By Milliam Murigi
The 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIII) concluded with a strong call for urgent action and scaled-up investment to accelerate Africa’s climate agenda.
The three-day meeting, convened by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), brought together policymakers, scientists, civil society, and development partners.
Its outcomes are expected to inform the Addis Ababa Declaration, which will serve as a key technical input for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) and as the foundation for Africa’s common position at the upcoming United Nations Conference on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) in November.
Closing the conference, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the ECA, emphasized Africa’s readiness to transition from commitments to concrete action.
“This conference was not an end in itself. It is a bridge linking evidence with ambition, technical depth with political momentum, and Africa’s aspirations with concrete action. We came together to shape the foundation for the Second Africa Climate Summit and Africa’s common voice for COP30. And today, we close with resolve – with a coherent, investment-ready African climate agenda,” he said.
Gatete outlined six priority areas that will shape Africa’s climate response. Adaptation and loss and damage will remain central to global climate action. The reason is that Africa faces an adaptation financing gap of $160 billion and cannot shoulder this burden alone.
Delegates also underscored the need to operationalize the loss and damage fund without delay, ensuring it is accessible and equitable for vulnerable countries.
Science and data were highlighted as critical tools to bridge Africa’s climate knowledge gaps. Participants called for stronger investment in early warning systems, integration of indigenous knowledge with modern technology, and improved collaboration between scientists and policymakers to drive evidence-based decisions.
Climate Finance was identified as another urgent priority. Speakers emphasized that Africa’s climate financing should not remain dependent on aid. Reforming the global financial system will be crucial in reducing unfair borrowing costs, restructuring debt, and scaling up innovative mechanisms such as green bonds and debt-for-climate swaps.
Just transitions were emphasized in the context of Africa’s energy challenges. With over 600 million people still lacking access to electricity, the continent’s energy transition must expand access while ensuring growth remains sustainable and inclusive. Delegates insisted that Africa’s path must be both green and just.
Ecosystems were recognized as global lifelines that require stronger protection. Africa’s forests, wetlands, and biodiversity underpin global climate stability, yet remain undervalued. The conference called for greater international investment and fair valuation of these ecosystems to safeguard them for future generations.
Finally, African Leadership was highlighted as a guiding principle. Participants stressed that Africa is not waiting to be acted upon but is actively shaping its climate future. From leveraging its vast resources to advancing homegrown solutions, the continent is asserting its leadership in global climate negotiations.
“Africa is not waiting to be acted upon. We are shaping our destiny, leveraging our resources, and bringing solutions to the world. Together, we can ensure that these outcomes do not remain words on paper but translate into action that transforms lives across our continent,” said Gatete.
