Remarks · 16 February 2025
Excellencies, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I thank you all for your insightful presentations and the various initiatives being implemented to enhance resilience, strengthen climate mitigation, and accelerate adaptation efforts across Africa.
Record-breaking global temperatures have persisted. Last month, January, was the 18th of the past 19 months in which the global average surface temperature exceeded the 1.5°C preindustrial level. Under the Paris Climate Agreement, the world committed to limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, yet we have now breached that threshold. We hope this is temporary, but the warning signs suggest otherwise.
As a continent, our priorities are clear: We must pursue inclusive economic growth, strengthen climate resilience and adaptation, and accelerate social development, especially in ensuring universal energy access.
Over the past few years, and following the first Africa Climate Summit, African leaders have reinforced our continent's potential and commitment to being part of the global solution for a sustainable future. This vision is what the Nairobi Declaration defines as Climate Positive Growth, leveraging Africa’s unique natural assets, renewable energy potential, and industrial capacity to become a global green industrial powerhouse.
Although global climate ambitions face setbacks, the transition towards greener production and consumption continues and is even accelerating. It is imperative that Africa positions itself as a key investment destination, an indispensable trade partner, and a leading force in global climate solutions.
Energy access remains a critical challenge. Across Africa, 600 million people live without electricity, and nearly one billion lack access to clean cooking solutions. The high cost of capital is a major barrier to scaling up clean energy investments, while the worsening debt crisis forces many nations to prioritise debt repayments over vital services like healthcare and education. This, in turn, makes it harder for countries to mobilise financing for large-scale clean energy projects. Addressing this challenge must remain at the forefront of our agenda.
We must also seize the growing demand for high quality carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This presents a critical opportunity for Africa to attract international financing for its carbon projects.
The carbon market has proven its potential not only in attracting investment but also in fostering sustainable development and supporting global climate commitments. Africa must continue to strategically engage.
Finally, the report of the coordinator is an essential reference document that is used by stakeholders across the continent and beyond. It is crucial that the report accurately captures the deliberations and work of this committee. I urge the AUC Secretariat to work closely with my team to ensure its accuracy and completeness.
I close by echoing the urgent call by United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres: "Africa needs financial, climate, and technological justice." We will continue to push for a just, fair, and equitable global system, including climate justice. As I noted in my opening remarks, Kenya has made significant progress in preparing for the Africa Climate Summit 2025, which will be another milestone in Africa’s leadership in global climate action.
Once again, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Ladies and Gentlemen, I sincerely thank you for your continued support in my role as coordinator, and I assure you of my unwavering commitment as we jointly champion this crucial agenda. I thank you all. ###