Ali Mohamed leads Africa’s group of negotiators at COP29 and publicly criticized the climate accord, arguing that the plan does not meet the continent’s urgent needs. The conference drew global attention as delegates gathered to translate climate finance promises into real support. Later discussions highlighted Africa’s demand for steady and accountable funding that can support adaptation, resilience, and sustainable development across diverse regions. Observers saw the African voice strengthening the push for transparent budgeting and outcome tracking. Negotiators warned that the window to act on warming is shrinking, and the talk must move from rhetoric to practical action on the ground. The atmosphere at COP29 reflected a growing insistence that finance be predictable, accessible, and safeguarded from political backsliding. In this climate forum, Africa’s priorities were framed as essential to a fair and effective global response to climate risk, especially for communities that bear the heaviest burden of heat, floods, and droughts.
The financial package discussed at COP29 would channel roughly 300 billion dollars each year to poorer nations, aimed at reducing warming impacts and expanding resilience. Supporters describe the fund as a cornerstone for projects ranging from clean energy deployment to climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. Critics, however, question governance, timelines, and how fast safeguards can be put in place. The proposal envisions cooperation among multilateral institutions, development banks, and donor countries to deliver resources through grants, concessional loans, and blended finance, with clear conditions to ensure accountability and measurable results.
The lead Africa negotiator noted the slow pace of progress on critical issues for the continent. In meetings and caucuses, African delegations pressed for accelerated decisions on debt relief, technology transfer, and capacity building to close gaps with other regions. The stance reflected a broader sense across developing economies that urgent climate needs require more decisive action and better collaboration with funding partners. The discussion highlighted the balancing act between ambitious targets and realistic timelines, a core tension of the talks that will influence outcomes in the months ahead.
Mohamed stressed that Africa will continue to raise alarms about the insufficient attention given to climate finance. He pointed to risks such as rising vulnerability to extreme heat, erratic rainfall, and increasing flood events, all of which threaten livelihoods and agricultural production. The message was clear: without reliable and scalable funding, adaptation and resilience projects may stall, leaving communities exposed to mounting climate shocks. The concerns echoed across sub-Saharan Africa and coastal regions where the need for investments in infrastructure, early warning, and sustainable development remains acute.
COP29, held in Baku in 2024, marked the 29th session of the United Nations climate conference. Nearly 200 nations participated, examining pathways from emissions reductions to concrete climate support for poorer countries. A formal document emerged signaling broad agreement that wealthy nations should provide around 300 billion dollars annually to assist vulnerable economies. The gathering showcased a mix of cautious optimism and persistent scrutiny, with delegates weighing the duration, governance, and enforceability of such commitments. While the consensus was welcomed by many, questions remained about how funds would reach the intended destinations and how progress would be measured over time.
On November 13 at COP29, the United Nations secretary-general warned that climate disasters have become a routine part of the global landscape, with 2024 likely to rank among the warmest years on record and 2025 not far behind. He urged strong support for early warning and risk reduction measures, insisting that timely alerts can save lives and reduce economic losses. The call reinforced the idea that proactive measures, rather than reactive responses, are essential for communities most exposed to storms, droughts, and sea-level rise. The address underscored the urgency of accelerating mitigation and resilience efforts worldwide, particularly in developing regions that bear the brunt of climate impacts.
Earlier assessments warned of the potential for one of the most severe droughts in decades. Scientists have stressed that changing rainfall patterns and higher temperatures could tighten water supplies and disrupt farming across multiple regions. The remarks fit into a broader narrative in which climate change reshapes weather and weather-related risks, demanding tailored strategies for different countries and ecosystems. The overall message is clear: sustained investments, robust planning, and international cooperation are vital to avert a deeper crisis in the years ahead.