At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025, the African Development Bank Group launched a fresh approach to discussing climate solutions. They hosted casual, coffee-style dialogues that encouraged open conversations between participants and Bank experts, making the discussions feel more accessible and personal.
The talks aimed to address Africa’s challenges with climate change. Al-Hamndou Dorsouma, who leads the Climate and Green Growth Division at the Bank, highlighted a striking fact: African nations contribute less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they face severe impacts like rising temperatures and extreme weather. This reality underscores the urgent need for action.
Davinah Milenge, the Chief Programme Coordinator for Climate Change and Green Growth, spoke about the Bank’s initiatives, particularly relating to the circular economy in Africa. This model emphasizes reducing waste by reusing materials, which can significantly benefit environmental and economic resilience.
Gareth Phillips, who manages Climate and Environmental Finance, showcased the Bank’s green finance efforts, focusing on the African Green Banks Initiative. This initiative aims to boost investments in sustainable projects, which is vital as Africa seeks to tackle climate challenges.
James Kinyangi, Coordinator of the ClimDev Special Fund, shared insights on two key financing avenues that support climate action. While Arona Soumaré, the Chief Regional Specialist for West Africa, discussed the Bank’s strategies in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change. Soumaré emphasized aligning efforts with international agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification.
Participants praised the informal format. Kenyan visitors Reilo Idagiza Sirali and Lydia Wanjo felt it fostered genuine dialogue. Wanjo expressed, “It felt like we were having coffee while discussing the future of our planet.” Maria Micah Maua, from the Kenyan youth delegation, noted how enlightening the discussions were regarding the just energy transition and the Bank’s work on the circular economy.
Dorsouma mentioned the Bank’s strategic action plan, which aims to improve access to capital, reform financial systems, and build resilient infrastructures. These efforts are meant to promote long-term sustainable growth across Africa. He added, “Our discussions on circular economy, climate information, and green finance reflect our commitment to drive significant climate action.”
This year, the knowledge shared at COP30 not only focused on challenges but also highlighted innovative solutions. The growing interest in green finance indicates a global shift toward sustainable investing. According to a recent report by PwC, global sustainable investment reached $35.3 trillion in 2020, signaling a strong trend that the African Development Bank aims to harness for the continent’s benefit.
In summary, the conversations at COP30 illustrate a vital step towards addressing the climate crisis in Africa. With fresh ideas and collaborative efforts, there’s hope for a sustainable future shaped through inclusive dialogue and innovative financing. For more on climate initiatives, check out UN Climate Change.
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African Development Bank (AfDB),Climate solutions,COP30
