The 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa convened in Abidjan, bringing together a diverse group of leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss solutions for the continent’s pressing climate challenges.
Held alongside the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment special meeting ahead of COP 29 in Baku, the conference aims to unite leaders, policymakers, experts, and advocates to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and forge strategic partnerships that will accelerate Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
In his opening address, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Environment, Jacques Assahoré Konan, underscored the magnitude of the climate crisis.
“Combating climate change is the greatest challenge humanity has faced in the last century,” he said.
He highlighted the disproportionate impact on Africa, which contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet bears the brunt of climate-related consequences.
“Adaptation to these adverse effects is a major concern for Africa, and securing adequate financing is key. The theme of this conference, ‘Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Africa,’ and the expertise gathered here offer a beacon of hope for the continent,” he said.
Economic Commission for Africa Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist, Hanan Morsy, emphasised the critical shortfall in climate finance.
“Despite the 2009 pledge of $100 billion annually, only a fraction of the estimated $1.3 trillion needed to support global climate resilience has been mobilised. The decline in global climate finance for adaptation, rather than the expected doubling by 2025, poses a serious threat to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and existing resilience investments,” she noted.
Morsy called for innovative financing solutions that do not exacerbate Africa’s debt burden, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to channel investments into adaptation efforts.
She also stressed the importance of developing strong public-private partnerships and engaging stakeholders at all levels to scale up adaptation investments.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, Josefa Correia Sacko, highlighted the immense financial requirements for Africa’s climate commitments.
“African countries will need approximately US$3 trillion to fully implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030. However, securing adequate financing for climate action remains a significant challenge. That is why we are gathered here today—to deliberate on key actions, and strategies, and to solidify Africa’s position as we assess the outcomes of COP 28 and chart our course forward for COP 29 in November this year in Baku, Azerbaijan,” Sacko said.
She further emphasised the need for unity in the continent’s approach, saying, “I urge all of us to speak with one collective voice as we prepare for COP 29. Our focus must be on mobilising climate finance at scale for Africa, with a clear emphasis on securing grants rather than loans or debt. We must prioritise financing for impactful projects and ensure that carbon markets work in our favour.”
Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, Anthony Nyong, highlighted the need for recognition and compensation for Africa’s significant contributions to global mitigation efforts.
“Our priority must be fostering climate-resilient development while balancing adaptation with climate-informed investments. However, this can only be achieved with adequate financing, technology transfer, and capacity building, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities,” he stated.
The Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa will focus on critical themes such as climate finance, green growth, climate justice, and regional cooperation.
The conference provides a vital platform for African leaders, policymakers, and experts to collaborate on strategies that will guide the continent towards a sustainable and resilient future.
As the conference unfolds, it is expected to catalyse bold actions and commitments that will not only address Africa’s immediate climate challenges but also secure a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.
The 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa is convened annually ahead of the annual global Conference of the Parties (COP) by a coalition of partnerships known as ClimDev-Africa which includes the African Union Commission, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the African Development Bank.
It is organised in collaboration with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance and other regional institutions. This year, it is being hosted by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire from August 30 to September 2, 2024.
