Statement by
H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat
Chairperson
African Union Commission
on the Occasion of
The Meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC)
On the Margins of the 38th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government
15 February 2025
H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Coordinator of CAHOSCC.
Excellencies, Heads of State and Government and Members of CAHOSCC.
Honourable Ministers
Members of the PRC
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
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Let me begin by appreciating Your Excellencies for honoring the invitation to participate in this meeting of the Committee of African Heads of States and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). This clearly indicates the high importance you attach to climate change issues on the continent.
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I am pleased to present this statement, which will be my last statement as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission at this session of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). This Committee is addressing a crucial issue of life and death, and it has successfully kept the continent united despite varying national perspectives on climate change. Additionally, the Committee has elevated the profile of our continent and ensured that our voice is strong, loud, and respected on the global stage.
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Excellencies, allow me to thank you most sincerely for all the support you have given me in the past eight years as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the opportunity to work with you in all the sessions and Meetings of CAHOSCC during my tenure which have contributed to profiling and elevating the climate agenda of our dear continent at the global level with many achievements despite the challenges we faced during the period.
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Excellencies, from one CAHOSCC meeting to another, we have collectively made various decisions over the years that have positively impacted climate actions in Africa and the global benefits. Within this period, we were able to collectively endorsed our AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032) and the AU Green Recovery Action Plan (2021-2027), held all the CAHOSCC Statutory Meetings, convened the first Africa Climate Summit, participated in all the UNFCCC - COPs and mount the Africa Pavilion at every COP that helped to amplify our action and voices at the global stage to mention but a few.
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For this reason, allow me, Excellencies, to acknowledge the judicious political leadership and strategic guidance provided by CAHOSCC on spearheading climate action in the continent. Please let me use this opportunity to also express my sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto for his zealous commitment to championing Africa’s Climate Agenda and as the current Coordinator of CAHOSCC.
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Excellencies, our continent is experiencing significant warming, outpacing the global average. Climate-driven disasters are intensifying and disproportionately affecting communities that have contributed the least to the problem. In Africa, the consequences of the climate crisis are substantial, serving as an economic hindrance that hinders growth. Research indicates that many African countries face GDP losses of up to 5% because of the impacts of climate change.
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Excellencies, the current global climate finance falls far short of African countries' needs and expectations, with less than 3 percent reaching sub-Saharan Africa annually. The decline in global climate finance for adaptation, rather than the expected doubling by 2025, poses a severe threat to Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and existing resilience investments.
Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
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Africa needs new and additional financing for a just transition to a low-carbon economy. The current structure of the global financial architecture limits access to funding for climate action in Africa. The current financing often takes the form of loans, which can increase debt burdens while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. However, Africa is committed to a just energy transition, which can leapfrog traditional economic growth models by building sustainable energy systems.
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The African Union and its Agenda 2063 is dedicated to effectively helping its Member States implement the Paris Agreement and their corresponding Nationally Determined Contributions. We recognise that Africa has all the strategies needed to bolster resilience across the continent. We advocate for a multilateral approach to keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Africa's vast mineral resources are essential to a worldwide transition toward low-carbon development.
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Looking ahead, it's clear that capacity-building, technology development and transfer are critical enablers of climate action in Africa. We must demand and foster increased international collaboration to scale up climate finance and investment for Africa, accelerate broadly accessible technological innovation, and enhance resilience and low-carbon development initiatives. Only through united efforts can we effectively combat the climate crisis.
Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
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As we reflect on the outcomes of UNFCCC-COP29, we need to remember that the fight against climate change requires sustained commitment and action from all stakeholders.
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We have just returned from Baku for COP 29 meetings, where we have been working together to defend the interests of the African continent. Commitment to financing climate action has, however, remained elusive. In the beginning, African countries wanted developed nations to provide $1.3 trillion per year in climate finance to developing countries, including Africa, starting in 2025. The new climate finance goal of USD 300 billion annually by 2035 is insufficient to address the scale of the climate crisis, including adaptation needs, and for the loss and damage.
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Global climate finance for adaptation was supposed to double by 2025 but is declining, jeopardizing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and threatening the investment already made in resilience solutions and our Africa Agenda 2063. Without investing in adaptation, Africa cannot capitalize on opportunities to create jobs, spur green growth, and avoid losses.
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Excellencies, it is disappointing that we did not see much progress on the Loss and Damage Fund at COP29 in Baku, especially regarding the scale, scope, and eligibility criteria. In addition, we did not see much advancement in how developed countries could help developing countries reduce Africa's debt burden and ensure climate justice, significantly strengthening efforts to support clean energy transitions. We saw some limited progress on adaptation. The COP29, especially in defining indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation, but key decisions were postponed to COP30.
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Having seen some deficiencies in COP 29 decisions, we must strategize and defend our position as we move to COP 30. The involvement of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the African Group of Negotiators, all under the leadership of the Committee of Heads of States and Governments on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), the African Union Climate Change Strategy, and the Nairobi Declaration should be the cornerstone of the African Common Position going to COP 30 and beyond. These organs and frameworks are critical to creating a robust mechanism to champion the interests of Africans.
Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
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Excellencies, as you are aware, the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 represents a pivotal achievement for our continent. This forum provides a valuable platform for the African Union Commission to effectively communicate our positions, needs, and ambitions concerning climate action. Through our participation in the climate task force meetings and the High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy, we are working collaboratively to address our challenges and promote sustainable development for all African nations.
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Excellencies, the Republic of South Africa has assumed the G20 presidency in 2025. It stands at a pivotal moment, prepared to influence global dialogues and policies. The country’s presidency of the G20 presents a strategic opportunity to drive meaningful global change. By leveraging diverse global perspectives and regional insights, the Republic of South Africa is uniquely positioned to champion policies that address pressing challenges, including climate change, and pave the way for sustainable and inclusive development—a moment we must seize.
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Excellencies, as I conclude, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to my team at the African Union Commission who work tirelessly with me throughout my tenure to convene several CAHOSCC meetings. I thank the entire CAHOSCC members and our esteemed strategic partners for their tireless efforts. Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. I sincerely urge you to continue to make climate action a priority for our continent and the world.
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Thank you for your attention.
Asante sana, Muito Obrigado, Merci Beaucoup, Shukran
