Climate Actions and Initiatives Impact Africa’s Climate Adaptation

As the world continues to experience the effects of climate change — including rising temperatures, intense heatwaves, flooding, drought, desertification, and insect infestations — the impacts on agriculture, food security, biodiversity, and human health are becoming more severe.

Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, developing nations, particularly in Africa, bear the brunt of these impacts.

Africa’s climate vulnerability

The African continent is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to several structural and environmental factors. A 2025 study highlights that many African countries rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture, face water scarcity, and frequently experience extreme weather events such as droughts and heatwaves. Other key challenges include rising disease incidence, limited infrastructure and financial resources, outdated technology, and climate-sensitive economies.

The study, which analysed GHG emissions data from 1993 to 2020 across 54 African countries, found that both carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane emissions have increased steadily, contributing to higher average surface temperatures and rising sea levels.

Notably, East African countries recorded the highest growth in CO₂ and methane emissions, while West African nations showed the lowest rise in CO₂ emissions. In contrast, Southern Africa had the lowest methane emission growth. Alarmingly, all 54 countries experienced an increase in mean surface temperature between 1993 and 2002 and 2011 and 2020.

Pathways toward low-carbon development

The findings underscore the need for region-specific strategies to mitigate emissions and build resilience. For instance:

• South Africa could transition from coal dependency to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, capitalising on its abundant natural resources.
• Nigeria could invest in off-grid and decentralised renewable energy systems to address its energy access gaps.
• Kenya has significant potential to expand its geothermal energy sector.
• Egypt could further develop solar and wind projects across its desert regions, tapping into its vast renewable energy potential.

Bridging the climate finance gap

According to the Daily Sabah, Africa’s vulnerability is compounded by a severe climate finance shortfall. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that sub-Saharan Africa has already seen a 34% decline in agricultural productivity due to climate change.

To adapt and mitigate these effects, the continent will require around US$3 trillion by 2030, yet it received only US$30 billion between 2020 and 2021 — a staggering gap that threatens its resilience efforts.

Despite limited funding, African nations are taking proactive measures. Guided by the African Union (AU), the continent is mobilising its own resources to confront the crisis through reforestation, technology-driven innovations, and renewable energy development.

• Ethiopia has planted over 40 billion trees as part of its Green Legacy Initiative.
• Kenya is on track to meet 100% of its energy demand from renewable sources.
• The Congo Basin conservation and the Great Green Wall Initiative aim to restore degraded lands and halt the expansion of the Sahara Desert.

These efforts reflect Africa’s growing leadership in climate adaptation and mitigation, challenging the narrative that portrays the continent merely as a victim of climate change.

Instead, Africa is emerging as a driver of sustainable innovation and resilience in the global climate agenda.