The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) was established in 2011 by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Town as a strategic initiative, to “facilitate and substantially extend climate change research and education at UCT with the specific context of addressing the development challenges of Africa from an African perspective”. We aspire to take UCT’s work in climate change and development to new heights and into new spheres of influence to achieve enhanced impact and ensure climate compatible and resilient development pathways into the future.