Africa demands climate finance, fair trade and stronger implementation at COP31

The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) is pressing for greater climate finance, equitable trade policies, and tighter enforcement of international climate commitments at COP31, the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference. Chair Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah expressed worry that while Africa's climate vulnerabilities are escalating, financial assistance for climate action in developing nations is dwindling.

The AGN seeks three primary agenda items at COP31: replenishing the Green Climate Fund (GCF), trade and climate change, and funding for climate adaptation. Dr Amoah emphasized that the conference needed to progress beyond mere words and demonstrate concrete action to tackle climate change. Dr Ama Essel, AGN Lead Negotiator on Just Transition and Health, called for health to be integrated into climate negotiations, arguing it should be a fundamental component of the climate discourse.

She also voiced concerns over the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and suggested the AGN would explore measures to bolster African countries' economic capacity to assess the CBAM's economic ramifications, particularly on trade, poverty reduction, and access to vital minerals. A ministerial event on Response Measures was scheduled for November 17 to deliberate on the impact of such policies on Africa and other developing countries.

AGN Global Stocktake Lead Yao Osafo stressed that the upcoming assessment should prioritize implementation, delivery, and equity, especially in addressing financing gaps for developing countries, given Africa's minimal contribution to global emissions and significant sustainable development requirements.