The Canopy Trust Project, implemented by the Catalytic Finance Foundation, is a blended finance initiative designed to mobilize large-scale private investment for deforestation-free value chains in the Congo Basin. Launched in 2025, the project aims to attract at least USD 500 million in private capital by 2035 by using public funds as first-loss capital to de-risk investments and make sustainable projects bankable. It focuses on sectors such as agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and infrastructure, supporting projects that reduce deforestation while improving livelihoods. The facility provides technical assistance, concessional loans, guarantees, and performance-based incentives to catalyse green investments. Initial CAFI and donor commitments exceed USD 87 million, enabling pilot projects like integrated agroforestry systems in the DRC that combine charcoal production and cassava processing to curb slash-and-burn practices and cut emissions by up to 90%. The project aims to deliver climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and inclusive economic growth.
Canopy Trust combines technical assistance and catalytic finance to prepare and finance projects that reduce deforestation in Central Africa. It supports sustainable agriculture, forestry and energy solutions, and seeks to attract additional investment through direct project financing and investments in funds.

