South Africa currently holds the G20 Presidency, which is a historic opportunity for the continent to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy and secure the climate finance necessary to achieve sustainable growth. As Africa’s first G20 host, South Africa is uniquely positioned to spotlight the continent’s climate challenges and opportunities while rallying global leaders to take bold action.
Why the G20 Matters for Africa’s Climate Goals
The G20, representing over 80% of global GDP and 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, holds significant influence over global economic and environmental policies. By hosting the summit, South Africa can ensure that Africa’s voice is at the centre of global climate discussions, addressing the continent’s dual challenge of pursuing economic development while reducing carbon emissions.
Africa’s Potential in the Low-Carbon Economy
Africa is home to vast renewable energy resources, from the solar potential of the Sahara to the wind corridors of East Africa and the hydroelectric capacity of the Congo Basin. Leveraging these resources could not only meet the continent’s growing energy demand but also contribute to global emissions reductions.
The transition to a low-carbon economy could also unlock significant economic opportunities, including:
- Job creation in renewable energy sectors.
- Industrial innovation through green technologies.
- Sustainable agriculture practices that enhance food security.
However, achieving this requires substantial investment in infrastructure, technology, and capacity-building, which Africa cannot shoulder alone.
Unlocking Climate Finance for Africa
Africa currently receives only a fraction of global climate finance, despite being one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. The G20 summit provides an ideal platform to advocate for equitable and accessible funding mechanisms. Key priorities include:
- Scaling Green Climate Fund Contributions
Wealthier nations must increase their commitments to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and ensure timely disbursement of funds to African nations for adaptation and mitigation projects.
- Innovative Financing Mechanisms
Instruments such as green bonds, carbon markets, and blended finance can attract private sector investments into Africa’s renewable energy and sustainable development projects.
- Debt-for-Climate Swaps
African nations burdened by debt could benefit from debt relief in exchange for commitments to invest in climate resilience and low-carbon initiatives.
- Supporting Local Climate Solutions
Community-driven projects often lack access to funding. The G20 can champion mechanisms to channel finance directly to grassroots organizations, ensuring inclusivity and local impact.
South Africa’s Leadership Role
As the host nation, South Africa has the chance to lead by example. With its ambitious Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), which aims to phase out coal and scale up renewables, South Africa can demonstrate how climate finance can drive meaningful change. This could inspire other African nations to develop similar plans, bolstering the continent’s collective climate action.
Global Solidarity is Key
Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy cannot be viewed in isolation—it is a shared global responsibility. The G20 summit must emphasize solidarity, recognizing that investing in Africa’s climate resilience benefits the entire planet.
Conclusion
South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, and hosting of the Summit is not just a gathering of the world’s economic powerhouses—it is a defining moment for Africa’s climate future. By prioritizing climate finance and low-carbon development, the summit can set the stage for transformative action, ensuring that Africa’s development is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.
As the world’s leaders convene in South Africa towards the end of 2025, let that will be the moment where Africa’s potential is unlocked, its challenges addressed, and its climate ambitions realized.
