Greenpeace Africa organised a conference on climate finance to coincide with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Economic and Social Council of the African Union, which took place during the week of 18 July 2024 in Accra, Ghana. Entitled « Ending the Crisis: The Role of Financial Reforms in Addressing the Climate and Environmental Crisis in Africa, » this conference facilitated discussions on the financial reforms needed to tackle current climate and environmental challenges.
The discussions highlighted the connection between the climate crisis and the necessary financial reforms in Africa. Experts emphasized the role of the African Union in resolving climate finance issues and discussed the United Nations Tax Convention and its impact on the socio-economic well-being of African populations.
Fred Njehu, Pan-African Policy Strategist at Greenpeace Africa, stated: « We are all witnessing the harmful effects of the climate crisis in Africa. To address this, African countries must be an integral part of the solution. Adequate climate funds must be mobilized to address the losses and damages suffered by our communities. We also want African countries to position themselves to decolonize the global financial system and ensure it is fair, equitable, and adequately meets climate needs. Our governments must ensure that funds are directed to the real beneficiaries within our communities. »
Dorine Nininahazwe, Policy Advisor at Greenpeace Africa, added: « Africa must speak as one at major international meetings. One of the things that works against us in Africa is that we come separately, and so our voices and demands are weak. The more united we are, the stronger and more effective we will be. There is a lot of injustice in the financial system. Our countries pay high taxes on loss and damage funds, while large polluting companies pay the least. We must ensure that there is tax justice. This is our common fight. »
Grace Appolos, Program Director at We the People (Nigeria), stated: « We cannot talk about a just transition while fossil fuels continue to burn; it’s lying to ourselves and putting more lives at risk. As Tihah Bolton said, we cannot keep mopping the floor while the tap is open. The tap must be turned off if we want our efforts to mitigate the climate crisis to have any impact. »
The event, organized in partnership with the Youth Strategic Network for Development and the African Tax Justice Network, underscored the importance of climate and financial justice to ensure a just and equitable transition for African populations.
Fanta Mabo
