African nations have come to a common resolve to tackle climate change relentlessly by mobilising internal and external resources.
The resolve was made on the sidelines of the 27th United Nations Climate Conference (COP27) in Egypt.
The event, dubbed ‘Africa Day’, provided countries and development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the opportunity to highlight measures to tap the continent’s unique economic potential.
The event was organised by the African Union (AU), AfDB, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
The AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the challenges facing Africa in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war had become enormous, and had taken a toll on government budgets.
Mahamat called on member countries to remain steadfast in their fight for climate justice.
President of the AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina, said with Africa’s vast and unique arable land, what the continent does with agriculture could impact global output.
He further cautioned that Africa cannot unlock its agriculture potential unless it adapts to climate change.
For his part, Kenyan Minister of State for Environment and Forestry, Soipan Tuya, called on developed nations to scale up mitigation actions and support.
‘To maintain this unity of purpose, it remains important that the negotiators and the AU are in continuous dialogue and engagement’, Tuya said.
Young people at the event called on the AU to ensure that the conference implement decisions reached at the meetings with no further delay.
The AU and the Global Centre for Adaption signed a memorandum of understanding to mobilise at least $25 billion for the African Adaptation Acceleration Programme, established by the centre and the AfDB, over five years. This is to prepare the continent for the consequences of climate change faster and at scale.
COP27 allows Africa to spotlight its special needs, circumstances and opportunities.
Source: AfDB
Photo source: AfDB
