AGN Chair Calls for Urgent Climate Adaptation Action Across Africa

Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, has called for urgent and practical measures to strengthen climate adaptation efforts across Africa.

He warned that millions of vulnerable people across the continent are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change.

Africa Cannot Afford Weak Adaptation Responses

Delivering the opening statement remotely at the Pan African Coalition for Adaptation and Resilience Workshop 2026 in Athi River, Kenya, Dr. Amoah stressed that Africa must move beyond fragmented and underfunded responses.

“For Africa, this process must move adaptation from recognition to implementation and from promises to measurable progress,” he stated.

The three-day workshop, organised by Power Shift Africa, brought together researchers, civil society organisations, women’s groups, youth movements and climate experts ahead of upcoming global climate negotiations.

Climate Change Already Affecting Millions

According to Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, climate change is no longer a future threat for Africa.

He said farmers, fisherfolk, women, children and vulnerable communities are already facing severe consequences linked to extreme weather conditions.

“Climate impacts are already affecting African farmers, pastoralists, fisherfolk and urban households,” he noted.

Food, Health and Infrastructure Under Pressure

Dr. Amoah explained that climate shocks are worsening food insecurity, damaging infrastructure and putting additional strain on health systems and national economies.

He cited examples including:

• Prolonged droughts in northern Kenya destroying livestock and livelihoods
• Flooding in West Africa damaging homes and farmlands
• Rising sanitation and disease risks in urban settlements across the continent

“Drought is not only a water problem. It is also a food, health and income problem,” he explained.

Call for Integrated Climate Adaptation Systems

The AGN Chair argued that African countries need integrated adaptation systems capable of protecting food production, water resources, ecosystems and public infrastructure simultaneously.

He called for stronger:

• Early warning systems
• Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Social protection programmes
• Local institutional support

According to him, adaptation should be treated as a broader development and resilience strategy rather than isolated interventions.

Concerns Over Climate Finance Access

Dr. Amoah also criticised the current structure of climate financing available to African countries.

He said much of the funding does not reach communities carrying the greatest adaptation burden.

“Too much climate finance is trapped in complex procedures that local communities cannot access,” he stated.

He further argued that adaptation financing for Africa must be:

• Predictable
• Grant-based or highly concessional
• Easily accessible to local actors and frontline communities

“If adaptation is local in impact, then finance must become local in delivery,” he added.

Africa Preparing for COP31 and COP32

Looking ahead to major climate negotiations including SB64, COP31 and COP32, expected to be hosted in Ethiopia, Dr. Amoah urged African stakeholders to strengthen the continent’s climate adaptation agenda.

He stressed that international agreements must translate into real programmes and measurable improvements for affected communities.

COP32 Must Deliver Real Change

According to the AGN Chair, COP32 should become more than just another global climate conference hosted in Africa.

“It must be a moment when African priorities shape the centre of the global climate agenda,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change to work closely with civil society groups and frontline communities to ensure Africa’s adaptation priorities lead to concrete action.