Policy brief - Empowering Africa: Advancing climate resilience and sustainability on the Continent

WSG Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Kennedy Manduna contributed to this policy brief with his chapter on why Africa should not drop its guard when negotiating critical and strategic minerals deals with the global powers.

This policy brief provides a comprehensive overview of some key issues and strategies concerning climate action in Africa. It aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change on the continent, and Africa’s agency in that regard through policy recommendations. The policy brief addresses:

• Tax windfall profits from fossil fuel industries to fund climate adaption and the establishment of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): The delayed finalisation of the GGA framework at COP28 poses challenges for African nations reliant on global funding for adaptation efforts.
• Opportunities and Challenges of Critical Minerals and Metals: Sub-Saharan Africa's abundant reserves of critical minerals and metals offer potential for economic development and clean energy transition. However, questions arise regarding African agency in resource management and development.
• Urgency of Climate Finance and Investment: Africa's vulnerability to climate change necessitates a significant scale-up of climate finance and investment. This policy brief calls for urgent action and unity among African nations to accelerate climate resilience and mitigation efforts.
• Importance of Initiatives like the Great Green Wall: Despite challenges, initiatives like the Great Green Wall demonstrate the potential for combating desertification and promoting sustainable development in the Sahel region.

Through comprehensive analysis and actionable recommendations, this policy brief aims to empower policymakers and stakeholders in advancing climate resilience and sustainability across the African continent.

Read the full Policy Brief