The Africa Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES) has brought together negotiators, parliamentarians, and experts from Africa in Nairobi for a Pre-SB62 strategy meeting. As Africa is facing increasingly severe and frequent climate impact, this gathering is critical for fostering a unified African voice ahead of the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), which aims to refine negotiating positions, align national priorities, and shape global climate action in line with the continent’s needs.

Organized by AGNES in collaboration with ILRI, FAO Kenya, CARE International, the Alliance of Biodiversity, IOM, CIAT, and the Kenyan government, the meeting represents a significant step toward advancing climate action in key areas such as agriculture, finance, gender, and human mobility.

Africa remains one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change due to its heavy reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, limited adaptive capacity, and existing socio-economic challenges. These factors have become a top priority for the continent to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

With climate shocks exacerbating food insecurity and destabilizing economies, experts, negotiators, and policymakers are focusing on strengthening climate resilience strategies. Agriculture, a cornerstone of Africa’s economy, is a key focus in the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), emphasizing the need for climate-smart agriculture.

Principal Secretary, State Department For Environment & Climate Change – Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, H.E. Festus Ng’eno, emphasized the importance of the meeting in shaping Africa’s priorities for SB62. He stressed the need for unity in advocating for fair and equitable climate solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.

“Our priorities include accessible and predictable climate finance for adaptation and loss and damage, stronger regional cooperation to amplify Africa’s voice in global climate discussions, and technology transfer coupled with capacity building to enable sustainable climate solutions,” said Ng’eno.

He added that the meeting provides an opportunity to evaluate critical interventions, such as expanding nature-based solutions, integrating adaptation and mitigation measures to protect food systems, and promoting policies that support smallholder farmers and agri-value chains.

Africa’s researchers, scientists, and experts have been actively seeking solutions to these challenges. Through stakeholder collaboration, best practices are being shared, with institutions contributing insights on issues ranging from food security to agri-food systems and climate-induced human mobility.

Hon. Guirieoulou Emile, Chair of the Africa Network of Parliamentarians on Climate Change (ANPCC), pointed out the challenge of developing effective national climate policies. He noted that fewer than 10 African countries currently have legislative frameworks addressing climate change.

“As parliamentarians, we are engaging in consultations with colleagues, civil society, and experts to address issues like climate finance access, capacity building, and aligning national and international policies,” said Hon. Emile.

Funa Nani, an adaptation negotiator from South Africa, praised AGNES for organizing the meeting, noting its value in preparing negotiators for multilateral forums like SB62 and COP30.

Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General of ILRI, highlighted AGNES’s role in fostering collaboration among negotiators and institutions. He cited the joint efforts in 2023 to develop a new narrative on livestock in Africa as an example.
“The African Union is now considering incorporating livestock into NDCs, and issues like animal genetic resources are being addressed to establish a unified position on livestock, climate change, and biodiversity,” said Prof. Djikeng.

Ms. Sabira Coelho, Regional Thematic Specialist for Climate Action, IOM Regional Office for East Horn and Southern Africa, highlighted the importance of addressing human mobility in climate discussions. She noted that 6.3 million people were displaced in 2024, a six-fold increase over 15 years.
“It is crucial to integrate human mobility perspectives into climate conversations and develop a regional framework to address migration challenges,” said Coelho.

As preparations for SB62 gain momentum, this pre-SB62 meeting will help strengthen Africa’s voice in the diverse sectors impacted by climate change and is expected to deliver better negotiation outcomes at the end of the deliberations. The continent’s ability to stand united in advocating for its priorities rooted in justice, innovation, and inclusivity will determine its success in influencing global climate action.

Stay tuned for more coverage on this agenda in the coming months.