The CO-CAT (Climate-focused Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool) project is a pan-African initiative that supports universities in strengthening their capacity to undertake climate adaptation research that delivers meaningful societal impact. African universities play a critical role in generating locally relevant knowledge and translating research into practical solutions that enhance resilience to climate change. Through a virtual living lab approach, the project works collaboratively with 20 universities and a diverse range of stakeholders involved in transdisciplinary climate adaptation research. Together, they are co-creating and piloting an organizational capacity assessment tool that examines key institutional dimensions, including governance, research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, partnerships, and policy influence. Beyond developing the assessment tool, the project will produce implementation guidelines, case studies, and practical lessons that enable universities to strengthen their institutional systems for climate adaptation research. These outputs will help position African universities to lead impactful climate research while informing funders and development partners on effective approaches to institutional capacity strengthening. The project forms part of the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) initiative, a UK–Canada research programme that supports socially inclusive and sustainable action to build resilience to climate change and natural hazards across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.