The statement, delivered by Lucky Egba Abeng from ECO Steward and Humanitarian Organization (Nigeria), highlighted that failure to address these needs could lead to dire consequences for the continent. “Projections show that, left unaddressed, climate impacts could reduce Africa’s GDP by up to 4% by 2040,” he warned. The leaders called for a commitment to an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, demanding at least USD 1.3 trillion annually primarily delivered as grants.
Dr. Rev. Ezekiel Lesmore, Director of Programmes at the All Africa Conference of Churches, expressed disappointment with COP29’s progress, criticizing developed nations for prioritizing business deals over necessary grants to support climate initiatives in the global South. Meanwhile, Martha Getachew Bekele from DevTransform (Kenya) emphasized that Africa seeks grants—not loans—for climate financing, calling for transparency and clarity in project proposals.
As discussions continue at COP29, civil society leaders remain steadfast in their demand for equitable access to climate finance that addresses Africa’s unique challenges without perpetuating debt dependency.