Vice President Dr Philip Mpango has urged African leaders to present a unified front in securing climate finance, stressing the importance of collective action to confront the growing threats posed by climate change.
The message was delivered here yesterday on his behalf by Zanzibar Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla to delegates at the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) meeting where representatives from 54 African nations convene for a three-day summit to strategize on climate action and financing mechanisms.
Dr Mpango called on participants to prioritize Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities in their discussions, and to develop coordinated strategies that will help the continent adapt to and mitigate climate impacts.
“This meeting is vital for Tanzania and the entire continent,” he said. “Among key issues is the expansion of access to clean cooking energy, with a goal of connecting over 300 million Africans to sustainable energy solutions by 2030.”
He highlighted Tanzania’s progress in climate action, citing rising public awareness on clean energy and the government’s ambition to ensure universal access to clean cooking by 2030.
He emphasized the increasing toll of climate-related disasters across Africa, warning of reduced climate funding and the retreat of major polluting countries from global commitments.
“Despite Africa’s natural wealth, including minerals essential for green technology, over 600 million Africans still lack access to clean and affordable energy,” he said. “This is unacceptable. We must urgently act to reverse this trend.”
He urged African countries to harness their own resources to attract investment in renewable energy and green technologies that drive both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Zanzibar Minister of State in the First Vice President’s Office, Harusi Said Suleiman, said the AGN meeting reflects the continent’s growing commitment to environmental conservation. She said it offers a platform for developing firm strategies that will guide Africa’s response to climate threats and help it reach key development goals.
AGN Chairman Dr Richard Muyungi said the meeting would shape Africa’s climate agenda for the year ahead, including its position for the next global climate summit.
He said discussions would focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building climate resilience and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
“Our aim is to steer Africa away from fossil fuels and toward a sustainable, climate-resilient future,” he said.
