Abisagi Nalwadda is a journalism and Communicatin student at Makerere University
KAMPALA – As the world prepares for COP 29 in Azerbaijan from November 11-24, the devastating reality of climate change stares us in the face. Impacts of climate change such as the severe drought in the Greater Horn of Africa, which has left millions facing acute hunger and wiped out entire livelihoods, serve as a clear reminder of how vulnerable Africa is, despite contributing only 4% to global greenhouse gas emissions (International Energy Agency, 2022). Africa bears the brunt of climate change.
Years of broken promises from foreign donors have left Africa awaiting climate finance that never arrives. Developed nations pledged $100 billion annually for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries at COP 15 in Copenhagen. However, actual disbursement remains insufficient, with Africa receiving only 12% of global climate finance, totaling $21 billion in 2020 (Climate Policy Initiative, 2020).
Similar pledges at COP 21, COP 23, and COP 27 have yielded little results . Therefore, it’s time for Africa to take control of its climate future. Indigenous wisdom and cultural diversity hold the key to overcoming dependency. Local strategies, such as agroforestry in Rwanda and Kenya, Conservation Agriculture in Malawi and Zambia, and eco-based adaptation in Ghana, offer the best alternative.
To achieve this, governments must enact laws like carbon pricing, green taxes, and climate-resilient budgeting. African nations can also make use of cutting-edge financing tools like green sukuk, climate debt swaps, and green bonds. Building capacity and implementing policies can also be improved via regional collaboration and knowledge exchange. Examples of useful frameworks for mobilizing domestic resources are the Climate Change Fund of the African Union and the Climate Change Strategy of the African Development Bank. As demonstrated by nations like South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco, Africa can realize its full potential for climate resilience and sustainable development by giving domestic funding top priority. African governments must improve capacity building, mobilize domestic resources, establish policy frameworks, and promote regional collaboration in order to address the issues associated with climate financing
Africa can’t keep depending on foreign climate funding.
It’s time to prioritize domestic funds over climate aid. By doing so, Africa can unlock its potential for climate resilience and sustainable development, as demonstrated by South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco.
COP 29 presents an opportunity for African nations to demand a more inclusive global climate policy. Rather than waiting for money that might never come, Africa needs to wake up and take control of its climate future.
The writer, Abisagi Nalwadda, is a journalism and communication student at Makerere University.
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