OPINION: In UN climate talks, Africa’s energy needs and debt crisis must take priority

As the climate change-driven Super El Niño disrupts weather patterns across sub-Saharan Africa, more than two-thirds of low-income African countries struggle to meet their sovereign debt obligations or are at high risk of doing so. Despite contributing less than half the Global North's per capita climate emissions, African nations face shrinking foreign aid and mounting sovereign debt, hindering their economic growth.

Recent findings reveal that the most climate-vulnerable African countries spend nearly two-thirds of their revenue servicing sovereign debt, compared to just 25 times more on climate action. During COP31, countries will focus on the "Just Energy Transition," but this cannot be deemed "just" if low-and middle-income nations must burden their economies and future generations with debt.

African nations' energy needs cannot be overlooked, as their populations cannot tolerate sacrificing their development and infrastructure for the sake of climate talks. Nigeria, despite a surge in oil prices, continues to grapple with debt, making it difficult to transition away from fossil fuels. South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal are also experiencing the repercussions of rising energy costs and debt burdens, with protests and stalled budget processes as a result.

To overcome these challenges, three key areas must be addressed. First, a financial framework to support a just transition must be established, enabling countries to invest in clean energy while maintaining spending on health, education, and climate action. Second, the Just Transition Mechanism, which was agreed upon in 2025, remains merely a concept, lacking a reliable funding source and community leadership.

Lastly, the global economy's rules should be altered to allow African countries to pursue green industrial strategies without facing trade penalties or lawsuits from investors. At COP31, African leaders will advocate for an operational, equitable, and adequately funded Just Transition Mechanism, debt and finance reforms, and protections from trade rules and investor lawsuits.

They will continue pushing for these priorities in the coming year and at COP32, which Ethiopia will host.