Reflections on COP29: Africa’s Climate Agenda, Outcomes and the Path Forward
COP29 concluded after two weeks of intense negotiations and discussions, with Africa entering the conference determined to make significant progress on key climate issues. The event underscored the continent’s unique climate vulnerabilities and the pressing need for equitable global support to build a sustainable, low-carbon future. Africa’s agenda focused on securing climate finance, building resilience, strengthening carbon markets, and addressing both immediate and long-term climate challenges.
Throughout COP29, Africa consistently called for a more just and sustainable global climate finance framework, advocating solutions that could drive a climate-resilient future for the continent. However, the outcomes were mixed, shaped by various global events occurring during or just before the conference. These included the political dynamics of the host nation, Donald Trump’s re-election, ongoing geopolitical tensions such as Russia’s war with Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and strained relations between the USA and China, alongside the G20 Summit.
Climate Finance
Dubbed the “Finance COP,” COP29 placed a spotlight on reforming the global climate finance framework. The event prioritised improving mechanisms such as blended finance, emphasising the need for grants and concessional loans rather than market-driven loans that exacerbate the debt burdens of vulnerable countries. Increasing the quantum of climate finance was a high priority, with some progress was made on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a $300 billion annually deal reached, a figure far below the $1.3 trillion demanded by African nations.
Underlying these negotiations were contentious debates about which countries should contribute to global climate finance. Emerging economies like China, India, and Indonesia were suggested by some as potential contributors, further complicating discussions. Additionally, the Loss and Damage Fund, although operationalised, faces significant challenges. With only $702 million pledged so far, technical assistance for developing countries is urgently needed to align their response strategies with the fund’s mechanisms.
Carbon Markets
On carbon markets, progress under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement created potential opportunities for African nations to attract climate-related investments. Clearer rules for bilateral credit trading (6.2) and steps to operationalise a centralised mechanism (6.4) were agreed upon, alongside safeguards to ensure alignment with sustainable development goals. However, concerns remain about the details of the text, transparency, equitable access for developing countries and ensuring these mechanisms deliver genuine emissions reductions rather than merely offsetting emissions elsewhere.
Building Climate Resilience
Advances in the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the Global Stocktake hold promise for aligning Africa’s climate finance needs. However, the slow pace of decision-making especially regarding the text in meeting expectations undermines progress. This delay impacts vital projects that support the livelihoods of vulnerable communities and improve ecosystem and land resilience. The lack of momentum on adaptation efforts is a significant setback for the continent’s ability to tackle climate challenges effectively. Some positives for enhancing climate resilience were the progress made enhancement of the Lima Work Programme on Gender, which is important in mainstreaming gender issues in climate action and the advancement of the Mitigation Work Programme, aimed at accelerating the shift from fossil fuels.
Other Issues at COP29
The conference also highlighted gaps in other critical areas. Just Transition themes were not prominently featured with concerted efforts to remove fossil fuels resulting in no explicit mention of them in outcome documents. Despite pledges at the G20 Summit to support climate action, the influence of petrostates and fossil fuel representatives was evident. The OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais was bold enough to refer to oil and gas as a “Gift from God.”, while others argued that meeting fossil fuel demand remains necessary. Civil society organisations (CSOs) were marginalised from key discussions, with the host nation perceived as more pro fossil given its climate action track record. This further illustrates the tensions and competing interests that exist accelerating low-carbon transitions.
The Path Forward
African countries cannot afford to remain complacent. Beyond COP29, the continent must continue to advocate for improved climate finance and support mechanisms. While international partnerships remain crucial, Africa must also prioritise internal pathways, focusing on continental, regional, and national approaches to adaptation. This includes capacity building, enhancing climate response policies, and promoting regional collaboration.
Community-led adaptation, nature-based solutions, and public-private partnerships are critical to achieving these goals. Efforts must support continent wide renewable energy projects, infrastructure, green entrepreneurship, and local finance channels to empower African countries with greater autonomy and agency in addressing climate challenges. By taking ownership of its climate response, Africa can strengthen its position in global climate negotiations and build a sustainable future for its people.
Author: Kennedy Simango
Research Analyst
