The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Linus Mofor, has stated that African countries have nationally determined contributions requiring nearly $3 trillion for implementation.
Mofor emphasized that the estimates indicate the need for around $87 billion annually for adaptation programs in Africa, while the continent receives only around $30 billion.
Speaking on the sidelines of the COP28 conference in Dubai, Mofor pointed out that Africa’s carbon emissions account for only about 4% of the global total but suffer more than other regions from the impacts of climate change.
He highlighted that Africa loses an average of 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually due to the effects of climate change, and in some cases, this loss reaches 15% of GDP.
He cited the example of Cyclone Idai, which cost Mozambique at least 15% of its GDP.
Mofor commended the activation of the Green Climate Fund at COP28, considering it a positive step toward fulfilling climate commitments.
Regarding access to electricity, he noted that Africa constitutes 80% of the 733 million people worldwide who lack access to electricity, and 40% lack access to clean cooking.
He praised the agreement by 118 countries, including African nations, to commit to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements.
To make a tangible difference in bridging the energy gap in Africa, Mofor emphasized that the continent needs at least $500 billion for renewable energy capacity by 2030 and $2 trillion by 2050.
He called on governments to give the private sector a significant role in mobilizing these funds.
Mofor also highlighted various initiatives and projects in Africa related to green hydrogen production and emissions reduction, emphasizing that COP28 has seen many successes in this regard.
