By Milliam Murigi
African climate negotiators and experts have convened in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi for a high-level strategy meeting aimed at aligning the continent’s priorities ahead of the upcoming Subsidiary Bodies sessions (SB64) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The two-day Pre-SB64 meeting, organized by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), comes at a critical time when Africa faces intensifying climate impacts that continue to threaten agriculture, food security and livelihoods.
“The objective of this meeting is to reflect on COP30 outcomes, identify priority issues in agriculture and gender, explore how Article 6 can support implementation, and develop a coordinated African strategy for the SB64 negotiations,” said Dr. George Wamukoya, team leader of AGNES and lead negotiator on agriculture.
Central to the discussions is the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Security, a framework guiding climate action in agriculture, which is nearing the end of its mandate. With agriculture forming the backbone of many African economies, negotiators are under pressure to push for stronger implementation of global climate commitments.
According to Dr. Nana Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on climate change, agriculture must be a focal point of global discussions as it remains a top priority for Africa due to its vital role in economic development, gross domestic product, employment and food security.
“As the four-year mandate of the SSJWA approaches its conclusion at COP31, there is a growing need to reflect on lessons learned, assess progress, and define strategic directions for a post-SSJWA framework that more effectively delivers on implementation,” said Dr. Wamukoya.
According to Dr. Amoah, the focus is shifting from pledges to implementation, ensuring that climate policies are no longer confined to commitments on paper but are translated into real, measurable support for farmers and vulnerable communities across the continent.
He emphasized that the success of climate action will now be judged by how effectively it improves livelihoods, strengthens resilience and reaches those most affected by climate impacts.
Dr. Amoah further underscored the need for stronger coordination among countries, climate funds and key institutions to deliver tangible results in agriculture and food systems. Without better alignment and collaboration, he warns, resources risk being fragmented or delayed, limiting their impact on food security, adaptation efforts, and long-term sustainable development in Africa.
“Implementation happens when farmers are protected, when water is available and when floods are absorbed without destroying communities,” he said.
The meeting is also expected to shape Africa’s position on key global processes, including the UAE Just Transition Work Programme, which seeks to ensure climate action is fair and inclusive and the newly adopted Belém Gender Action Plan, aimed at strengthening gender-responsive climate action.
Another major focus is Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which opens up carbon markets and financing opportunities. African negotiators are exploring how these mechanisms can unlock funding for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
The meeting provides a platform for negotiators and experts to develop common positions and key messages that will shape Africa’s voice at SB64, scheduled for June 2026. Deliberations are structured around three core areas—agriculture and food security, gender, and climate finance reflecting the continent’s push for integrated solutions.
“This is an important opportunity to strengthen common positions, support strategic submissions where applicable, and advance Africa’s voice on implementation-oriented climate action under the UNFCCC,” added Dr. Wamukoya.
