African leaders are preparing to assert their influence at COP29, the upcoming UN climate change conference in Azerbaijan, following what many view as a missed opportunity for impactful decisions at the previous COP28. With around 20 heads of state, seven vice-presidents, and four prime ministers expected to attend, the continent’s presence will be strong.
Among those scheduled to address the high-level segment on 12 and 13 November are Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi. Each leader is expected to highlight their country’s climate priorities, from adaptation strategies to demands for increased international climate finance.
Some African nations, including Angola, Gambia, and Tanzania, will be represented by vice-presidents, while Djibouti has opted to send its prime minister. Meanwhile, key countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt have yet to announce their speakers, sparking speculation that they may opt for ministerial representation instead. Alongside the main talks, leaders from the Congo Basin Climate Commission, the African Development Bank, and Kenya will host a dedicated roundtable on Africa’s green wealth and how to unlock the continent’s economic potential through sustainable initiatives.
The COP29 agenda presents a significant platform for Africa, particularly as climate challenges disproportionately impact the continent despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. With much of the climate finance needed for adaptation still unrealised, African leaders are expected to press for greater support from developed nations, aiming to address financing inequalities and reinforce commitments made in previous years. UNEP head Inger Andersen has remarked that Africa will “hold the world’s feet to the fire,” reflecting the urgency with which the continent approaches the need for substantive action and support.
As COP29 takes place in Baku, international political dynamics also add complexity. Relations between Azerbaijan and France remain tense due to disagreements over France’s support for Armenia’s environmental bid, resulting in a notably low French presence at the event. While European leaders including Germany’s Olaf Scholz and the UK’s Keir Starmer will attend, Azerbaijan’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict has also led to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin being invited to speak, highlighting the intersection of environmental and geopolitical concerns at this year’s conference.
Further Africa
