During the World Leaders Summit, African leaders openly raised concerns about the increasing severity of climate impacts, with their local communities bearing the brunt. These unprecedented eventualities have increasingly led to loss of lives and property destruction, costing 2-3% of the African countries’ GDP.

During the opening plenary of COP29, attended by over 80 global leaders, African representatives underscored their priorities, emphasizing climate finance, justice, and resilience. Their representation of the developing countries and the Global South, in general, was a stark reminder that there are communities that are at the frontlines of these unprecedented eventualities and are deemed the most vulnerable. 

The African leaders gave their key contributions based on their context of climate crisis as they detailed how some of their national adaptation measures are on track to building resilience however are faced with financial challenges. Below are some of the key priorities for African countries in achieving resilience and averting the increasing climate crises;

Mohamed Younis A. Menfi, President of Libya Reaffirmed the need for developed countries to fulfill pledges on technology transfer and financing. He explained that the climate catastrophe African countries have experienced can only be dealt with if there is adequate financing to effectively respond to those situations as well as the transfer of technology and techniques to build national adaptive capacity.

Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania Called for new and mobilized funds to meet the urgent needs of developing countries, especially in Africa. Showcasing how they have; adopted key steps and actions to limit emissions and to restore various lands that have been affected by the impacts of the changing climate, achieved 48% of Renewable energy deployment in Mauritania, and are targeting 60% by 2030.

Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe Described the severe impacts of climate change, facing one of its worst El Niño-induced droughts, which underscores its vulnerability.

According to him, the time for half-measures is over, and it’s a collective duty to implement the agreement. Given the escalating global crisis, the Cop29 theme is timely and urgent. Regretfully, pollution continues to degrade the environment.

Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea-Bissau emphasized the crucial role of multilateralism in the fight against climate change. However, called on corporations to implement policies and secure the climate financing that is required considering it is important to ensure a fair and just energy transition.

In addition, stressed the need for strategic actions to mitigate climate impacts as well as build strength and resilience for our communities.

“We have launched reforestation and mangrove plantations which are very key in terms of biodiversity and also for carbon absorption. These measures enhance the adaptive capacity of our livelihood. We will intensify these efforts with new projects as outlined in our national strategy,” he said.

Prosper Bazombanza, Vice President of Burundi pointed out that Burundi is a country confronted by the impacts of climate change from experiencing heavy rains and periods of dry seasons that have become longer.

Additionally, Burundi is strongly committed to countries that are under the Paris Agreement. Through the NDC and the national development plan (2018 to 2027), Burundi aims at ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change. Priority actions for adaptation and mitigation to the impacts of climate change are included in most policies and programs through a multisectoral approach. Currently, we have launched a vast national reforestation program throughout the country.

Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of Congo Advocated for forest financing and a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) focused on “climate justice,” highlighting the need for innovative funding to drive a sustainable transition. He further pointed out having hosted the 1st International Conference on Forestation and Reforestation, linking intention to action to consolidate the essential role of forests in climate regulation and perpetuate the initiative for widespread global reforestation.

Revealing that Congo has just submitted a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly on the World Decade for Forests and Reforestation as he urged fellow African leaders to follow suite.

Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo said that what we need is true climate justice, i.e. responsibility that is shared but differentiated between countries. Africa is paying a high price for the climate crisis: we contribute little to global emissions, but we nonetheless suffer the most severe impacts. It’s our ecosystems, our food security, and our economies that are on the front line of this crisis. Our need for climate justice can no longer be ignored.

Taye Atseke Selassie Amde, President of Ethiopia, is essential to advance Paris Agreement goals to tangible outcomes. On this, Ethiopia’s green initiatives, are expanding our forest coverage to sink 10 billion tonnes of carbon. In addition, the heat-resistant wheat project makes our food system climate resilient coupled with investments in hydro-clean energy generation.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana, urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments to support sustainable development in Ghana without burdening it with debt. This financing is crucial in supporting initiatives like Ghana’s National Electric Vehicle Policy promotes mobility and steers them toward a green future.

He jibbed at leaders in COP29 with a question of what world will we leave behind. “Our children’s future hinges on COP29. Ghana stands with the world for a green, resilient tomorrow.”

Tiemoko Meyliet Koné, Vice President Côte d’Ivoire revealed a commitment to meeting the Paris Agreement targets for failure which would mean the country’s GDP could fall by 13% by 2050 leaving up to 2 million Ivorians in extreme poverty.

A call for major economies must drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to facilitate access to climate technologies and accelerate the financing of developing countries’ energy transition. The VP further announced their readiness to engage in the global carbon market.

Ahmed Abdullah Afif Didi, Seychelles Vice president highlighted their unique role as a net carbon sink, absorbing 30 times more CO₂ than it emits, thanks to its carbon-rich ecosystems. Further called on COP29 to ensure mechanisms of releasing the funding are eased since it would cost Seychelles 15 to 20 million dollars for adaptation, loss, and damage.

Russell Msimo Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini urged that cooperation must genuinely address mitigation and adaptation without placing unequal burden on poorer and developing countries. Effective climate finance remains a crucial and critical aspect, however, accessing these finances is overly complex for developing countries.

“As we finalize our NDCs let us not lose sight of our ultimate goal. Together we must commit to a world where future generations will look back at this moment as the turning point towards a resilience and sustainable future,” he said.

Esperança Maria Eduardo Francisco Da Costa, Vice President of Angola Reported climate-driven “forced migration” due to extreme drought and other impacts.

Michael Bizwick Usi, Malawian Vice President emphasized that the gathering is a powerful reminder of our collective duty to secure a future for our planet. Climate change in Malawi is not a distant abruption. Devastating floods, prolonged drought, and unpredictable weather patterns are destroying the livelihoods of our people, affecting food insecurity and public health and exacerbating poverty. Malawi remains steadfast in its commitment to climate action as evidenced by its NDC, with a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Declared COP29 a “defining moment for our collective future,” calling for adherence to the global Stocktake and, on behalf of least-developed countries, emphasized honoring this assessment.

Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Liberian Vice President – Called for COP29 to lay the groundwork for a loss and damage fund stressing that the devastation witnessed from lands being flooded and thousands getting displaced is a menace. Urged the developed countries to increase their contributions to the climate finance as some of the collective efforts at supporting developing countries.

Mr. Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt called for a solidarity that takes into account differences and disparities between countries since up to 5 percent of GDP is taken up by dealing with climate change.

“Egypt calls for a concentration on implementation in dealing with the climate crisis and catching up on the delays in finance for L&D especially those countries deprived of finance and technology and need support to avoid the loss of life. African countries, in general, suffer from a dearth of funding and dealing with problems in implementation – they are called upon to take measures to address emergencies which have impacts,” said Mr Mostafa.

Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania- Highlighted the importance of “clean cooking” as essential to a just transition, particularly for African nations hence their focus on implementing a clean cooking strategy to reach about 30 percent of households by 2030. Revealed a commitment to conserving forest and marine systems and are acting in solidarity for a green world. Carbon markets are not yet fully defined, and there is a lack of information on the capacity to participate.

Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of Morocco identified how the country is taking measures to ensure they meet the Paris Agreement with intentions of addressing major challenges of carbon neutrality. Having started updating its NDCs and will be raising its decarbonization ambitions by integration of decarbonization projects which will be heavily integrated through renewable energy, recycling biomass as well as deployment of green hydrogen.

The African leaders are taking the bull by its horns in their approach to COP29. Focusing on actions over pledges to affirm a secure financial system that will foresee a seamless implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans.

These plenary speeches of African Leaders are a clear indication of Africa’s urgent need for climate finance, equitable action, and support tailored to the continent’s specific challenges, calling for meaningful commitments from the international community.