality
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is making significant strides in India, with a substantial portion of its projects focused on combating climate change and promoting gender equality. Since 2008, AFD has invested €4.5 billion across various sectors, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.
AFD's initiatives span across urban development, forestry, and energy sectors. In urban areas, AFD has supported metro lines in six cities - Pune, Hyderabad, Surat, Kochi, Chennai, and Bhopal - aiming to improve mobility for 2.8 million people. Additionally, it aims to provide access to clean water to one million people and add 80,000 hectares of natural forest through its projects.
AFD's urban planning projects also focus on resilience. In Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, it strengthens territories by integrating flood risks and early warning systems. Moreover, it promotes sustainable water resource management and improves access to water and sanitation services, supporting the creation of inclusive, livable, and low-carbon cities.
In the forestry sector, AFD has been supporting Assam since 2012, financing afforestation, biodiversity protection, and community livelihood projects. In Rajasthan, it supports the Forestry and Biodiversity conservation project, aiming to restore 72,000 hectares of land and improve climate change resilience.
AFD also plays a significant role in India's energy transition. It finances hydroelectric projects and partners with agencies for renewable energy and electric mobility projects. Furthermore, it supports the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain programme, funding 11 pilot projects across Indian cities in partnership with the EU.
With more than half of its portfolio dedicated to sustainable urban development and a significant portion of its projects contributing to climate change mitigation and gender equality, AFD's commitment to India's sustainable future is evident. Its €4.5 billion investment since 2008 has spanned across agriculture, disaster risk management, and energy transition, reflecting a holistic approach to development.
