Africa urged to speak with one voice ahead of COP 30

DAR ES SALAAM: AFRICAN nations have been urged to uphold unity and speak with one voice as the continent finalizes its common position ahead of the upcoming Cop 3O scheduled to take place in Brazil next month.

The call was made by the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) Chair, Dr Richard Muyungi at the closing ceremony of the third AGN Strategic Meeting that concluded in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

The meeting that gathered members from 54 countries under the AGN aimed at forging a unified continental stance ahead of the pivotal climate conference in Belém.

Dr Muyungi who is also the Special Envoy and Advisor to the President on Environment and Climate Change stressed that unity remains Africa’s strongest asset in influencing global climate decisions, warning that disunity could weaken the continent’s negotiating power.

“What really is important is for the continent to speak with one voice ahead of the forthcoming conference,” he underlined.

Shedding the light on the meeting , the AGN Chair said they agreed on two key engagement tracks including technical and political, each guided by critical documents currently being finalised.

The technical document, known as the African Position Paper towards Belém, will outline Africa’s collective stance on key climate issues, while a political document will serve as a roadmap for ministers and heads of state as they head to Cop 30.

According to Dr Muyungi, the new common position introduces fresh priorities for the continent, including clean cooking , industrialization, climate justice and reparations, and recognition of Africa’s special needs and circumstances. It also calls for greater focus on the blue economy and the role of oceans in sustainable growth.

“These documents will serve as guiding beacons towards Berlin and beyond,” he explained.