African leaders urge Western nations to honor climate funding commitments for Africa’s sustainable development.

At the World Leaders Climate Action Summit (WLCAS) in Baku, Azerbaijan, African leaders clearly stated that while they are committed to reducing carbon emissions, they will not be able to fully meet their climate goals without significant financial support from wealthier nations.

Ghana's President, Nana Akufo-Addo, emphasized this point, saying, "We cannot reach our climate goals alone. We call on our global partners to honor their commitments, ensuring accessible concessional financing for sustainable development in Africa without unsustainable debt." Addressing the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP29 summit, Akufo-Addo highlighted Ghana's initiatives since 2017, including the planting of 50 million trees and restoring 721,000 hectares of forested land, aimed at reducing emissions by 64 million metric tonnes by 2030. However, he noted that achieving this ambitious target requires an investment of $10-15 billion. Despite these financial and technical challenges, he affirmed that Ghana remains dedicated to meeting its Paris Agreement goals across various sectors such as agriculture, transport, forestry, and energy.

Akufo-Addo further pointed to Ghana's efforts to encourage electric vehicle use and mentioned that the country has raised $800 million through carbon credit trading with nations like Switzerland and Sweden.

Zimbabwe's President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, underscored the severe effects of climate change on his country, particularly through the devastating impacts of El Nino-induced droughts. "Zimbabwe bears the scars of climate change and is currently experiencing one of the most devastating El Nino-induced droughts in history," he stated. Mnangagwa explained that the drought has affected nearly all aspects of life in Zimbabwe, prompting the government to declare a national disaster in April. He emphasized the need for decisive action, stating, "The time for half measures is over. We all have a duty to fully implement our agreements."

Togo's President, Faure Gnassingbe, echoed the call for climate justice, emphasizing the principle of shared but differentiated responsibilities. "Africa is paying the harshest price for climate change. We contribute small amounts in terms of emissions but suffer the most severe impact. It is our ecosystems of food security that are bearing the brunt of this crisis," he said. Gnassingbe stressed the urgency of addressing climate justice, insisting that leaders must move beyond promises to tangible actions.

Guinea-Bissau's President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, reminded participants that COP29 is happening amid a worsening global climate crisis that demands coordinated and urgent action. "We must have the political will to take responsibility and collectively address the current challenges with the necessary spirit of cooperation and solidarity," he stated. Embalo called for climate financing that is fair, accessible, and tailored to support developing nations in enhancing resilience and adaptation efforts.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo expressed deep concerns about the state of climate financing, emphasizing that new financing goals should be rooted in scientific data and reflect the specific needs of developing countries. "The new goal for climate financing must be based on scientific data that takes into account the needs of developing countries," he urged.

Through their collective statements, the African leaders underscored that although they are committed to climate action, they require stronger, sustained support from wealthier countries to effectively address the challenges and inequities posed by climate change.