Concept Note Africa Day at COP30

Theme: Africa at the Forefront of Climate Action: Sustainable Financing for Resilient and Inclusive Green Growth

Venue: COP 30 Africa Pavilion| Date: 11 November 2025 Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

I. Introduction
1. Context & Rationale

The 2025 Africa Day builds on the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), held from 8th to 10th September 2025 in Addis Ababa, which culminated in the Africa Leaders Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, presenting a bold commitment to climate action for the continent with implications on the global climate change agenda. Africa is endowed with natural assets, including vast forests, peatlands, and regenerative agricultural systems that serve as critical carbon sinks. These ecosystems not only sequester billions of tons of CO2 but also underpin the resilience and livelihoods of millions by supporting agriculture, energy production, trade, and climate adaptation efforts. For instance, the Congo Basin, the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest after the Amazon, stores an estimated 60 billion tons of CO2, representing roughly 4% of global carbon stocks in tropical forests.

To achieve climate-resilient development goals and a just transition to low-carbon economies, Africa requires accessible, scalable, and diversified financing options that address adaptation, mitigation, and transformative economic growth. The continent’s large youth population, gender equity goals, and significant natural capital necessitate financing models that are inclusive, participatory, and sustainable. Africa Day at COP 30 will amplify Africa’s collective voice on climate finance as a key enabler of transformational climate action, economic diversification, and poverty reduction. Africa’s large youth population is poised to drive a new wave of circular economy enterprises, transforming the value of these ecological assets through clean technology and innovation.

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