The Climate Change Situation in Africa
Africa faces severe impacts of climate change despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The continent is highly vulnerable due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture, weak infrastructure, and limited adaptive capacity. Climate change effects are already evident, including extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures, which threaten food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
Adaptation Needs and Progress
Africa’s adaptation needs are critical and growing. The African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook estimates Africa needs about US$ 2.7 trillion by 2030 to respond adequately to climate change. However, only a fraction of this funding is currently available. Despite pledges at COP26 in Glasgow to double adaptation finance for developing countries, Africa receives only 3-4% of global climate finance, far below what is necessary to address its adaptation challenges.
To close this gap, the African Development Bank is spearheading initiatives like the African Adaptation Acceleration Program, aiming to mobilize $25 billion for adaptation by 2025. The Bank also supports innovative initiatives like the Adaptation Benefits Mechanism (ABM), which monetizes the social and environmental benefits of adaptation projects, providing new funding avenues for African nations.
Mitigation Challenges and Opportunities
While Africa’s current contribution to global emissions is low, its role in global mitigation is increasingly important. The continent’s emissions are projected to rise with growing energy demand, population and economic development. By 2030, Africa’s energy-related emissions could double if high-emission pathways are followed. Therefore, Africa faces the challenge of balancing development with low-carbon growth.
The African Development Bank is driving mitigation efforts through programs like the Desert to Power initiative to generate 10 GW of solar energy across the Sahel region, providing clean energy to 250 million people. Additionally, the Africa NDC Hub supports countries in enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aligning development with climate goals. Despite challenges, Africa holds immense potential for renewable energy, including some of the world’s highest solar potential and significant opportunities for wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Scaling up these resources will not only contribute to global climate mitigation but also address Africa’s energy poverty and development needs.