Africa Climate Talks call for credible implementation on the road to COP32

African climate leaders, negotiators, policymakers and partners kicked off the 7th Africa Climate Talks with a strong call to move the global climate agenda from commitments to credible implementation.

Held under the theme “Africa’s Road to COP32: From Commitments to Credible Implementation,” the meeting comes at a decisive moment for global climate action, as countries prepare for COP31 in Türkiye and COP32, which will be hosted by Ethiopia in 2027.

Addressing the opening session, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, said COP32 must be a turning point for restoring trust in the multilateral climate system.

“COP32 will be a defining test of credibility,” Gatete said. “A test of whether we can move from commitments to results. A test of whether trust in the multilateral system can be restored through delivery. And a test of whether Africa’s priorities will finally be matched with action at scale.”

Gatete noted that climate impacts are worsening faster than current responses, with rising temperatures, floods, droughts, unpredictable weather and sea-level rise threatening food security, water supply, infrastructure and public finances across Africa.

Although Africa contributes less than 4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the region’s most vulnerable to climate change.

African countries require an estimated US$277 billion annually until 2030 to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions, yet the continent currently receives only about 11 per cent of the financing required.

“This is where the narrative must change,” Gatete said. 

“To define Africa solely by vulnerability would be to miss the full picture. The continent also offers significant solutions, from abundant renewable energy resources and rich biodiversity to a young population driving innovation and green growth.”

The 7th Africa Climate Talks, convened by the African Climate Policy Centre of ECA in collaboration with ClimDevAfrica partners, aims to consolidate Africa’s post-COP30 climate agenda and refine the continent’s approach to COP31 and COP32.

The discussions will focus on climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, the Global Stocktake, just transitions, carbon markets, trade and climate, and the role of climate action in advancing Africa’s structural transformation.

Participants are expected to develop analytical and technical inputs to strengthen Africa’s negotiating position, including guidance on the implications of the first Global Stocktake for Africa’s NDC 3.0 cycle, a forward-looking framework on finance and adaptation priorities, and principles for just transition and carbon market participation.

Gatete emphasised that adaptation must be treated as a development priority for Africa, as it directly supports food security, protects infrastructure, stabilises economies and improves wellbeing.

He also called for stronger data systems, expanded early warning coverage, better integration of adaptation into national budgets, and reforms to make climate finance more predictable, concessional and accessible.

For COP32, he outlined five priorities to strengthen Africa’s global influence and ensure the summit focuses on implementation.

These goals include reforming climate finance, integrating adaptation into development, and leveraging climate action to drive industrialisation and poverty reduction.