African climate negotiators meet in Accra to shape future of Global Just Transition Mechanism

African climate negotiators gathered in Accra for a two-day workshop aimed at crafting a unified stance on the Global Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). The workshop, held from August 10 to 11, 2026, acts as a critical preparatory event before COP31, where global decisions regarding the mechanism's operational framework will be made.

Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Climate Change, highlighted that COP30 in Belém marked a shift from discussing to implementing just transition concepts. He emphasized that the JTM has advanced from a deliberative space to a mechanism supporting implementation through access to finance, technical assistance, capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation.

However, Dr Amoah noted that recent negotiations in Bonn exposed challenges regarding the mechanism's ambition and institutional independence. He urged African negotiators to move beyond general statements and develop specific proposals that could influence the final negotiating text. "Ambition alone is no longer enough," he stated, urging delegates to translate their political positions into concrete and technically sound proposals.

Dr Amoah stressed that Africa's understanding of a just transition must consider broader development priorities, such as industrialization, economic diversification, employment, energy access, adaptation, and resilience, as well as value addition to the continent's natural resources. He also cautioned about trade and financing challenges that could hinder Africa's access to green technologies, industries, and jobs.

The African Group of Negotiators aims to create a consensus around Africa's priorities and strengthen the continent's voice in global climate negotiations. Dr Amoah called for a clear and unified position reflecting the interests and realities of African countries, asking, "Our task over these two days is to provide a clear African answer to that question."

The workshop's outcomes will inform the broader AGN plenary and shape Africa's formal submissions to the UNFCCC. With COP32 in Ethiopia set to host the mechanism's formal launch, the Accra discussions are crucial for shaping Africa's position on the JTM and its role in the continent's climate and development agenda. The workshop is organized with the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change of Kenya, supported by Power Shift Africa and the Global Wind Energy Council.