UN 
On Tuesday morning in Kinshasa, environmental NGOs learned that the UK government has formally withdrawn tens of millions of pounds from conservation and development projects in the Congo Basin. The funding, estimated at £50 million, was earmarked for climate mitigation and community support in the world’s second-largest rainforest—a region critical to Africa’s carbon balance and biodiversity.
Officials from the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), which coordinates donor support to the region, confirmed the cancellation affects several projects intended to run through 2026. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office cited ‘strategic reprioritization’ for the move, but local partners say the decision disrupts both forest protection efforts and livelihoods for thousands of Congolese families.
The Congo Basin, spanning six countries and over 180 million hectares, stores an estimated 30 billion tonnes of carbon. The UK’s original pledge was a linchpin of CAFI’s $500 million funding pool, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Without the UK share, project leads at the Rainforest Foundation UK warn that targets for deforestation reduction and community land rights by 2026 are now at risk.
Carbon market analysts in London note the withdrawal comes amid a summer spike in global carbon prices and renewed scrutiny of donor-country climate finance credibility. While the UK government says it remains committed to ‘nature-based solutions,’ watchdog groups, including Global Witness, have flagged the move as potential greenwashing, with little immediate evidence of alternative support for forest communities.
With heatwaves gripping European capitals and the Congo’s dry season in full swing, regional policymakers are calling for urgent replacement funding. The next CAFI donor coordination meeting, scheduled for late July 2026, is expected to focus on bridging the financial gap and recalibrating progress metrics for the coming two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the UK halt £50 million in funding for Congo Basin rainforest projects?
The UK government cited ‘strategic reprioritization’ as the reason for withdrawing the £50 million in funding.
What projects are affected by the UK’s funding cut in the Congo Basin?
Several conservation and development projects coordinated by the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) and intended to run through 2026 are affected.
How much carbon does the Congo Basin rainforest store?
The Congo Basin stores an estimated 30 billion tonnes of carbon.
What are the potential impacts of the UK’s funding withdrawal on Congo Basin conservation targets?
The funding cut jeopardizes targets for deforestation reduction and community land rights by 2026.
When is the next CAFI donor meeting to address the funding gap?
The next CAFI donor coordination meeting is scheduled for late July 2026.
