ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (PAMACC News) – The 13th edition of the Climate Change and Development in Africa Conference (CCDA-XIII) took place in Addis Ababa with a strong message: Africa is ready to lead its own climate agenda, built on science, inclusive finance, and a just transition.

Convened under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Climate Action with Science, Finance, and Just Transition,” the three-day gathering brings together policymakers, scientists, climate negotiators, civil society leaders, development partners, and private sector representatives. Their mission is to sharpen an African-led, evidence-based climate agenda ahead of key global negotiations.

A Pivotal Moment for Africa

In her opening address, Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of the Sustainable Environment Division at the African Union Commission (AUC), delivered remarks on behalf of Commissioner Moses Vilakati. She described the conference as unfolding at a turning point for the continent.

“This year’s CCDA comes at a pivotal time. The climate crisis is accelerating — but so is Africa’s determination to lead with solutions grounded in equity, innovation, and resilience,” she said.

El Gaouzi stressed that Africa’s story is not solely about vulnerability. Instead, it is about immense potential for transformation.

“Over the next few days, we will explore not only the vulnerabilities that shape our shared experience, but also the immense opportunities to transform Africa into a hub of green growth and sustainable development,” she noted.

Her message was clear: Africa should not be defined by climate risks but by the solutions it brings forward. “From scaling up climate finance to strengthening adaptive capacity and advancing homegrown research and technologies, CCDA-XIII is a platform for bold ideas and collaborative action,” she concluded.

Putting People at the Center

For the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), which represents a broad coalition of civil society organizations, the urgency of the moment cannot be overstated.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Executive Director Mithika Mwenda, PACJA officials highlighted the devastating human toll of climate inaction.

“In 2024 alone, more than 110 million Africans were affected by climate disasters — floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These are not abstract statistics. They represent lives disrupted, dignity eroded, and futures compromised,” Mwenda emphasized.

He reminded participants that Africa, despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, continues to bear the brunt of climate impacts. “Despite contributing the least to global emissions, Africa pays the highest price. That is why CCDA-XIII matters. This gathering must provide the scaffolding for Africa’s common position — equipping our leaders and negotiators with the evidence and solutions to stand tall in global climate diplomacy,” he said.

Mwenda also celebrated Africa’s pioneering climate initiatives, citing Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative — a massive tree-planting campaign — as a global model of ambition and vision.

Negotiators Call for Science-Driven Policy

The African Group of Negotiators (AGN), which represents the continent in international climate talks, echoed these sentiments while sharpening the focus on science and sovereignty.

Richard Muyungi, Chair of the AGN, declared that Africa was entering a new phase in climate leadership.

“Africa is entering a new phase — one driven by our ecological wealth, backed by our science, and asserting our sovereign rights to define our development trajectory. We stand not as victims, but as architects of just transitions,” he said.

Muyungi underscored the importance of building Africa’s own climate science and research base to inform decision-making and adaptation strategies.

“Africa cannot afford to depend solely on externally driven models. Our science must guide decision-making, adaptation tracking, and inform the Global Goal on Adaptation,” he stressed.

The Climate Finance Imperative

Perhaps the most pressing issue at CCDA-XIII is climate finance. African leaders and negotiators have long argued that without adequate financing, adaptation and resilience efforts will remain out of reach.

For Muyungi and the AGN, the demand is clear: “Climate finance is not charity — it is a right, a duty, and a measure of trust. We call for a needs-based new finance goal, the doubling of adaptation finance, the full operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, and a reform of the global financial architecture to reflect Africa’s sovereign priorities.”

This strong stance reflects Africa’s collective frustration with unmet global commitments. Despite pledges made in past negotiations, adaptation finance continues to lag behind, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to worsening climate shocks.

A Platform for Collaboration

CCDA-XIII is not just a platform for speeches but also a space for developing practical strategies. Jointly convened by the Climate for Development in Africa (ClimDev-Africa) initiative — a partnership of the AUC, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) — the conference aims to link science, policy, and practice in ways that serve African priorities.

PACJA and other civil society partners are also deeply involved, ensuring that grassroots voices inform continental strategies.

Over the next three days, delegates are engaging in high-level panels, technical workshops, and policy dialogues. Discussions are centered on enhancing climate resilience, driving inclusive green growth, and mobilizing finance at scale. The sessions are aligned with the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022–2032), which sets the roadmap for the continent’s climate response over the next decade.

Building a Just Transition

A central theme throughout the discussions is the concept of a just transition — ensuring that Africa’s shift toward green and resilient economies does not leave communities, workers, or vulnerable groups behind.

Speakers stressed that Africa’s youthful population, resource wealth, and innovative spirit provide the foundation for a transition that can deliver both climate action and socioeconomic transformation. Investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and green infrastructure are expected to feature prominently in the deliberations.

Looking Ahead

As CCDA-XIII unfolds, participants hope the outcomes will strengthen Africa’s common position ahead of global climate negotiations, particularly as the world edges closer to reviewing progress under the Paris Agreement and advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation.

For many, the conference represents a chance to turn rhetoric into reality. As El Gaouzi urged in her remarks: “Let us make this conference a turning point — not just for dialogue, but for decisive progress.”

If Africa succeeds in shaping a climate agenda rooted in science, powered by adequate finance, and grounded in justice, CCDA-XIII could indeed be remembered as a watershed moment — one where Africa asserted its role not only as a frontline victim of climate change but also as a global leader of climate solutions.