The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29) is finally drawing to an end. This summit brings together world leaders, scientists, activists, and policymakers to discuss and implement strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change. For Africa, a continent disproportionately affected by the climate crisis despite contributing minimally to global emissions, COP 29 represents a crucial opportunity to secure transformative solutions.
Africa accounts for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions but bears the brunt of climate change’s effects. The continent faces rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, desertification, and frequent extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.
These phenomena have far-reaching consequences, from food insecurity and water scarcity to the displacement of millions of people. Agriculture, which employs over 60% of Africa’s population, is particularly vulnerable, with crop yields expected to decline by up to 50% in some regions by 2050.
Moreover, the human toll of climate change in Africa cannot be overstated. The worsening conditions exacerbate poverty, heighten gender inequalities, and intensify conflicts over dwindling resources. As such, African leaders at COP 29, are negotiating to address these challenges and ensure that Africa is not left behind in the global climate agenda.
A major point of contention in previous COP meetings has been the failure of developed nations to deliver on their promise of $100 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries. At COP 29, African leaders have demanded not only the fulfilment of this pledge but also increased funding that reflected the growing urgency of the crisis. These grants are essential for building resilient infrastructure, adapting agricultural practices, and implementing renewable energy projects across the continent.
COP 28 laid the groundwork for establishing a fund to address loss and damage caused by climate change in vulnerable nations. COP 29 must operationalise this fund, ensuring that African countries receive timely and adequate compensation for the destruction caused by climate-related disasters. This includes rebuilding communities, supporting displaced populations, and protecting cultural heritage sites at risk of extinction.
Africa possesses immense renewable energy potential, with vast solar, wind, and hydropower resources. However, the continent lacks the technical and financial capacity to harness these resources effectively. COP 29 could facilitate partnerships between African nations, international organisations, and private investors to fast-track renewable energy projects. Such initiatives would not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also address energy poverty, which affects over 600 million Africans.
Africa’s youth and indigenous communities are often at the forefront of climate activism but are under-represented in decision-making processes. COP 29 provides an opportunity to amplify their voices and integrate their local knowledge into global climate strategies. Empowering these groups can lead to more inclusive and effective climate action.
To minimise the climate crises in Africa, COP 29 must go beyond promises and deliver actionable outcomes. Here are three ways it can achieve this:
Prioritising Adaptation Strategies
While mitigation efforts like reducing emissions are crucial, adaptation must take centre stage for Africa. Initiatives such as drought-resistant crops, sustainable irrigation systems, and climate-smart urban planning can help communities cope with the changing climate.
Enforcing accountability mechanisms
One of the key challenges in global climate agreements has been the lack of enforcement mechanisms. COP 29 must introduce robust frameworks to ensure that commitments made by countries and corporations are monitored, reported, and fulfilled.
Africa’s diverse climate challenges require tailored solutions, but regional cooperation is essential for pooling resources and expertise. COP 29 should encourage the establishment of African-led climate initiatives, such as a continental renewable energy alliance or cross-border water management systems.
African leaders have a critical role to play in shaping the outcomes of COP 29. By presenting a united front and advocating for the continent’s priorities, they can push for equitable solutions that address the root causes of climate injustice. The African Union’s Green Recovery Action Plan and the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative are examples of homegrown strategies that could gain global support at COP 29.
The climate crisis in Africa is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action. COP 29 has the potential to be a turning point, providing the resources, policies and partnerships needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the continent. For this to happen, world leaders must rise above rhetoric and take bold steps to ensure that Africa is equipped to build a sustainable and resilient future.
This is not just a moment for negotiation but a chance to rewrite the narrative of climate action and justice for the most vulnerable. By addressing Africa’s unique challenges and leveraging its vast potential, COP 29 can help turn the tide against the climate crises and pave the way for a brighter, greener tomorrow
The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is concluding with critical discussions on addressing climate change impacts globally, especially for Africa. Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa faces severe consequences like rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events, exacerbating food insecurity, water scarcity, and displacement. Agriculture, a vital sector employing over 60% of Africans, is threatened, with potential crop yield reductions of up to 50% by 2050. The conference serves as a platform for African leaders to secure transformative solutions and demand fulfillment of climate finance pledges from developed countries.
A significant focus of COP 29 is ensuring that Africa receives adequate compensation and support for climate-induced disasters through operationalizing a fund intended for vulnerable nations. Africa's vast renewable energy resources—solar, wind, and hydropower—remain underutilized due to financial and technical constraints. The summit aims to foster partnerships between African countries, international bodies, and private investors to expedite renewable energy projects, diminishing fossil fuel dependence and addressing widespread energy poverty.
Empowering Africa's youth and indigenous communities is also a priority, as their integration into decision-making can lead to more inclusive climate action. Essential actions proposed at COP 29 include prioritizing adaptation strategies, such as developing drought-resistant crops and sustainable urban planning, and establishing enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability in global climate commitments. With leaders uniting on a collective front, African-driven initiatives like the Green Recovery Action Plan and Desert to Power aim to gain global support, positioning Africa to overcome its unique challenges and contribute significantly to global climate solutions.
