Welcome Remarks

H.E. Moses Valakati,

Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment

During

The Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC)

AT

AU Headquarters Small Conference Room 3

15hr30

13 February 2026

PROTOCOL

• H.E. João Goncalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, and Chairperson of the African Union (AU)
• H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Coordinator of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC)
• Excellencies, Members of CAHOSCC
• Honourable Ministers
• Excellencies, Ambassadors

Excellencies, it is a great pleasure to give these welcome remarks at this session of the Meeting of the Committee of African Heads of States and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). I would like to thank all of you, Your Excellencies, for the crucial role you are playing in Africa through your guidance and leadership as we strive to protect and save our planet from the devastating impacts of climate change. In this regard, the important role of CAHOSCC cannot be overstated.

Excellencies, as you may know, Africa remains one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the impacts of climate change. The adverse effects of rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events on the continent continued to devastate communities and erode our hard-won development gains over the past years. African countries are likely to experience more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and heatwaves, leading to food and water shortages, displacement of people, and loss of livelihood and biodiversity.

Excellencies, African countries face several challenges in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and effective tracking systems for their climate actions. Some of the critical constraints include limited data, technology, infrastructure, and most importantly, financial. Current financing tools and available resources to support our climate action do not match the scale of needs for the implementation of African Union Member States’ NDCs, NAPs, strategies, and frameworks.

Excellencies, Africa needs to invest between USD 7 and 15 billion per year by 2030 to enhance its ability to adapt to climate change. If the planet heats up by 2 degrees Celsius, climate change could cost African countries as much as USD 50 billion annually by 2050.

Therefore, it is crucial to act now to mitigate risks and prepare for the impacts of climate change with the urgency needed to help Africa adapt and build resilience to a changing climate.

Thank you.