African stakeholders chart united stand on climate resilience ahead of COP30 in Brazil

The summit aimed to unify Africa’s stance before COP30 in Brazil, pushing for climate justice driven by local solutions. 

Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa faces severe climate impacts—from deadly floods in Rwanda to failing crops in Kenya.

Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo, the chair of the Council of Governors’ Environment and Climate Change Committee, highlighted systemic barriers: “Weak institutional coordination, limited funding, and technical gaps hinder Africa’s resilience efforts. We need global support—not handouts, but partnerships.”

Ghanaian activist Valerie Nutakor, speaking at the Youth MAST Dialogue, declared: “There is nothing about us without us. We are not just survivors—we are solution-builders. But we need resources and space.”

Her words reflected the struggles of millions of African youth battling droughts, floods, and disrupted education. 

From Kisumu’s mangrove restoration to Embu’s women-led rainwater projects, African communities are innovating—yet struggle for funding.

Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR–ICRAF, warned that without direct investment, even the best strategies will remain just words.

At the summit, Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo called climate action a “moral duty”. The Vatican has proposed a Universal Protocol of Resilience, aligning with Pope Francis’s 2024 plea for ethical climate leadership. 

Delegates adopted the Mitigation, Adaptation, and Societal Transformation (MAST) strategy, prioritizing local action over bureaucracy.

“Budgets alone won’t save us. Africa’s resilience must be science-backed, youth-driven, and community-led,” said Dr. Jacqueline Kado of NASAC.

County governments committed to crafting tailored resilience plans, focusing on agroecology, early warning systems, and green infrastructure—key to Africa’s COP30 agenda.