How can Africa improve climate finance justice by making sure both local and international resources are used transparently, fairly, and accountably?
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), raised this important question at the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-12) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He spoke on a panel that included key figures like the Executive Secretary of UNECA and the COP32 Presidency, focusing on the theme, “Unlocking climate finance for sustainable development in Africa.”
Dr. Mwenda highlighted three major obstacles in the current climate finance system that need urgent attention.
First, he pointed to the weakening of the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capacities (CBDR-RC) established by the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. This principle recognizes that all countries should address climate change but that developed nations carry a greater burden due to their historical emissions. Despite this, African nations often face loans instead of grants, unpredictable funding, and pressure to finance their own adaptations, making it hard to address their climate challenges effectively.
He emphasized that Africa needs climate finance that is public, grant-based, reliable, and sufficient, particularly for adaptation efforts. He stated that development and climate justice cannot be separate issues.
Echoes of Injustice
Africa, which contributes the least to global emissions, is being asked to reduce its carbon footprint faster than its current developmental capacity allows. This means the continent is left to deal with the worsening impacts of climate change while navigating financial systems designed elsewhere. Dr. Mwenda labeled this as an unfair burden placed on Africa.
He posed a critical question: “Why is Africa being asked to shoulder a disproportionate share of the costs?” He called for more favorable financing options, easier access to funds, and global systems that do not impede African economies.
A Needs-Based Approach
According to Dr. Mwenda, African countries know their climate needs better than anyone else. However, the current climate financing system often prioritizes projects that are profitable or low-risk, instead of what local communities truly require.
He advocated for a needs-based approach to climate finance, where funding decisions align with the actual needs of African nations. Moreover, he encouraged countries to advocate for stronger commitments through the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate financing, ensuring that resources reach local communities directly, especially women and grassroots organizations.
Recent Context and Trends
Recent data shows that African nations continue to receive a small fraction of global climate finance. According to a 2021 report by the Climate Policy Initiative, only about 5% of climate finance goes directly to the African continent, despite its high vulnerability to climate impacts.
Public concern and advocacy around this topic have been growing. On social media, hashtags like #ClimateJustice and #AfricaClimateAction have sparked discussions about the urgent need for equitable funding.
As the climate crisis continues, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing these issues isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s vital for the survival and development of the continent. As Dr. Mwenda emphasized, it’s time for African nations to demand the support they need, rooted in justice and equity.
For more information on climate finance and its implications for African nations, you can refer to resources from organizations like UNEP and Climate Policy Initiative.
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Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD),ARFSD 12,Climate burden,Mithika Mwenda,Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)
