Get ready for a bold statement: Africa is taking center stage at COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, with a powerful mission to drive climate action and secure a greener future for the continent. The African Development Bank Group, led by Dr. Sidi Ould Tah and Kevin Kariuki, is stepping up to advocate for increased access to green finance, a critical tool for African nations to adapt, mitigate, and transition towards a sustainable energy landscape.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the Bank Group has observer status within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its presence at COP 30 is more than just an observation. It's an active participation, with a clear agenda to promote African climate solutions and perspectives.
Dr. Tah will kick things off at the Leaders' Summit on November 6-7, 2025, addressing the general plenary and engaging in thematic meetings alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Following this, Kevin Kariuki will lead the Bank's delegation through the conference's negotiations, ensuring Africa's voice is heard loud and clear.
At COP30, the Bank Group will showcase its leadership in implementing African climate solutions. From the African Development Fund's Climate Action Window to the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme, the Desert to Power initiative in the Sahel, the Africa NDC Hub, and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation programme, the Bank Group is walking the talk.
And this is the part most people miss: The Bank Group will co-manage the Africa Pavilion and the MDB Pavilion, presenting its climate initiatives as a key global player in risk adaptation and mitigation. In 2024 alone, the Bank Group dedicated a whopping $5.5 billion to climate action, nearly half of its project approvals.
You can follow the African Development Bank Group's journey at COP 30 live on its "COP 30 Brazil Amazonia" microsite and across its social media platforms. Don't forget to join the conversation using the hashtags #COP30, #AfricaCOP, and #AfDBatCOP30.
So, what do you think? Is Africa's push for climate finance a necessary step towards a sustainable future, or is it a controversial move that might raise some eyebrows? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
