Africa has renewed its united call for a fair and just global climate finance architecture as the continent marked Africa Day at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) announced this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
The commemoration, held under the theme “Africa at the Forefront of Climate Action: Sustainable Financing for Resilient and Inclusive Green Growth,” brought together ministers, regional institutions, development banks, civil society groups and youth leaders. Key participants included the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), Afreximbank and other strategic partners.
Speaking at the event, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, said Africa continues to receive disproportionately low levels of climate finance. He noted that the continent gets less than 10 per cent of global adaptation funds and only three per cent of total climate financing, despite being one of the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts. According to him, Africa remains “bold, united and leading on climate justice.”
Discussions focused heavily on securing sustainable, equitable and innovative financing to accelerate green industrialisation. Participants stressed that Africa’s long-term economic resilience depends on adding value to its abundant natural resources, particularly critical minerals, while also scaling renewable energy and climate-smart technologies.
AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, Dr Kevin Kariuki, said the bank is intensifying efforts to strengthen Africa’s financial sovereignty and close the continent’s sustainable financing gap. He emphasised the role of innovation, partnerships and stronger climate infrastructure in driving meaningful progress.
Representing the ECA’s Executive Secretary, Dr Cosmas Ochieng called for urgent reforms to the global financial system, insisting that reliance on debt-based models must give way to predictable, grant-based and Africa-led solutions.
Participants also noted that Africa’s vast carbon sinks and mineral wealth offer enormous potential—estimating that a well-structured carbon market could generate up to $100 billion annually and create five million green jobs by 2030.
Africa Day at COP30 concluded with renewed calls for a global climate compact that recognises Africa’s leadership and supports a truly just transition.
