With COP29 underway this week, Africa is aiming to make progress on several critical issues that are integral to its immediate and long-term climate goals. These issues reflect the continent’s unique climate vulnerabilities and its need for equitable support from the global community to build a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Addressing climate finance challenges is a central theme at this year’s COP, with a strong focus on improving access to finance for developing countries. Africa, despite being disproportionately impacted by climate change, currently receives only about 3% of global climate finance. African representatives will advocate for restructuring climate finance mechanisms, such as converting loans to grants or concessional loans, to reduce the continent’s debt burden. Africa’s external debt is around US$1.2 trillion, with over 64.8% of climate finance arriving as loans, while only about 34.5% comes as grants and 0.7% as equity.
There is a pressing need for development banks to implement a more transparent framework for climate finance, allowing for consistent monitoring and reporting of new financing while ensuring it aligns with international standards. This will help ensure that climate finance supports climate-resilient projects across Africa.
Furthermore, African negotiators will work to advance the New Quantified Collective Goals (NQCG) and secure US$1.3 trillionper year until 2030 to address Africa’s climate needs. They will also advocate for the operationalisation and enhancement of the Loss and Damage Fund, establishing a solid foundation for Africa’s adaptation and resilience-building goals.
African representatives aim to strengthen support for climate-resilient infrastructure and projects to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes advocating for the implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) in alignment with Africa’s climate finance needs.
Access to renewable and clean energy is essential for resilience, yet 70% of Africa’s population relies on traditional cooking methods, and around 600 million people lack electricity. African negotiators will push for increased support and commitments to improve clean energy infrastructure and access across the continent, which is critical for climate adaptation and resilience.
Africa seeks to enhance its participation in global carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Improving Africa’s carbon markets could attract investments, reduce carbon emissions, and offset revenue losses due to international trade tariffs, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The CBAM could cost Africa up to US$25 billion annually, making improvements in carbon markets a priority for African negotiators.
By enhancing its carbon markets, Africa can generate funds, align with global carbon standards, increase women’s participation in the markets, and direct resources towards climate-related and renewable energy projects. This is a proactive strategy to support Africa’s green transition.
With the continent facing increasing desertification, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss, African negotiators will advocate for sustainable land and ecosystem restoration projects. They will seek resources for initiatives like Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) and other projects focused on sustainable land and marine resource use, aiming to protect biodiversity, enhance food systems, and support the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
COP29 presents an opportunity for African negotiators to secure funding and international support for sustainable land and ecosystem management. By doing so, Africa can progress toward its restoration goals, improve food security, and achieve economic stability for its communities.
Navigating Geopolitics at COP29
Amid global geopolitical tensions, Africa’s COP29 strategy focuses on building partnerships across political divides to support its climate resilience goals while maintaining a non-aligned stance. African negotiators aim to work with diverse stakeholders, including Western powers, China, Russia, and multilateral organisations, to advance COP29 objectives without engaging in global rivalries. This approach highlights Africa’s emphasis on shared climate goals, advocating for climate finance, and driving sustainable development to benefit its people and ecosystems.
In conclusion, Africa’s agenda for COP29 is centered on addressing its climate challenges through equitable access to climate finance, adaptation and resilience-building initiatives, improved carbon markets, and robust land and ecosystem restoration efforts. African negotiators will press for reforms in climate finance structures to alleviate the debt burden, advocate for enhanced frameworks under the GGA, and seek support for expanding renewable energy access. Improving carbon markets could offer Africa a proactive means to navigate international trade regulations and secure sustainable development funding. Despite global tensions, Africa’s balanced approach to international partnerships will be essential for achieving its objectives and fostering a climate-resilient future for the continent.
Author: Kennedy Simango
