Strengthening Climate Resilience – Key Outcomes from the AFDAN Nairobi Forum

The recent African Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Network (AFDAN) meeting, held in Nairobi from August 22nd to 23rd, 2024, marks a significant step forward in the fight for climate resilience in Africa.

The event, convened by the Kenyan government in collaboration with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and other key stakeholders, brought together experts, policymakers, and representatives from various African countries to deliberate on scaling up climate finance to support the continent’s most vulnerable communities.

The discussions were anchored on the urgent need to enhance Africa’s capacity to access and mobilize climate finance at a scale. Participants emphasized the importance of platforms like AFDAN in coordinating efforts across the continent, enabling African countries to tap into global financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and other multilateral sources.

During the forum, keynote speakers emphasized the urgency of a coordinated approach to climate finance. Former Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga called for the establishment of a common market pool for climate change mitigation financing, arguing that “Africa needs to negotiate as a unified entity with developed nations.” His call for unity reflects the critical need for a cohesive strategy to address climate challenges.

This sentiment was echoed by Hon. Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, who stressed the significance of robust financial frameworks for Africa’s climate resilience. He highlighted Kenya’s leadership in regional climate finance efforts and underscored the forum’s role in fostering innovative solutions and partnerships for Africa’s green transition. “Robust financial frameworks are essential to our climate resilience,” Duale noted, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning.

Charles Mwangi, Head of Programs at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), provided insights into AFDAN’s evolution and the role of civil society in the network. He emphasized how PACJA’s involvement has been crucial in shaping AFDAN’s strategies and ensuring that the voices of grassroots organizations are heard in climate finance discussions. Mwangi stated, “PACJA’s role is to ensure that grassroots voices are integrated into climate finance strategies, reflecting the diverse needs of our communities.”

Peter Odhengo, AFDAN Coordinator, outlined the network’s goals and achievements, emphasizing the need for enhanced coordination and financial mobilization. His remarks set the tone for discussions on scaling up climate finance and integrating innovative solutions into the African climate finance landscape. “Enhanced coordination and innovative financial solutions are key to scaling up climate finance in Africa,” Odhengo asserted.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the AFDAN Nairobi Declaration, which outlines key recommendations for scaling climate finance mobilization and building resilience in Africa. The declaration highlights the need for increased coordination among African countries and robust financial frameworks to support locally led climate actions.

This forum marks a significant step towards advancing Africa’s climate finance agenda, offering a platform for sharing best practices and forging partnerships to drive sustainable and resilient growth across the continent.