By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Africa Climate Forum has called for a united African position in global climate negotiations, warning that the continent must present a common front to secure its environmental and economic future.
The Convener of the forum, Prof. George Nwangwu, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the fourth edition of the event, themed “Implementing in Lockstep: Public-Private Action for Green Outcomes.”
Nwangwu said Africa needed adequate climate finance, affordable technology and stronger partnerships to tackle its most pressing challenges, including flooding, drought, food insecurity, energy poverty and environmental degradation.
He urged governments, private investors, development finance institutions, researchers and communities to coordinate efforts towards building resilient infrastructure, expanding renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture and developing sustainable industries.
According to him, the forum’s platforms, which cover policy dialogue, investment facilitation, innovation and Climate Stories, were designed to strengthen policymaking, attract investment, promote African solutions and highlight communities’ experiences of climate change.
Also speaking, the Founder and Executive Chair of Avocado Holdings, Dr Oge Modie, represented by the Head of Business at Radah Media Company, Mrs Chioma Ikenna-Ibeh, called for stronger public-private collaboration to translate climate commitments into measurable development outcomes.
Modie said climate action must deliver more than environmental protection, stressing that it should also guarantee reliable energy, food security, resilient infrastructure, economic opportunities and improved community welfare.
She urged governments to establish clear policies, businesses to mobilise investment and innovation, and development partners to provide funding and expertise, while ensuring meaningful participation of communities.
Modie also stressed the importance of accountability and strategic communication in building public trust, securing stakeholder support and ensuring effective implementation of climate policies.
She urged participants at the two-day forum to prioritise clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes, noting that Africa had the expertise and ideas needed to address climate challenges but required stronger coordination and sustained partnerships to achieve tangible results.
