Africa Calls for Immediate and Enhanced Climate Action at COP28

Nairobi – Africa is facing significant climate challenges, as highlighted in the recent report by the Fondation Ibrahim Mo. The continent has been the most affected by droughts and the second most affected by floods since 2010, with Zimbabwe experiencing a significant GDP loss from Cyclone Idai in 2019. The continent’s limited capacity to respond and adapt to climate disasters is primarily linked to its lower levels of economic development, which in turn are connected to historic emissions.

According to Africa News Agency, reconciling climate and development goals is a major challenge for Africa. Thirteen of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries are also among the poorest in terms of GDP per capita. The contrast is stark when compared to the historical data showing that nine of the ten countries with the highest historic fossil fuel emissions are among the world’s ten largest economies today. This context underscores the importance of Africa’s agenda at COP28, focusing on development goals and addressing critical issues like energy access, food security, infrastructure, and housing. Climate change is expected to push an additional 78 million people into chronic hunger by 2050, with over half in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, more than 45% of Africa’s urban population lives in slum households, highly susceptible to flooding.

The report also highlights the energy challenge, noting that almost 600 million people in Africa have no access to electricity. This figure exceeds the combined populations of France, Japan, the US, and the UK. The Africa Climate Summit (ACS), held in Nairobi in September 2023, brought together African leaders and stakeholders to discuss green growth and climate finance solutions. The Nairobi Declaration, signed by AU member state leaders, will serve as Africa’s common position at COP28 and beyond. It calls for economic transformation aligned with Africa’s climate needs, including increasing renewable generation capacity and establishing a new financing architecture responsive to Africa’s needs.

Civil society activists, however, expressed concerns that the summit’s agenda favored the interests of the Global North. They criticized the focus on carbon credits and carbon sequestration as inadequate solutions that benefit polluters. The summit was also noted for not sufficiently addressing the need to strengthen climate adaptation capacities within African communities.

Regarding public opinion, the 2021/2023 Afrobarometer survey data shows that about half of Africans across 39 countries are aware of climate change, with a high awareness in countries like Seychelles and Malawi. Among those aware, 72% feel that climate change is worsening their lives. A significant majority want their governments to act against climate change impacts, even if it involves costs or economic challenges. Citizens also pointed out environmental issues like deforestation, poor waste disposal, and water pollution, sharing responsibility with developed countries and the business community.

COP28 presents a critical opportunity for Africa to articulate its climate needs and offer solutions for the global crisis. It also serves as a platform to integrate Africa’s development priorities into the global climate agenda, emphasizing the intertwining of climate challenges and development needs.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an African organization established in 2006, emphasizes the importance of governance and leadership in Africa. The foundation, through initiatives like the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, focuses on enhancing governance and leadership across the continent.