Uncategorized – CAN AFRICA

The African Peoples’ Just Transition, Climate and Development Declaration 2025

CAN Africa — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:53:19 +0000

Preamble

On the 7th September 2025, the Africa Peoples’ Assembly on the margins of the 2nd Africa Climate Summit, led by Climate Action Network (CAN) Africa, the International Trade Union Confederation Africa (ITUC-Africa), and the Africa Movement of Movements, convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

We, the peoples of Africa, including social movements and civil society, trade unions, women, youth, people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, grassroots communities, farmers, faith-based groups, media, and academia, gathered to commit to this Declaration on Africa’s climate and development priorities and demands.

This Peoples’ Assembly was a space of collective power, where African voices defined what justice, sovereignty, and resilience must mean for our continent. We reject the business-as-usual model that reduces Africa to a pawn in the agendas of others, whether through extractivism, debt traps, or false climate solutions imposed from outside.

This Declaration sets out what Africa must pursue, what we as peoples commit to fight for, and what we demand of our governments, regional bodies, and international institutions in spaces such as the Africa Climate Summit, or COP30 and beyond.

We recognise that if Africa does not plan and act for its own destiny, it will remain trapped in cycles of exploitation, resource theft, and recolonisation.

Download file: https://can-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Africa-Peoples-Declaration-2025-Draft.pdf

Amplifying Africa’s Voice in the Just Transition: Reflections on the FES TUCC Experience in South Africa

CAN Africa — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:20:59 +0000

By Baboucarr Nyang – Acting Regional Node at CAN Africa

CAN Africa’s Acting Regional Node had the privilege of participating in the Just Transition Project, held from the 8th to 10th 8 to 10 April 2025, and convened by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Trade Union Competence Centre (FES TUCC) in South Africa. As the Regional Node of CAN Africa and a member of the Advisory and Advocacy Group, I am honored to contribute to the ongoing dialogue around shaping a Just Transition that truly reflects the realities and aspirations of African people—particularly workers, youth, and frontline communities.

The concept of a Just Transition is often discussed in technical or economic terms, but at its core, it is deeply human. It is about ensuring that as we move toward greener economies, no one is left behind. For us in Africa, this means putting equity, justice, and social protection at the center of climate and economic policy. It also means financing mechanisms must be fair, accessible, and aligned with the continent’s development needs.

Through this platform, I am engaging with trade union leaders, civil society actors, feminist groups and policy thinkers from across the region to explore how social dialogue, public financing, and inclusive policy design can work together to support a transition that creates decent jobs, builds resilience, and secures the rights and livelihoods of communities dependent on high-emitting sectors.

At CAN Africa, we continue to push for stronger climate finance commitments that are grounded in justice—financing that enables renewable energy expansion, community adaptation, and the creation of green jobs in a way that reflects local priorities. The Just Transition conversation must not only be about decarbonization; it must also be about decolonization—of ideas, of financing structures, and of development pathways.

As an advisor to this project, I am committed to bringing forward the voices of African civil society and ensuring that the recommendations we craft are bold, grounded, and actionable. We must continue to remind the global community that climate justice and social justice are inseparable—and that Africa must not only be part of the transition, but also help lead it.

I look forward to deepening these conversations, building alliances, and ensuring that the outcomes of this important project are responsive to the needs of our people.

The journey toward a truly Just Transition for Africa.

CAN Africa Congratulates the Newly Elected African Union Commission Leadership

CAN Africa — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:29:56 +0000

February 19, 2025

Climate Action Network Africa (CAN Africa) extends its warmest congratulations to His Excellency João Lourenço, President of Angola, on assuming the Chairmanship of the African Union (AU). He succeeds H.E. Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania, who has led the Union since February 2024.

We also extend our congratulations to the newly elected leadership of the African Union Commission, including Chairperson H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Deputy Chairperson Selma Haddadi, and the new Commissioners for the 2025-2028 term. Their election reflects the trust and confidence placed in their leadership by African Heads of State and Government, as well as the urgent expectation for bold, transformative policies that put people and the planet at the center of Africa’s development.

CAN Africa looks forward to working closely with the African Union Commission under the leadership of His Excellency Mahamoud Ali Youssouf to advance Africa’s climate and development agenda. It is imperative that the Commission strengthens policies and commitments that uphold climate justice, build climate resilience, and secure a sustainable future for all Africans.

In the spirit of Pan-African solidarity, CAN Africa urges the new leadership to champion the voices of African communities most impacted by the climate crisis and to push for fair climate finance mechanisms that enable Africa’s transition to a green economy. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the outgoing Chairperson for his efforts in steering the Commission and laying the groundwork for future climate-responsive policies.

We stand ready to engage, collaborate, and support the African Union Commission in realizing the vision of an integrated, peaceful, and climate-resilient Africa.

Dr. Wafa Misrar, Policy Lead at CAN Africa, stated:

“The African Union Commission must lead in ensuring a just and inclusive transition that not only moves Africa away from fossil fuels but also prioritizes energy and food sovereignty, climate-resilient agriculture, and fair climate finance. This transition must be free from the burden of exploitative debt and empower smallholder farmers, local communities, and workers to drive sustainable solutions. The new leadership has the opportunity to enact policies that enable African nations to produce their own clean energy and food, reducing dependency on external actors and strengthening the continent’s resilience. We stand ready to support this vision and work towards a future that is both sustainable and just for all Africans.”

Aïssatou Diouf, CANWA Node coordinator said:

“The climate crisis and the other crises the continent is facing are converging and must be addressed together. The climate disasters the continent is experiencing require a predictable and collective response. The African Union Commission must support the continent in moving toward multidimensional transitions, particularly toward cleaner renewable energy sources for climate change mitigation and for strengthening the resilience of African communities. It is urgent for the African Union Commission to work with African countries on a credible, transparent, and just transition program that places people at the center.”

Arthur Larok, the Secretary General of ActionAid said:

“The new African Union leadership needs to vigorously pursue the reparations agenda – the continent is owed trillions of dollars in climate debt, slavery, and unfair global financial systems. African leaders must seize this moment and demand, with unwavering resolve, the payment of the $36 trillion in climate debt owed to the continent.

Beyond climate debt conversations, there is a need for comprehensive debt cancellation and the immediate establishment of a United Nations framework on debt to begin the process of undoing the crippling burden of foreign debt on African nations.”

Nnimmo Bassey, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) said:

“The revelation by the outgoing Commissioner of Agriculture of the African Union (AU), Ambassador Josefa Sacko, about the meddlesomeness of philanthropic capitalists in African food systems is neither shocking nor surprising. We applaud her for the fight she put up while serving as commissioner and regret that the African Union could not muster a unified stand against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the continent. It is a shame that some African governments are easily bought out by neocolonial entities that do not wish the continent to be food secure or to enjoy food sovereignty. It is high time for the AU to stand up in defence of our environment and Biosafety, and to reject the false and mythical arguments used to promote GMOs on the continent. It is known that these artificial crops are not necessarily more productive than their natural counterparts.

In the past the Organization for African Unity- OAU (now AU) had a strong Model Biosafety Law that was to be adopted by nations and adapted to meet their peculiar situations. Today we have a biosafety regime that has gradually turned Africans into guinea pigs for transgenic experimentations. The continent is also being exposed to harmful herbicides and pesticides including those banned in Europe and North America.

While we welcome Ambassador Josefa Sacko’s denunciation of the situation, we call on the African Union to wake up to its responsibilities and fight to protect African biosafety and dance to the music of capitalist speculators who care nothing if our peoples and our environment.”

Kumi Naidoo, President, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative said:

“As Africa welcomes the new African Union leadership, it has the opportunity to invigorate efforts to address its most pressing challenges, key among them the climate crisis. This calls for concerted efforts to address the growing threat posed by fossil fuels, to frontline communities, while accelerating the continent’s shift to renewable-powered energy sovereignty. This should include advancing the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, to foster an equitable phase-out of fossil fuels as well as the financial and technological support Africa needs to transition to renewable energy. It’s time for African nations to unite in advocating for a fair and financed transition to secure a sustainable future for all.”

Dean Bhebhe, Senior Just Transitions and Campaign Advisor, Power Shift Africa said:

“The new AUC Chair takes office at a defining moment for Africa. With a G20 seat and Djibouti’s bold commitment to 100% renewables by 2035, the continent has a historic opportunity to lead in towards a green industrialization framework to meet the regions developmental needs while tackling the ongoing climate collapse. But to truly transform, Africa must break free from outdated economic and energy models like fossil gas and nuclear energy that deepen dependency. A genuine African renaissance demands leadership rooted in our histories, resources, and people’s aspirations. Agenda 2063 must be more than rhetoric, it must drive a just, green transition that prioritizes ‘well-being over-extraction’. This century must be Africa’s century, shaped by our own vision of progress.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
Wafa Misrar
wafa@can-africa.org
+212 654 142 906

Letter to African Ministers on NCQG from African civil society

CAN Africa — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:08:41 +0000

CAN Africa and African civil society organisations are raising their voices, urging African Ministers to advocate for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance that truly meets Africa’s needs. As COP29 approaches, we’re calling on you to join us in asserting Africa’s #RightToRefuse inadequate climate finance commitments.

read full letter here

What Africa climate leaders said of implications of Trump’s election on the continent’s climate crisis

CAN Africa — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:15:40 +0000

As the United States went to the polls to elect a new leader, Africa’s leaders were closely watching the outcome, recognising its potential global implications for climate action. African nations, among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, are particularly reliant on support from the developed nations, international climate agreements and funding to solve and adapt to the climate crisis. As extreme weather events ravage the continent, African countries find themselves diverting their meagre funds meant for development – infrastructure, education, health, social wellbeing – to handle climate related loss and damages, and to adapt.

Reactions from African climate advocates highlight both hope and caution, reflecting the continent’s growing interest in stronger partnerships, equitable climate financing, and a more consistent U.S. stance on climate commitments.

Donald Trump, a climate denier who in his campaigns pledged to once again withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, won the elections.

Coming just a few days before the world converges in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the annual climate conference, the leaders, led by former Malawi President Joyce Banda, called for the US to meet its climate obligations.

“The outcome of the US election is consequential for the climate. Efforts to fight against and mitigate climate change effects on the world, and developing countries in particular hang in the balance. As a global superpower, we expect the US to do the right thing for the sake of the world and generations to come.”

This year’s COP is of extreme importance to the African continent, which is pushing for the world, especially the developed nations, to commit at least USD 1.3 trillion in climate financing. The US role in raising this funding cannot be overstated.

“At COP29, the US must lead from the front, and support the delivery of ambitious grants-based and highly concessional climate finance to the trillions of dollars required to meet the adaptation and mitigation needs of developing countries and compensate for losses of damages in a timely and transparent manner,” said Raila Odinga, Former PM of Kenya and candidate for Chair of the Africa Union Commission.

“Actions of the United States on climate change at home and globally will shape how Africa, a continent that is least responsible for the climate crisis yet suffering most from climate impacts, will navigate its own development path, deliver energy access to over 600 million people who are without electricity access today. “

Climate experts from across the world insist that a climate finance deal agreed on at COP29 must be structured around grants and grant-equivalent, not loans. Lack of climate funding and fiscal space is the biggest obstacle to mitigation and adaptation, as well as fulfilling the COP28 decisions to transition away from fossil fuels and triple renewable energy in Africa and other least developed countries of the world.

“COP29 must address fundamental barriers to enhancing ambition and break through serious financial challenges of developing countries to tackle the climate crisis. Ambition in finance would mean higher financial provision and overall lower cost of finance to achieve climate and development objectives for regions such as Africa,” said Julius Mbatia, Climate Finance Expert at ACT Alliance.

There is a risk that Trump, in pulling the US out of the Paris Agreement again, will withdraw commitments the US has made on investments on clean energy and on the loss and damage fund. Doing this will have dire impacts on Africa, where the US is a key investor in clean energy, and is a development partner for the Accelerated Partnerships for Renewables in Africa (APRA).

“With Trump’s track record of climate denial, the stakes are incredibly high—not only for the U.S. but for vulnerable regions like Africa that suffer the harshest impacts of climate change,” said Baboucarr Nyang, the regional node coordinator for Climate Action Network – Africa (CAN).

Climate leaders insist that the world must stay true to climate ambitions – to keep global warming below 1.5, and to agree to an ambitious climate finance deal in Baku that will encourage countries, especially the most vulnerable, to set stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

“With or without Trump, our fight for climate justice remains unshakable,” said Dr Wafa Misrar, Campaign and Policy Lead at CAN Africa.

Déclaration conjointe des caravanes africaines pour la justice climatique

CAN Africa — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:14:01 +0000

Nous, mouvements de communautés affectées par la crise climatique, organisations de jeunesse et de la société civile et activistes de longue date, appelons à la justice climatique pour l’Afrique à travers le mouvement de la Caravane Africaine pour la Justice Climatique.

Télécharger la déclaration: https://can-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Declaration-conjointe-de-la-Caravane-africaine_VF_FR.pdf

Joint statement: African Caravans for Climate Justice Joint Declaration

CAN Africa — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:34:34 +0000

We, movements from communities affected by the climate crisis, youth and civil society organizations and longstanding activists calling for climate justice for Africa through the African Climate Justice Caravan movement

Download Statment: https://can-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Joint-Statement_African-Caravan-for-climate-justice_FV_EN-2.pdf

African Youth Voices Matter In Shaping Climate Policies

CAN Africa — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 08:04:06 +0000

Download HERE