Africa renews its call for climate justice and fair financing at COP30 leaders’ summit

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2025 (FMC) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called on world leaders to deliver climate justice and ensure fair access to financing, technology, and opportunities for Africa, as the continent takes a proactive role in driving global climate action.

Speaking at the COP30 Leaders Summit in Belém, Brazil, Youssouf emphasized that Africa approaches the conference “with conviction,” positioning itself as “an agent of transformation” in the global transition to a low-carbon future.

He highlighted Africa’s growing contributions to climate innovation, citing progress “from solar fields to green innovators led by the youth across the continent,” and reaffirmed that Africa is leading the way toward a just and inclusive energy transition.

However, Youssouf expressed concern that Africa — despite holding 40 percent of the world’s renewable energy potential — continues to receive less than 12 percent of global climate finance. “We do not ask for charity but for climate justice,” he said, stressing that “those least responsible for this crisis must not bear its heaviest burden.”

Calling for tangible commitments from the summit, Youssouf urged world leaders to move decisively from “pledges to progress” and from “vulnerability to vitality.” He concluded by declaring that the time for half measures is over and that “bold, united action” must define COP30’s legacy.