African Climate Diplomacy Bared: Insights from Multistakeholder Forum on COP28 and COP29 Strategy

The Multistakeholder Consultative Forum on COP28 Reflections and Strategy for COP 29, held on the sidelines of the 37th African Union Summit, provided a platform for a thoughtful examination of Africa’s position amid global challenges. The 37th Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union unfolded with the theme of “building resilient education systems” amidst a polarized geopolitical context grappling with various challenges.

Africa faced compounded crises, including the climate crisis, deepening debt burdens, an uncontrollable food-and-cost-of-living conundrum, an energy crisis, and extra-constitutional overthrows of governments. These challenges constrained the AU’s ability to respond, heightening inequality, and imperiling human rights. The ripple effects of the Ukraine-Russian War and the Israel-Palestine conflict highlighted the interconnected nature of global crises.

In this context, the side-event on climate action emerged as a critical space for dialogue. It aimed to exchange perspectives on UNFCCC-COP28, reflect on the Africa Climate Summit, and assess Africa’s wins and misses in 2023. The event sought to draw recommendations contributing to the Climate Change Decisions of CAHOSCC and the AU Summit while reinforcing and unifying African stakeholders’ collective efforts in shaping the global discourse on climate action.

H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission, emphasized the urgent need to fast-track the implementation of the African Union’s Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032). The Africa Leaders’ Nairobi Declaration and Call to Action on Climate Change, resulting from the recent Africa Climate Summit, aligned priorities for the next two years with the broader strategy and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

During the side event, speakers such as Dr. Augustine Njamnshi, Mwanahamisi Singano, Lucky Abeng, and Dr. Cromwell Lukorito delved into various facets of climate change. Mwanahamisi Singano highlighted the need for a broader understanding of gender in climate negotiations, urging the African Union to amplify the roles of African groups. Lucky Abeng underscored the importance of youth inclusion in climate conversations and advocated for their active participation in innovation processes.

Dr. Cromwell Lukorito emphasized Africa’s need to invest in knowledge products to support the African narrative, warning against potential knowledge migration. Dr. Njamnshi introduced the Youth for Adaptation Finance for Africa program, emphasizing the importance of capacity building for Africans to advocate for their continent.

James Murombedzi stressed the necessity for Africa to adopt a unified global approach towards climate change, cautioning against fragmentation in all climate-related processes and recommending the integration of climate change into broader development plans.

The afternoon session at the forum highlighted the outcomes of COP28 and featured discussions on Agriculture, Health, and Loss and Damage. Panelists focused on Global Goals on adaptation and Climate Finance, emphasizing targets, pieces of evidence, and data as drivers influencing the negotiations.

Technical experts, including Kidanemariam Tiruneh, Dr. Khavaghali Vhalinilavho, Dr. Jorge Wamukoya, Kouthoulm, and Tsaone Mokwatso, discussed the outcomes of COP28, with Mokwatso emphasizing the need for negotiators to collaborate with farmers and CSOs to gather data for informed negotiation processes.

Multistakeholder Post COP28 Consultations & Strategy for COP28 37th AU Summit Side Event

Dr. George Wamukoya highlighted the dominance of mitigation over adaptation in negotiation texts, urging African countries to set targets supporting resource mobilization. He stressed the close relationship between adaptation, development, and finance.

The Director of Advocacy and Engagement at Pathfinder International emphasized the importance of human capital for sectoral success, hoping that the new initiative on climate change and health will lead to health becoming a topic on the negotiating agenda.

The last session focused on Key outcomes on Loss and Damage, featuring panelists Julius Ngoma, Obed Koringo, Mohampi Mpona Eusebia, and Yared Deme. Concerns were raised about the credibility and transparency of the L&D fund recently established by the World Bank. Obed Koringo from Care International addressed these concerns, stating that laws and regulations are clear, though risks are foreseen due to an imbalance in the interim committee of the L&D Fund board.

Julius Ng’oma discussed the access to financial resources for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), emphasizing the need for a deep assessment to ensure communities have access to resources for adapting to climate change impacts. The establishment of the L&D fund was celebrated, but Ayan Harare from Oxfam in Africa urged caution, emphasizing the need for substantial funds to address climate change impacts.

This consultative forum has become a crucial moment for reflecting on Africa’s stance on climate change, laying the groundwork for lessons learned and a strategic roadmap forward into COP29 and beyond. Despite vast challenges, Africa’s resilience and commitment to shaping a sustainable future remain unwavering.