- With its growing focus on sustainable development and climate action, Africa has the potential to lead the way toward a more sustainable future, as seen in Nigeria’s recent submission of its third nationally determined contribution (NDC 3.0).
- COP30 this month in Belém, Brazil, should prioritize climate finance, which Africa needs to mobilize resources for the continent’s climate action.
- Africa requires support to build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and COP30 is a crucial platform to address these needs, building a more sustainable future for all.
- This commentary is part of Our Letters to the Future, a series produced by the Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellows as their final fellowship project. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily Mongabay.
When the rivers rise and the skies grow dark, Africa’s resilience will light the way to a sustainable future.
Africa, the continent that contributes the least to climate change, is paradoxically among the most vulnerable to its devastating impacts. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events are all taking a toll on the continent’s economy, infrastructure and human settlements. Yet, in the face of this existential threat, Africa has the potential to lead the way to a sustainable future.
As the world grapples with climate change, the recent submissions of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by countries ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, have brought to the forefront critical gaps in global climate action.
What are NDCs and why do they matter?
The NDCs are countries’ commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. They are a crucial part of the global effort to combat climate change, as they allow countries to set their own targets and strategies for reducing emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable future.
The concept of NDCs was established under the Paris Agreement in 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris. NDCs are important because they provide a framework for countries to develop and implement climate action plans, enable countries to contribute to the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5° Celsius (2.7° Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, allow countries to showcase their commitment to sustainable development and help to mobilize climate finance and support for developing countries.
As an environmental journalist in Nigeria, I have seen firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change and environmental crises on communities and ecosystems. For instance, on Sept. 9, 2024, the Alau Dam in Borno State collapsed, unleashing a massive flood that ravaged Maiduguri, destroying homes, schools and even inundating the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo. This disaster resulted in significant loss of life and property, with many families mourning the loss of loved ones.
Another striking example is the Ayetoro community in Ondo State, where rising sea levels have become a major concern. Located on the Mahin mud coast, the community is experiencing severe coastal erosion, with the sea encroaching on land. This has led to the displacement of residents, destruction of homes and loss of livelihoods, particularly for those in the fishing industry.
Despite all this, NDC submissions aimed at reducing climate change risks so far have been a mixed bag.
Some countries have demonstrated ambition and commitment to reducing emissions, while others have fallen short. Countries like Nigeria, Brazil, Indonesia and Pakistan have made new commitments, but this collective progress still won’t be sufficient to meet a 31.2-gigaton cut in emissions by 2035 to avoid surpassing that 1.5°C threshold. This shortfall is concerning, as it signals that the world is not moving quickly enough to address the climate crisis.
“It is critical that all countries deliver the most ambitious possible climate plans, especially the major emitters still missing from the table,” Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO of the World Resources Institute, noted in a statement. The lack of progress is alarming, and the world must come together to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future for all. Africa has a chance to lead in this realm, as the world prepares to head into COP30, Nov. 10-21.
Africa’s climate goals at COP30: A focus on sustainable development
COP stands for Conference of the Parties, which is an annual gathering of world leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from countries that have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). During COP, countries discuss and agree on global climate action plans, share best practices and set ambitious targets to address the climate crisis.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted in 2023, “The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.” COP30 in Belém is another pivotal moment for global climate action, and Africa has a crucial role to play.
The African continent’s vulnerability to climate change and its potential for leadership in sustainable development make it a key player. African leaders and climate experts emphasize the continent’s unique position to drive climate action and sustainable growth.
Abay Yimere, a postdoctoral scholar in international environment and resource policy, wrote that Africa “needs its own climate summit to bring African countries together to demand fair global responses, including greenhouse emissions cuts from high emitting countries in the developed world.”
Africa can play a significant role in the global fight against climate change by leveraging its resources. The continent’s vast solar and wind potential can be harnessed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address energy poverty. African countries can also promote sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture, to enhance food security and reduce emissions.
Akinwumi Adesina, former president of the African Development Bank, emphasized the need for Africa to adopt clean energy technologies and sustainable practices to drive economic growth and reduce emissions.
Similarly, Vera Songwe, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), has noted that climate change is a major threat to Africa’s development, but it also presents opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.
A suggested goal for Africa could be to achieve a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, through a combination of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable land use practices. This target is ambitious yet achievable, and even such a modest reduction can significantly mitigate the impacts of climate change, reducing the risk of devastating disasters like the floods in Borno State and ocean encroachment in Ayetoro, which have displaced thousands and threatened livelihoods.
Here in Nigeria, the country has made significant pledges in its climate goals, with the recent submission of its third nationally determined contribution (NDC 3.0). The country aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 32.2% by 2035, demonstrating its commitment to climate action and sustainable development. Nigeria, famously known as the “Giant of Africa,” has positioned itself to host COP32 in 2027, marking a major milestone in its climate agenda.
Key issues for Africa at COP30
What’s the top priority for Africa at COP30: securing climate finance, building resilience or driving sustainable development?
The Second Africa Climate Summit, in Ethiopia in September, emphasized Africa’s leadership in climate solutions, focusing on African-led initiatives, financial commitments, green growth and resilience, with priorities on just energy transition, nature-based solutions, food and water security and community empowerment.
Building on this momentum, Africa should focus on some of these key areas, including climate finance, climate adaptation and sustainable development. Experts and organizations say Africa needs access to climate finance to support its climate goals and sustainable development. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has estimated the continent requires between $1.3 trillion and $1.6 trillion in climate finance to meet its climate goals and the SDGs between 2020 and 2030. To this end, COP30 should prioritize climate finance and provide a road map for mobilizing resources to support Africa’s climate action.
As Patricia Espinosa, former executive secretary of the UNFCCC, has emphasized, climate finance is about “saving lives” and reducing suffering for those affected by climate change.
COP30 can enhance Africa’s resilience to climate impacts by setting clear financial targets, establishing frameworks for accessing climate finance, promoting transparency and accountability, supporting African-led initiatives and mobilizing public and private sector investments — particularly for vulnerable communities like those in Borno State and Ayetoro. Climate resources could help save livelihoods, protect homes and prevent displacement.
However, unfulfilled climate promises would do the opposite, exacerbating suffering, displacement and loss, eroding trust in leadership and heightening desperation. For residents who’ve witnessed broken promises, the next step is crucial: Tangible action, not just rhetoric, is needed to restore hope and demonstrate commitment to their survival and prosperity.
Yet, the question remains: Will COP30 deliver meaningful outcomes for Africa, or will it be another platform for unfulfilled promises? The clock is ticking, and the world must come together to address the climate crisis. Africa’s leadership and demands for climate justice will be pivotal in shaping the global response to this crisis.
Banner image: A shepherd watches livestock near Khi Solar One, a solar thermal plant that converts the sun’s light energy into electricity, outside Upington, South Africa. Solar offers vast untapped potential in Africa. Image by AP Photo/Themba Hadebe.
Citation:
Lwesya, F. (2025). Green finance in Africa: Mapping progress, challenges and prospects. Future Business Journal, 11(1). doi:10.1186/s43093-025-00596-6
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