Africa’s climate journey tells a compelling story of resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. Though the continent contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it bears some of the most severe consequences of climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns disrupt agriculture, while rising sea levels threaten coastal cities. The stakes are incredibly high. Yet, amidst these challenges, Africa is emerging as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and hope—transforming adversity into an opportunity for sustainable development.
The data paints a stark picture. According to the World Bank, nine of the ten most climate-vulnerable countries are in Africa. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) projects that by 2025, over 250 million Africans will experience severe water stress. Agriculture, which employs 70% of the population, faces the looming threat of diminished productivity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that yields of staple crops like maize and wheat could decline by up to 40% by 2050. Meanwhile, rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather events endanger major cities such as Lagos, Cape Town, and Alexandria—straining infrastructure and putting millions of lives at risk.
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Africa’s Commitment to Climate Action
Despite these challenges, African nations are demonstrating a strong commitment to tackling climate change. All 54 countries on the continent have ratified the Paris Agreement, reinforcing their resolve. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) form the backbone of these efforts. Kenya, for instance, aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, leveraging its vast geothermal and wind energy potential. Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy pledges a 64% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, supported by international funding and local policies. On a continental level, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 sets ambitious targets for climate resilience, clean energy adoption, and sustainable agriculture.
Aiding the Green Energy Transition
Global support has played a critical role in Africa’s climate efforts. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has allocated over $2 billion for projects across the continent, while the World Bank pledged $22.5 billion between 2019 and 2023 to support climate adaptation and mitigation. Innovative financial mechanisms, such as debt-for-climate swaps highlighted during COP29, are easing financial burdens while promoting green investment.
In 2023 alone, the GCF committed $917.4 million to ten new private sector projects, representing 44% of its total funding that year. In total, the GCF has invested over $5 billion in 60 private sector initiatives, mobilising an additional $17.5 billion. Of this, $1.6 billion is in private equity, leveraging GCF capital at the fund level by a factor of 5.5 and generating further downstream investment.
Several countries stand out for their leadership in climate action. Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy has increased forest cover from 20% to 30% over two decades. The country has also implemented flood management systems benefiting over two million citizens, supported by partnerships with the GCF. Morocco’s Noor Solar Plant—the world’s largest—now provides clean energy to over a million households, thanks to funding from the World Bank and European Investment Bank. Similarly, Nigeria’s clean cooking initiative, which aims to distribute ten million clean cookstoves, is reducing reliance on wood fuel and significantly cutting carbon emissions.
Renewable energy projects, such as solar-powered irrigation systems in Sudan, are addressing food security while expanding energy access. Ghana’s climate-smart agricultural policies, funded by international grants, demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated into national development plans. Meanwhile, grassroots initiatives, such as reforestation efforts in the Sahel, highlight the power of community-driven action in combating climate change.
The economic toll of climate change is undeniable. Africa’s GDP growth could decline by up to 15% by 2050 due to climate-related impacts. Yet, there are positive trends. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Sub-Saharan Africa’s renewable energy capacity grew by 13% in 2022. However, fossil fuel-related air pollution remains a major health concern, contributing to approximately 450,000 deaths annually, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Despite these challenges, Africa’s economic outlook remains promising. The African Economic Outlook projects a rise in the continent’s average growth rate to 3.7% in 2024 and 4.3% in 2025—surpassing the projected global average of 3.2%. Notably, 17 African economies are expected to grow by more than 5% in 2024, with that number potentially rising to 24 in 2025 as growth accelerates.
