Africa Climate Summit at One: A Year in Review for Climate Adaptation and Resilience

One year since the signing of the Nairobi Declaration, today’s pre-convening of the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi gathered African leaders, civil society, the private sector, and global stakeholders to assess Africa’s progress in climate adaptation and resilience. Hosted by the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance and Jacobs Ladder Africa, this event revisited commitments, highlighted achievements, and addressed gaps, moving from pledges to tangible, community-centered actions.

Key Themes and Actions

Moving from Rhetoric to Real Action

Reflecting on the Nairobi Declaration, leaders emphasized that these commitments are more than aspirations—they are a blueprint for Africa’s resilience. With focuses ranging from food security to renewable energy, the summit’s urgent call was clear: Action, not rhetoric.

Leaders posed essential questions:
• What progress has been made?
• How have communities truly benefited?

Engaging Africa’s Youth: Climate Resilience Through Employment

Africa's youth stand at the intersection of climate impact and climate action. Given their disproportionately high exposure to the consequences of climate change, young Africans are also vital agents of resilience. Leaders highlighted that creating green jobs within sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and environmental conservation is foundational to both addressing youth unemployment and enhancing climate resilience.

Mobilizing the Private Sector for Green Economy Growth

The private sector's role in Africa’s climate resilience was a prominent focus, especially regarding investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices. By scaling up efforts in wind, hydro, and solar energy, African businesses are not only contributing to the continent’s environmental goals but are also fostering employment and promoting economic transformation.

Equitable Climate Financing: Aiming for Community-Driven Adaptation

A key call was for at least 50% of climate financing to support adaptation initiatives, especially local, community-led projects. This funding approach directly benefits those most affected by climate change—particularly marginalized groups such as youth and women—ensuring that the resources for climate resilience reach the most vulnerable populations.

Strategic Recommendations for Moving Forward

Translate Commitments into Actionable Projects: Ensure policies and goals convert into real-world solutions within food security, water management, and climate-smart agriculture to benefit local communities directly.

Direct Climate Financing Toward Adaptation: Prioritize at least 50% of climate funds for adaptation projects, especially those led by marginalized communities, ensuring support flows to where it's most needed.

Equip Youth with Green Skills for Resilience: Expand educational curricula to include green skills, empowering Africa’s next generation to lead in climate adaptation from a position of knowledge and confidence.

Strengthen Multi-Sector Partnership Models: Develop a 'diamond partnership model' where government, civil society, the private sector, and local communities work in tandem, maximizing resources to build resilience across Africa.