Clean energy on the agenda as African nations’ climate negotiators meet ahead of COP27

### African Nations’ Climate Negotiators Meet Ahead of U.N. Summit

The final meeting of African nations’ climate negotiators began in Windhoek, Namibia, on Monday, focusing on strategies to enhance renewable energy across the continent. This annual Climate Change and Development in Africa conference aims to give negotiators, government officials, climate scientists, grassroots organizations, and farming associations the opportunity to finalize Africa’s collective interests and establish a unified stance for the upcoming U.N. climate summit, COP27, in Egypt this November.

A significant discussion point will be how Africa can transition to clean energy while ensuring that the poorest communities are not left behind and that renewable initiatives contribute to economic growth. James Murombedzi from the Africa Climate Policy Centre noted that financing renewable energy and securing additional funds to help vulnerable communities adapt to extreme weather and maintain food security will be crucial topics.

Despite being home to nearly 17% of the global population, Africa has attracted only 2% of the world’s clean energy investments in the past two decades, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Therefore, African nations are expected to call on developed countries for increased climate financing at COP27. They are also likely to demand compensation from high-polluting nations for the adverse effects of climate change, an issue referred to as “loss and damage” in climate negotiations.

Mithika Mwenda, co-convener of the meeting and part of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, emphasized the importance of prioritizing adaptation and addressing loss and damage in climate actions for the continent. Although Africa contributes about 3% to 4% of global emissions, it is particularly vulnerable to climate change, making it essential to develop effective strategies for adaptation.