By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
African leaders and stakeholders are pushing for more
greener, fairer, resilient continent that will bridge gaps in climate transition.
The stakeholders stated this yesterday in Abuja at the 3rd edition of 2025 Africa Climate Forum with the theme “Bolder, Greener, and Better Steps: Closing Transition Gaps”.
They explained that Africa’s climate transition must be inclusive, locally driven, and anchored on innovation, governance, and cooperation.
Speaking at the forum, The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Net Zero target by 2050.
Keyamo represented by Dr. Samuel Obafemi Bajomo,
disclosed that the Federal Government has already launched a “Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy for Aviation”, alongside broader initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, reforestation through the “Great Green Wall”, and climate education to strengthen Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
He explained that this forum is designed to address persistent gaps in Africa’s transition agenda.
“The climate policy space is volatile, that’s why we must keep coming back to the drawing board, “This Forum gives Africa a louder, clearer voice as we head toward COP30,”
He said Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is implementing major reforms including the Climate Change Act, Energy Transition Plan, and the target to reduce national emissions by 47% by 2030.
“Africa stands at a crossroads rich in human and natural capital, yet deeply vulnerable to climate change. We must take steps that are bolder in ambition, greener in innovation, and better in collaboration,” he emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s push toward Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and energy-efficient airport systems, noting that Lagos Airport had achieved Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation, the first of its kind in West Africa.
Also speaking Minister of Trade and Investment, Ms. Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted Nigeria’s role in driving climate-smart economic growth, with support from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to catalyze green investments across the continent.
“Africa is not just a victim of climate change we are builders of the solution, and Nigeria is taking a strategic leadership role”.
Oduwole said that the conversation must not remain at a policy level it must lead to investment.
“From carbon credits to renewables, sustainability to AI, there are multiple opportunities across sectors, and this forum is leading that conversation in Africa.”
similarly, Also at the event, the High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria, Amb.Isaac Parashina, commended ACF for creating a platform that unites Africa’s visionaries and policymakers.
“Africa does not lack vision. What we need is cohesion between our aspirations, institutions, and the resources to sustain them,” he said.
Ambassador Parashina detailed Kenya’s strides in clean energy, revealing that over 90% of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable sources — a product of consistent policy and deliberate planning.
He also highlighted Kenya’s National Tree Planting Campaign, the Climate Change Act (2016, amended 2023), and youth-led innovations in renewable energy, waste management, and digital monitoring.
“Africa’s climate story will be written by Africans, not for Africans,” he declared. “Our task is to align national budgets with climate priorities, strengthen local capacity, and ensure that climate finance is accessible and accountable.”
Earlier, In his welcome address, Director-General of the Global Centre for Law , Business and Economy (GCLBE), and also convener of the Forum, Prof. George Nwangwu, described the event as more than a conference — a call to action for Africa to address four major gaps hindering progress: governance, finance, human rights, and energy access.
He said each gaps represents a piece of the puzzle that when addressed, will propel the world towards a sustainable future.
“As we shift away from fossil fuels, the benefits of this transition must be distributed equitably,” he added.
“Africa’s energy needs are immense, with over 1.5 billion people, balancing rising demand with decarbonization is a daunting but necessary task.
“ACF 2025 is not just a forum, it is a call to action because the decisions we make today will determine the world we leave for future generations.”
He also highlighted the need for stronger policies, inclusive governance, and innovative financing to ensure Africa moves from vulnerability to resilience.
“The time for action is now. Together, we can turn transition gaps into bridges of opportunity,”he stated .
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