Climate Change in Africa: A Continent at the Brink of Transformation

  • 4 Jul 2025
  • 2 Mins Read
  • 〜 by Jerusa Orina

Africa stands at a pivotal intersection, where it will either be swept away by climate chaos or leap ahead and lead an epic green revolution. Sadly, even though the continent contributes barely 4% of the world’s greenhouse gases, it bears some of the worst impacts of climate change. 

Now, there’s all this talk from governments about Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate plans, green dreams. Sounds legit on paper. However, making those plans work is still a struggle, mainly because money is scarce. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has crunched the numbers: USD 3 trillion is needed by 2030 to hit climate targets. Getting the right projects, making them suitable for investors, and aligning them with climate priorities is a complex task. 

Green Money Moves

With green bonds and eco-friendly loans, Africa’s financial scene is looking brighter. Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are issuing sovereign green bonds like confetti, all to fund initiatives that benefit the planet and people. Meanwhile, local banks are finally recognising environmental risk and development finance Institutions are issuing loans to make climate projects less scary for private investors. For example, Kenya’s Green Climate Fund (GCF)-backed initiative with local banks is giving small businesses a real chance at solutions like solar irrigation or cold storage. 

Local Brains, Local Gains

Money, however, is only part of the puzzle. Silicon Valley solutions are unlikely to be effective in most African countries. So, African entrepreneurs are cooking up their genius – sound examples include solar desalination in Senegal and regenerative farming in Ethiopia. 

Additionally, people need time and skills. Inclusion is also crucial, as women and young people are often the first to be affected by the climate crisis and the last to receive help.

Policies and Partnerships

Governments can’t sit on their hands – they must establish clear rules, offer tax breaks for green initiatives, and implement carbon prices that make sense. Saving the planet is also about teaming up through public-private partnerships. You want more forests? Smarter infrastructure? Digital carbon markets? Get everyone in the same room. International investors also have an opportunity here. Instead of throwing money at problems, they should see the continent for what it is: a place where green growth could blow up.

Africa’s Not Waiting

The future is already here. Forget about Western blueprints – Africa needs to invest in green projects that last, heal, and genuinely include all parties. So, as governments gear up for COP30 and the next round of “big promises,” Africa has to claim its seat not for handouts, but for real investment.