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Opinions of Wednesday, 6 September 2023

Columnist: Charles Akrofi

Africa Climate Summit: African leaders must explore internal funding mechanisms for climate change adaptation strategies

The AritaGlobe Foundation's logo The AritaGlobe Foundation's logo

AritaGlobe Foundation, a leading social and environmental non-governmental organization dedicated to helping deprived communities in Africa achieve their full potential is urging African leaders to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya to explore internal means to finance climate change adaptation strategies within the continent.

By doing so, Africa can ensure its survival and resilience, even if rich
nations fail to provide compensation.

The Africa Climate Summit serves as a crucial platform for African nations to come together and address the escalating challenges posed by climate change. As Africa needs to take ownership of its future, the AritaGlobe Foundation strongly advocates for exploring internal funding mechanisms for climate change adaptation strategies.

Several compelling avenues exist for Africa to raise funds internally to support its climate initiatives. A few examples include:

Utilising renewable energy resources: Africa possesses vast potential for renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. By harnessing these resources, African nations can generate clean energy to meet their demands while selling any surplus power to neighboring countries. Revenue generated from such initiatives can then be invested in climate change adaptation strategies.

Promoting sustainable agriculture: Agriculture is a significant economic sector in Africa, and promoting sustainable farming practices can lead to increased productivity and reduced environmental impact. Encouraging agroforestry practices and efficient water management techniques can decrease vulnerability to climate change while generating additional income through the export of sustainably produced crops.

Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms: African countries can introduce carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading systems, to
incentivize cleaner industrial practices. Revenue generated from these mechanisms can be directed towards financing climate change adaptation projects.

Establishing green bonds: African governments, in partnership with financial institutions, can issue green bonds to raise capital for climate change initiatives. These bonds attract sustainable investors who are willing to support environmentally friendly projects. The funds accrued can then be utilized to implement adaptation strategies across the continent.

By encouraging African leaders to explore these internal funding opportunities, the AritaGlobe Foundation emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and proactive measures to combat climate change. While striving for international support and compensation from wealthy nations, Africa must also take bold actions to secure its future.

AritaGlobe Foundation thus wants to call on all African leaders participating in the Africa Climate Summit to embrace this transformative approach and ensure the continent's long-term sustainability.

Only by actively seeking internal means of funding can Africa mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change and safeguard the welfare of its citizens.