Reflections from the Africa Climate Summit: A Missed Opportunity for Fragile States?

Sep 13, 2023 | Linda Wamune
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Curtains have now drawn on the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, which sought to highlight Africa’s roadmap and role towards a sustainable energy transition through low carbon and decarbonization pathways. The high turnout and overwhelming interest from stakeholders within and outside of the continent was encouraging, pointing to the critical role that the Summit played in raising Africa’s voice on the global stage. The event culminated in the Nairobi Declaration, Africa’s new call to action on climate change. Despite the promise of this historic gathering, it was a missed opportunity for fragile states. Africa is home to twenty of the thirty most fragile nations in the world, according to the Fragile States Index, yet strategies to address the nexus of peace, security and climate change were not adequately covered. As the vast majority of fragile states continue to suffer from persistent energy poverty and limited investment, much more effort is needed to promote economic development and peace in the vulnerable communities that are increasingly on the front lines of climate change.