By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Convener of the Africa Climate Forum, Prof. George Nwangwu, has called for stronger public-private collaboration, increased investment and effective policy implementation to address Africa’s climate challenges, urging stakeholders to move from commitments to measurable results.
Nwangwu made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the fourth edition of the Africa Climate Forum 2026, themed “Implementing in Lockstep: Public-Private Action for Green Outcomes,” at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
He said the continent must shift its focus from making climate commitments to implementing existing ones through practical projects, sustainable financing and coordinated action involving governments, businesses, development finance institutions, researchers, innovators and local communities.
The two-day forum, organised by the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy, brought together policymakers, business leaders, investors, development partners and climate advocates to explore practical solutions for sustainable development and climate resilience across Africa.
Nwangwu noted that despite Africa’s participation in international climate negotiations and its development of national climate commitments, a significant gap remained between promises and delivery. He cited recurring floods, droughts, food insecurity and environmental degradation as evidence of the urgent need for effective implementation.
He also highlighted inadequate access to reliable electricity and clean cooking, despite the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources, stressing that public expenditure and development assistance alone could not meet the scale of Africa’s climate financing needs.
“To implement is to move from aspiration to execution, from promises to projects, and from declarations to delivery,” he said, adding that private investment, entrepreneurship and technological innovation must be supported by credible regulations, sound governance and effective financing mechanisms.
According to him, high financing costs, currency risks, regulatory uncertainty, inadequate project preparation and limited access to long-term capital continue to prevent viable climate projects from attracting the investments required for implementation.
He called for adequate, predictable, accessible and affordable climate finance, alongside increased investment in adaptation, resilience and arrangements for addressing loss and damage. He also advocated stronger continental cooperation to align national priorities with regional strategies and strengthen Africa’s voice in international climate negotiations.
Nwangwu said the forum had structured its programme around four complementary platforms: policy dialogue, investment facilitation, innovation and storytelling, designed to connect policy reforms with financing opportunities, practical solutions and community needs.
He explained that the policy dialogue platform would examine institutional barriers, policy reforms and financing mechanisms, while the Deal Room would connect project developers with investors, financial institutions, development partners and technology providers to move viable climate projects closer to implementation.
The Marketplace, he said, would provide African entrepreneurs, researchers and businesses with opportunities to showcase innovations in renewable energy, clean cooking, agricultural technology, waste management, water systems and climate resilience. He stressed that Africa should be recognised not merely as a recipient of climate solutions but also as a source of innovation and expertise.
He added that the Climate Stories platform would highlight the experiences of communities affected by flooding, drought and water scarcity, while showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of women, young people, farmers and entrepreneurs developing local solutions.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Founder and Executive Chair of Avocado Holdings, Dr Oge Funlola Modie, by the Head of Business at The Radah Media Company, Mrs Chioma Ikenna-Ibeh, stakeholders were urged to prioritise measurable results, accountability and effective communication in implementing climate interventions.
Modie described climate action as a development issue encompassing reliable energy, food security, resilient infrastructure, economic opportunities and community well-being. She stressed that collaboration must go beyond bringing stakeholders together to include shared priorities, clearly defined responsibilities and accountability for results.
She urged participants to use the forum to develop practical implementation strategies, strengthen partnerships and establish measurable indicators of success, expressing hope that its outcomes would extend beyond discussions to concrete action. Nwangwu also expressed appreciation to the forum’s sponsors, partners, speakers, exhibitors, innovators and delegates, as well as the organising team, for their contributions to advancing Africa’s climate and development agenda.
