Africa demands real and fair action at COP30
The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) has delivered a unified and uncompromising message at the UN climate conference (COP30): Africa is done with symbolic gestures, and the time has come for real implementation backed by real support.
COP30 took place in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November.
Speaking on behalf of the continent, Dr Richard Muyungi, AGN chair and special envoy and adviser to the president of Tanzania on environment and climate change, said while Africa welcomed the constructive tone of the talks, progress will only be meaningful if it is anchored in equity, fairness and predictable financing.
Muyungi underscored Africa’s appreciation for the recognition of the pre-2020 ambition gap and the shrinking global carbon budget, issues that disproportionately affect African countries already experiencing irreversible climate impacts.
“Africa comes to COP30 united, clear-eyed and determined,” he said, reaffirming that continent's positions remain anchored in the convention, the Paris agreement and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
A key focus is the COP presidency’s call for a 'Global Mutirão', a global mobilisation against climate change. The AGN supports the vision but insists it must rest on three foundational pillars.
These are a transition to full implementation, tripling adaptation finance between 2026 and 2029 and strong cooperation to remove barriers.
“Without these pillars, the Mutirão risks being symbolic rather than transformational,” Muyungi warned.
Shifting responsibility
The AGN further voiced serious concern over the proposed Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) text, arguing it lacks balance and meaningful means of implementation and introduces “intrusive” indicators on domestic policies and national budgets.
“Africa cannot accept indicators that shift responsibility onto those least responsible for the climate crisis,” Muyungi said.
The group stressed that the Global Goal indicators must include finance, technology and capacity-building, warning that “ambition without support is an empty promise.”
Africa also called for the long-overdue assessment of national adaptation plans (NAPs) to be completed at COP30. On just transitions, the continent backed the creation of a Just Transition Mechanism but emphasised that it must remain people-centred and aligned with national development priorities.
Africa also highlighted the need for predictable financing for the technology implementation programme, as well as action to address restrictive intellectual property regimes that keep key climate technologies out of reach.
Namibia aligns with AGN priorities
Namibia fully aligned itself with the AGN’s demands, particularly on adaptation finance, just transition support and the removal of barriers linked to debt, high capital costs and unfair trade measures. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Namibia stressed that predictable adaptation finance and technology transfer are essential to safeguarding its communities, water resources and food systems.
Namibia also supported the call for operationalising Article 9.1 through a Belém work programme, viewing it as a critical step to bridging the widening implementation gap.
Muyungi concluded with a firm message that Africa stands ready to deliver an ambitious and implementable COP30 outcome, one that transitions the world from endless negotiations to real climate action.
COP30 took place in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November.
Speaking on behalf of the continent, Dr Richard Muyungi, AGN chair and special envoy and adviser to the president of Tanzania on environment and climate change, said while Africa welcomed the constructive tone of the talks, progress will only be meaningful if it is anchored in equity, fairness and predictable financing.
Muyungi underscored Africa’s appreciation for the recognition of the pre-2020 ambition gap and the shrinking global carbon budget, issues that disproportionately affect African countries already experiencing irreversible climate impacts.
“Africa comes to COP30 united, clear-eyed and determined,” he said, reaffirming that continent's positions remain anchored in the convention, the Paris agreement and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
A key focus is the COP presidency’s call for a 'Global Mutirão', a global mobilisation against climate change. The AGN supports the vision but insists it must rest on three foundational pillars.
These are a transition to full implementation, tripling adaptation finance between 2026 and 2029 and strong cooperation to remove barriers.
“Without these pillars, the Mutirão risks being symbolic rather than transformational,” Muyungi warned.
Shifting responsibility
The AGN further voiced serious concern over the proposed Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) text, arguing it lacks balance and meaningful means of implementation and introduces “intrusive” indicators on domestic policies and national budgets.
“Africa cannot accept indicators that shift responsibility onto those least responsible for the climate crisis,” Muyungi said.
The group stressed that the Global Goal indicators must include finance, technology and capacity-building, warning that “ambition without support is an empty promise.”
Africa also called for the long-overdue assessment of national adaptation plans (NAPs) to be completed at COP30. On just transitions, the continent backed the creation of a Just Transition Mechanism but emphasised that it must remain people-centred and aligned with national development priorities.
Africa also highlighted the need for predictable financing for the technology implementation programme, as well as action to address restrictive intellectual property regimes that keep key climate technologies out of reach.
Namibia aligns with AGN priorities
Namibia fully aligned itself with the AGN’s demands, particularly on adaptation finance, just transition support and the removal of barriers linked to debt, high capital costs and unfair trade measures. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Namibia stressed that predictable adaptation finance and technology transfer are essential to safeguarding its communities, water resources and food systems.
Namibia also supported the call for operationalising Article 9.1 through a Belém work programme, viewing it as a critical step to bridging the widening implementation gap.
Muyungi concluded with a firm message that Africa stands ready to deliver an ambitious and implementable COP30 outcome, one that transitions the world from endless negotiations to real climate action.
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