Driving Climate Justice Forward: Key Voices from the 5th Africa Regional Conference on Loss and Damage

From March 25 to March 27, 2025, stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), development partners, and government representatives will gather for the 5th Africa Regional Conference on Loss and Damage in Lilongwe, Malawi. This event aims to bring together governments, civil society, and development partners to advance solutions for communities facing the escalating impacts of climate change.

Under the theme “Advancing Sustainable, Equitable, and Just Financing and Technical Support for Loss and Damage in Africa,” the conference occurs at a critical time when African countries are grappling with devastating floods, prolonged droughts, and escalating climate-related losses.

The meeting takes place amid a rise in climate-induced disasters, which are causing significant losses, particularly in developing countries. There are increasing calls to address the urgent need for loss and damage financing. Globally, the financial needs for loss and damage in developing countries are estimated to be between $395 billion and potentially as high as $937 billion.

According to the African Development Bank, Africa is expected to face climate-related costs ranging from $290 billion to $440 billion between 2020 and 2030. Given this alarming situation, Charles Mwangi, Head of Programs and Research at PACJA, emphasized the urgent need to advance the loss and damage agenda. He highlighted the devastating impacts of floods and droughts across the continent and stressed that the global response remains inadequate.

“We are gathered here for the fifth time to advance our cause on loss and damage as an urgent and crucial agenda of our time. The world is not short of financial resources to address climate change; what is lacking is goodwill and urgency,” said Charles Mwangi.

He called for increased funding for the Loss and Damage Fund, pointing out that current contributions fall far short of what is needed. He urged global leaders to prioritize climate justice and support vulnerable communities.

In her keynote address, Martha Bekele of DevTransform highlighted the financial challenges facing African countries. She noted that limited resources are impacting not only climate action but also essential development priorities such as health and education. Her message underscored the necessity for increased and predictable climate finance to support vulnerable countries.

During her opening remarks, Hon. Patricia Wiskes, Minister of Natural Resources, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She called for stronger global partnerships and support to help countries effectively respond to climate impacts. “Loss and damage are no longer a distant threat; they are a daily reality for many communities in Malawi and across Africa,” added Hon. Patricia.

Participants in the conference continue to urge stakeholders across Africa and beyond to support efforts aimed at advancing climate justice and protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.

At the conclusion of the 5^th  Conference on Loss and Damage, attendees are expected to issue a communiqué outlining Africa’s priorities and recommendations regarding loss and damage, along with a regional roadmap to guide Africa’s engagement in upcoming global climate negotiations.