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.
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.
OPINION
In July 2025, I had the privilege of representing the Seed and Knowledge Initiative at the African Chefs’ Gathering and Policy Convening on African Food Systems in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event brought together participants from 23 countries in a space of unity, purpose and solidarity, where voices from across the continent affirmed the beauty and sacredness of African food systems.
We celebrated the richness of our heritage through indigenous foods used in ceremonies and healing, traditional dishes carrying ancestral wisdom, and food rituals that bind communities. Chefs spoke about grains like fonio and teff and fruits like baobab and moringa, reminding us that every dish tells a story of seed, soil and survival. Yet these stories are at risk, as imported and ultra-processed foods continue to push indigenous diets to the margins, weakening local economies, eroding culture and harming human health.
What inspired me most was seeing chefs act as cultural ambassadors, using their kitchens as platforms of advocacy. Through food, they challenged policies that sideline traditional crops and smallholder farmers, and called for sovereignty and justice in how Africa feeds itself. At the same time, we confronted hard truths: the disconnection of youth from farming and cooking, colonial narratives that undermine African cuisine, the impacts of climate change and land degradation, and policies that speak of agroecology but fail to support it in practice.
Despite these challenges, hope and opportunity guided the gathering. Together we imagined a future where African food knowledge is documented, shared and celebrated, where women and youth are central to agroecological and culinary transformation, and where policies and education systems uplift African food traditions. The commitment that emerged was clear; to uphold dignity, share knowledge, challenge narratives that devalue African food systems, and protect the small-scale producers, consumers and chefs who safeguard this heritage.
Leaving Addis Ababa, I carried with me the spirit of a living declaration that goes beyond words and takes root in our fields, kitchens, schools and policies. I was reminded of the annual Harare Good Food and Seed Festival and other seed fairs and community events in Southern Africa, where local chefs prepare delicious meals using indigenous ingredients sourced from small holder farmers. These fairs are powerful spaces that showcase the richness of African food and highlight the commitment of SKI partners to securing healthy food systems rooted in locally produced crops and traditions. They also create vital opportunities for sharing knowledge and building solidarity across the continent, reminding us that our strength lies in celebrating and protecting our food heritage together.
As SKI, we remain committed to advancing agroecology and farmer-led seed systems while standing in solidarity with smallholder farmers who continue to nourish Africa with their hands, hearts and cultural practices.
NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) - For decades, Kenya’s smallholder farmers have leaned heavily on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides to sustain crop yields in the face of erratic weather patterns, invasive pests, and rising food demand. But this reliance has come at a steep cost: depleted soils, contaminated water sources, declining biodiversity, and mounting health concerns for both farmers and consumers.
Now, Kenya is rewriting that story—starting from the ground up.
In 2024, the government launched the National Agroecology Strategy, a landmark policy framework designed to steer the country toward environmentally sustainable, health-conscious, and socially just food systems. At the same time, counties like Murang’a and Vihiga have taken the lead in implementing local agroecology policies aimed at helping farmers transition from chemical-intensive agriculture to nature-based solutions, including the use of bio-products such as organic fertilizers and biopesticides.
Agroecology is more than just organic farming—it is a holistic approach that integrates ecological principles into every part of the food system, from soil health and seed diversity to market access and consumer awareness.
Murang’a and Vihiga have crafted county-specific agroecology policies that incentivize the use of bio-inputs, improve extension services, and promote soil and biodiversity conservation.
In the central highlands, Murang’a County was the first to implement the policy, which paved way to agroecological innovation. The policy sets clear targets: phasing out toxic synthetic inputs, increasing farmer access to organic fertilizers, and promoting the use of biopesticides for the benefit of human health and the environment.
The same is now happening in Vihiga County, in the Western part of the country.
“We’ve already started training our extension officers on the use of bio-products,” says Dr Wilber Ottichilo, the County Governor for Vihiga. “We want to build local knowledge on how beneficial microorganisms, composts, and natural pest repellents can work just as effectively—if not better—than synthetic chemicals.”
The Governor adds that the county is also supporting farmer groups to produce their own organic inputs like fermented bokashi fertilizers, vermi compost and biopesticides using locally available materials. “This not only lowers input costs but also creates new income opportunities,” he says.
The county boss also wants Vihiga residents to diversify their crops, given the small sizes of land owned by individual households.
“Our goal is to reverse the damage caused by years of over-reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reliance on growing only maize and beans and give farmers alternative nutritious and also income generating indigenous vegetables and food security crops such as sweet potatoes and cassava,” said Dr Ottichilo
One of the campaigns currently in many parts of the country is Healthy Soil, Healthy Food campaign, driven by AFSA to promotes composting, agroforestry, and the use of microbial-based soil enhancers. Through partnerships with NGOs and local cooperatives, farmers are also learning how to prepare and apply organic pest control products.
“After switching from chemical inputs to bio-fertilizers and intercropping with legumes, my maize yields improved without harming the soil,” says Moses Omwenga, a smallholder farmer from Emuhaya. “It’s a new mindset, but the results are real.”
Transitioning to agroecology isn’t just about banning chemicals—it requires infrastructure, research, and community support. Both Murang’a and Vihiga are investing in farmer training programs, establishing community seed banks, and promoting participatory research with local institutions.
They are also collaborating with private-sector players who produce certified bio-products, making it easier for farmers to access safe and affordable alternatives.
“Policy is important, but practice is where transformation happens,” says Ferdinand Wafula, the Founder - Bio Gardening Innovations (BIOGI). “The counties that are succeeding are the ones backing their words with resources, farmer training, and real incentives to go green,” he said.
“For too long, farmers have been trapped in a cycle of buying expensive chemical inputs that damage their soils and health. Agroecology offers a way out—a system that restores the land while reducing production costs and ensuring safer food for our communities,” says Wafula.
Kenya’s agroecology strategy, supported by pioneering county policies, signals a turning point in the country’s agricultural journey—away from chemical dependency and toward a food system that is healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient to climate shocks.
With farmers like Omwenga at the forefront, and with continued political will at national and county levels, Kenya is proving that the future of farming lies not in the laboratory—but in the living soils.
