Remarks · 25 September 2024
Welcome to this second meeting of the Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change this year. During our first meeting in February at the margins of the 37th African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, we reviewed the outcomes of last year’s COP28 in Dubai.
Today, we are aligning our position for the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. This meeting, on the sidelines of the UNGA sessions, serves as a strategic step in our preparations.
In February, we underscored the need to maintain Africa’s bold leadership position through the Nairobi Declaration, which was endorsed by the AU Assembly. The climate-positive growth approach is not just a framework but a blueprint for Africa’s economic growth and development. This is particularly urgent as climate impacts are intensifying across the continent, with Southern Africa facing devastating droughts, while the Sahel and West Africa are grappling with floods that have displaced hundreds of thousands. North Africa is battling with heat waves and desertification,demonstrating the immediate need for resilient, sustainable interventions.
This morning, I hosted the first Steering Committee meeting of the African Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII), a collaborative platform that brings together African leadership and partners from finance, industry, and philanthropic sectors. This initiative is focused on unlocking investments for large-scale, high-impact green industrial and infrastructure projects, and aligning value chains across the continent.
Meaningful investments in Africa's resources— whether in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green transport, or nature-based solutions— are key to ensuring effective climate adaptation. These investments will enable lowcarbon, climate-resilient development, not only for Africa but also for the global community.
In February, I also proposed hosting an investment forum in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) for the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) which we launched at COP28. I am pleased to announce that the Investment Forum will take place next month in Nairobi.
Africa’s energy systems require significant investment to tackle pervasive energy poverty and meet the demands of our growing population.
Last year, global investment in the energy transitionreached a record USD 1.8 trillion, a 17% increase from 2022. However, Africa attracted less than 3% of this spending, accounting for only 0.6%— that is 2.7 GW of the 473 GW of new global renewable energy capacity in 2023. This stark disparity must be addressed.
The APRA initiative, launched at COP28, aims to redress this imbalance by accelerating the mobilisation of finance, technical assistance, and private sector engagement. The upcoming Investment Forum will present Africa’s abundant renewable energy potential and mineral wealth as key drivers of resilient, inclusive economies. On the international financial reform agenda, a central theme of the Nairobi Declaration, I am pleased to report progress on two initiatives launched at COP28: the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce and the Expert Review on Debt, Nature, and Climate. These initiatives are gaining traction, with many countries joining to support sustainable development, climate action, and nature conservation. As climate-related shocks become more frequent and severe, coupled with high debt servicing, government spending on green resilience is constrained. High interest rates and credit downgrades also make refinancing costly. Therefore, we must continue to advocate for debt sustainability and the reform of international financial systems to ensure climate justice. On the subject of reform, I have written to the incoming COP29 Presidency to request a HighLevel Politicalevent during the World Leaders Summit, focusing on “Measuring the Green Wealth of Nations: Natural Capital and Economic Productivity in Africa.” This event will be led by the Congo Basin countries and the African Development Bank, aiming to re-index GDP to accurately reflect the true wealth of nations. Finally, in February, we tasked the African Union Commission (AUC) with streamlining governance mechanisms for climate change in
Africa. This includes aligning the work of this Committee with the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN). I am pleased to inform you that during the recent AMCEN meeting in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, the establishment of a Secretariat under the AUC for the AGN was approved. This Secretariat will help link and coordinate all our initiatives, including the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) and the Africa Climate Summit. This is a significant step forward in consolidating our efforts to tackle the climate crisis, enhance green growth, and promote sustainable development across the continent. With those few remarks, let me now request my brother, Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to make his statement.
CAHOSCC CLOSING STATEMENT Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by thanking you all for the productive discussions this morning.
We extend our appreciation to the African Union Commission for its coordination and support of this Committee’s work.
The CAHOSCC meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA serves as a crucial preparatory session to align our common position ahead of the upcoming COP.
COP29, often referred to as the “Finance COP,” is especially important. It is vital for our continent, which remains disadvantaged not only in terms of vulnerability but also in access to and flow of international climate finance, to present a strong, unified voice.
Africa must vigorously advocate for a successful outcome at COP29, with a focus on securing an ambitious and equitable new climate finance goal. This goal must be proportional to the urgency and scale of the climate crisis and reflect the needs and priorities of Africa and other developing nations.
We commend the Ministerial Conference (AMCEN) held in Abidjan earlier this month, which endorsed key messages and decisions forming Africa’s common position. These positions offer clear guidance and should serve as the foundation for our negotiators at the COP.
The AU Commission, in collaboration with the Chair of the group of negotiators, must ensure that African delegates are well-prepared and receive adequate support for their participation at COP29.
Finally, the AUC should expedite the implementation of the AMCEN decision to institutionalize and establish the Secretariat for the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, aligning it with the AMCEN and Africa Climate Summit Secretariats.
Once again, I thank you all for your unwavering dedication to championing Africa’s cause in the fight against climate change. We must remain united and speak with one voice to secure climate justice for Africa and for all.
Thank you. This meeting is now adjourned.