Shaping Africa's Climate Agenda for COP29: Insights from The Climate Network Members

As COP29 approaches, effective stakeholder engagement is crucial to ensuring that Africa's climate priorities are prominently represented on the global stage. The continent's unique climate challenges necessitate tailored solutions that address its mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies. Africa has a unique opportunity to lead in global climate action, leveraging its potential in renewable energy, a dynamic young workforce, and abundant natural resources.

The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) plays a vital role in representing the continent’s 54 nations, advocating for policies that tackle Africa’s specific vulnerabilities while positioning the continent as a leader in climate action

In the lead-up to COP29, members of The Climate Network (TCN)—including investors, project developers, civil servants, and advisory firms across nature, industry, and energy sectors—have identified core priorities to help shape the AGN’s priorities for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Their insights paint a picture of a continent both resilient and ambitious, advocating for solutions that align global climate goals with African realities.

The Road to COP29: Priorities for Africa

Under Azerbaijan’s presidency, COP29 prioritises two pillars: Enhancing Ambition and Enabling Action. TCN members outlined several high-priority areas for the AGN, emphasising the need for actionable commitments and increased international support in the following areas:

• Mobilising Climate Finance and Debt Relief

Finance is the foundation of all climate action. TCN members unanimously agree that increased funding flows—from both public and private sectors—are urgently needed to support local climate projects and infrastructure. By emphasising debt relief mechanisms linked to climate vulnerabilities, members highlighted how reduced debt could empower African nations to invest more robustly in climate resilience.

Member insights also indicate the need for targeted investment in nature-based solutions and urban infrastructure, sectors that can rapidly drive both economic and environmental benefits. They argue that climate finance should not merely fund adaptation but also accelerate Africa’s role in global climate solutions.

• Operationalising Article 6 and Developing Carbon Markets

For TCN members working in carbon markets, the operationalisation of Article 6 is essential for unlocking Africa’s potential as a global leader in carbon credits. Standardising regulations across countries, coupled with support in building carbon market infrastructure, could help create a robust system that benefits both local communities and international investors.

TCN members stress that Africa’s approach should prioritise durable carbon removal strategies that offer sustained value. In advocating for African-specific standards in Article 6 negotiations, members believe COP29 represents a unique opportunity for Africa to set terms that ensure both environmental and economic benefits.

• Nature-Based Solutions, Biodiversity, and Restoration

Many TCN members are directly involved in projects that protect Africa’s biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems. Nature-based solutions not only support biodiversity but also create jobs, improve food security, and protect water resources—critical needs across the continent.

Members called for financial commitments that support these efforts, urging for partnerships that can scale land restoration projects and incentivise biodiversity conservation. By advocating for nature-based solutions, Africa champions an approach that bridges conservation with climate justice.

• Driving a Just Energy Transition and Expanding Clean Cooking Access

Members emphasised the urgent need for a just energy transition in Africa, particularly within the clean cooking sector. They called for increased financing and technical support to scale clean cooking solutions, which offer both emissions reductions and public health benefits. Additionally, the AGN was encouraged to advocate for global commitments that facilitate the scaling of clean energy technologies throughout Africa, prioritising affordable and accessible solutions for the wider population.

• Loss and Damage Fund: Securing Support for Climate Vulnerability

With climate impacts increasingly severe, TCN members stressed the urgency of operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring that financial flows effectively compensate for the devastating impacts of climate change, particularly in the wake of extreme weather events. TCN members strongly advocated for the Global North to provide compensation for climate-related damages in the form of grants rather than loans, aiming to prevent exacerbating Africa’s debt crisis while addressing the significant damages caused by climate change.

• Adaptation and Resilience: Strengthening Definitions and Funding

Members expressed frustration over the ambiguous definitions of ‘adaptation’ and ‘resilience,’ particularly in contrast to clearer mitigation terms. They urged the AGN to advocate for clearer frameworks and definitions to enhance guidance for international funding and support mechanisms. Additionally, members called for expanded funding and technical support for adaptation programmes, emphasising the need to build resilience against climate impacts such as droughts, floods, and food insecurity.

• Sustainable Urban Infrastructure 

Members underscored the critical need for financing to develop sustainable urban infrastructure, with a focus on essential services such as public transport systems, water supply, sewerage, and other utilities. These investments are vital to ensure cities are resilient to climate impacts. Furthermore, members requested additional funding to enhance mass transit systems and promote electric public transport solutions.

• Recognition of Africa’s Leadership and Feedback for Future COPs 

TCN members stress the importance of showcasing Africa’s successes in renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and community-led adaptation at COP29, positioning the continent as a global leader in climate action. Highlighting these achievements can attract international partnerships and amplify Africa’s role in sustainable solutions.

Members also call for greater opportunities to provide feedback on Africa’s priorities before future COPs, ensuring local needs shape the global climate agenda. They urge the AGN to advocate for government accountability and transparency in climate commitments to strengthen Africa’s climate impact.

Conclusion: Uniting African Voices for COP29
The Climate Network members have outlined a robust set of priorities for the AGN as they prepare for COP29. These priorities, informed by a broad coalition of stakeholders, reflect Africa’s unique needs and leadership in climate innovation. The AGN’s advocacy will be crucial to securing commitments that drive action, ensuring that Africa’s climate resilience and sustainable development goals are at the forefront of COP29 negotiations.