Raila Odinga to Address Pan-African Green Climate Financing Conference in Nairobi

Nairobi is set to host a pivotal two-day stakeholders consultative conference on climate financing, convened by the Africa Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Network (AfDAN) in partnership with the Building Climate Resilience of the Urban Poor (BCRUP) secretariat. The conference, spearheaded by the Government of Kenya, will focus on developing strategies to enhance access to climate finance, a crucial element in mitigating the severe impacts of climate change on the continent.

One of the key highlights of the event will be the keynote address by Raila Odinga, who is also a candidate for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson. Odinga, a prominent figure in African politics, is expected to emphasize the urgent need for increased climate financing to bolster Africa’s capacity to combat climate change.

The Climate Crisis and Africa’s Role

Africa contributes less than 4% of the global total of harmful greenhouse gases responsible for trapping heat in the earth’s atmosphere. Despite this minimal contribution, the continent is disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. The developing nations in Africa are often left to grapple with the devastating effects, which include severe weather events, droughts, floods, and a loss of biodiversity. These impacts pose significant challenges to the continent’s long-term sustainable development, disrupt livelihoods, and exacerbate conflicts.

Urbanization, identified as a human-induced factor contributing to climate change, adds another layer of complexity to the crisis. As African cities continue to grow, they put additional strain on already fragile ecosystems, creating a dilemma for industries and policymakers alike. The need for comprehensive strategies that address urbanization while also fostering climate resilience has never been more critical.

The Need for Increased Climate Financing

One of the primary obstacles to combating climate change in Africa is the low level of climate financing. Experts argue that without sufficient financial resources, it is challenging to implement the necessary strategies to curb the effects of climate change. This gap in funding not only hampers mitigation efforts but also impedes the continent’s ability to adapt to the changing climate.

The outcomes of various climate change negotiations across the globe have underscored the importance of climate justice for Africa. There is a growing recognition of the need to mobilize substantial financial resources to support locally-led climate actions. African countries, under a coordinated platform like AfDAN, are now advocating for ambitious financial commitments that will enable them to address climate challenges at the local level.

AfDAN: A Beacon of Hope for Climate Financing

AfDAN was officially launched during the 27th Conference of Parties on climate change (COP 27) held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022. The network serves as a Pan-African Climate Finance access point, designed to support climate actions at the country level. AfDAN aims to accelerate the mobilization of climate finance and ensure that these funds are accessible in a predictable and sustainable manner. This support is crucial for both adaptation and mitigation efforts in rural and urban areas across the continent.

The African Union, during its 37th Ordinary Session in February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, acknowledged the vital role AfDAN plays in bringing African countries together. The AU recognized the network’s efforts in building capacity to enhance access to climate finance, especially for adaptation and resilience-building at the local level. The support of bilateral and multilateral development partners has further strengthened AfDAN’s mission, allowing it to function as a reliable and effective conduit for climate finance.

A Call to Action

As Africa continues to face the brunt of climate change, the upcoming conference in Nairobi presents a significant opportunity for stakeholders to forge stronger strategies to access and mobilize climate finance. Raila Odinga’s keynote address is expected to galvanize efforts towards securing the necessary funding and support for climate resilience initiatives across the continent. The conference aims to underscore the importance of coordinated action, with a particular focus on ensuring that financial resources reach the most vulnerable communities in Africa.

The outcomes of this conference will likely set the stage for future climate finance initiatives, helping African nations to build a more resilient and sustainable future in the face of a rapidly changing climate.