African Climate Wire

💰What should count as climate finance? A new COP30 Climate Finance Work Programme requires reliable financial data. But the lack of an agreed definition of climate finance for the UNFCCC Standing Committee on Finance could lead to skewed reporting. africanclimatewire.org/2026/03/unfccc…

Zimbabwe's ban on raw mineral exports could provide leverage for the country in negotiating investment deals. However, export restrictions can come into conflict with international trade provisions. africanclimatewire.org/2026/03/export…

For African countries, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz presents both challenges and opportunities for national and regional energy systems. What happens next depends on whether policymakers have learnt lessons from previous energy shocks. africanclimatewire.org/2026/03/energy…

The growth of BRICS makes the case for its potential to influence global climate policy. But recent events in the Middle East highlight how geopolitics and internal divisions stand in the way. Read the full analysis here: africanclimatewire.org/2026/02/brics-…

Climate finance is a longstanding sticking point in negotiations between the Global South and Global North. We spoke with AGN Chair Dr. Amoah on the state of global climate finance, and the significance of the USA's withdrawal from the UNFCCC. africanclimatewire.org/2026/01/in-con…

The growth of BRICS in recent years has supported calls for the bloc to become a global leader in climate diplomacy. But BRICS has to navigate internal differences, external geopolitical risks and dependence on the dollar. africanclimatewire.org/2026/02/brics-…

Can citizens hold their governments legally accountable for climate change? We sat down with @Greenwatch_Ug to discuss their climate litigation, and how national constitutions can be a tool for environmental advocacy. Read the full discussion here: africanclimatewire.org/2024/04/africa…

The establishment of the Just Transition Mechanism was a highlight of COP30 negotiations. @Southern_Tr's Manav Khanna dives into the Mechanism's functions and analyses its potential benefits for African countries. Read more here: africanclimatewire.org/2025/12/a-new-…

"The 2026 Mining Indaba made clear that the continent’s future hinges on moving beyond extraction toward deliberate industrialisation." African countries have two options for the future of their critical minerals. Which route will policymakers choose? africanclimatewire.org/2026/02/transf…

This #InternationalWomensDay2026, we revisit @ChidoNyaruwata's analysis of COP30's Gender Action Plan and the need for financial support, cooperation and proactive leadership to address climate impacts on women and girls. Read more here: lnkd.in/dt5i-Gpw

The Weekend Reads: 🔹BRICS and potential global climate leadership: lnkd.in/d5fdtxU3 🔹Extraction vs Industrialisation: Africa's critical minerals crossroads: lnkd.in/diRSbuAS 🔹Achieving a truly just transition for the Global South: lnkd.in/dieA3QYz

South Africa's carbon tax is a core tenet of the country's mitigation efforts. A recent proposal could see the country suspend the tax. However, there are serious questions about the legality of such a decision under the Paris Agreement. Read more here: africanclimatewire.org/2026/02/can-so…

The 39th AU Summit covered several climate-related topics as the bloc established its agenda and priorities for the year. Here's a snapshot of the main thematic areas. Click here to read a full analysis of the Summit: africanclimatewire.org/2026/02/au-sum…

Is it possible for Africa to run completely on renewable energy? A 2025 Report by @PowerShftAfrica makes the case for a continent powered solely by renewable energy mix built on investment, strong policy and resilient structures. africanclimatewire.org/2025/07/africa…

South Africa's G20 presidency focused on Global South positions on the just transition, debt, trade and peace and security. Alex Benkenstein analyses the potential impact of the USA's G20 Presidency on global climate diplomacy. Read more here: africanclimatewire.org/2025/11/africa…

3/ The February Rewind: 🇿🇲Lusaka hosted the Continental Energy and Infrastructure Investment Forum. 🇿🇦The 2026 Mining Indaba convened in Cape Town. 🇿🇼Victoria Falls hosted the SADC Sustainable Energy Week. 🇿🇦Africa's Green Energy Summit was held in Cape Town.

2/ The February Rewind: 🇿🇼Zimbabwe suspended exports of all raw minerals with immediate ⁠effect. 🇰🇪Kenya announced the launch of its National Carbon Registry. 🇪🇹Addis Ababa hosted the Continental-Level Consultation and Exchange Event on Transboundary Water Cooperation.

1/ What made headlines this past month: 🔸The African Energy Bank received its provisional headquarters in Nigeria and is scheduled to begin operations in June 2026. 🔸President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was elected as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2026.

The 39th AU Summit emphasised the need for regional integration on climate and industrial policy, national security measures and trade. We unpack the Summit's outcomes and their significance for the continent's climate and development agenda: africanclimatewire.org/2026/02/au-sum…

Ghana’s Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah assumed the Chair for the @AGNChairUNFCCC earlier this year. We spoke with Dr. Amoah about his goals, the state of climate diplomacy, and the AGN's priorities for the year. Read our full conversation here: africanclimatewire.org/2026/01/in-con…