Nairobi Declaration

The Nairobi Declaration is a landmark policy document adopted at the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4 to 6 September 2023. The declaration articulates a unified African vision for addressing climate change while pursuing sustainable economic growth. It emphasises the continent’s commitment to global climate goals and its demand for fairness, equity, and increased financial support from developed nations. As a collective statement of intent, it reflects Africa’s resolve to transform its climate vulnerability into an opportunity for green growth, resilience, and leadership in global environmental governance.

Background and Context

The Africa Climate Summit was convened jointly by the African Union (AU) and the Government of Kenya, under the theme “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World.” It brought together African Heads of State and Government, international organisations, development partners, scientists, private sector representatives, and civil society. The summit’s primary objective was to define Africa’s position ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) and future global negotiations.
Africa faces a paradox in the global climate debate. Despite contributing less than 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent suffers disproportionately from the impacts of climate change. Severe droughts, floods, rising temperatures, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss have intensified across African regions. The Nairobi Declaration responds to this challenge by combining environmental advocacy with developmental aspirations. It seeks to position Africa not as a passive victim but as an active leader in climate solutions.

Principles and Vision

The Nairobi Declaration reaffirms Africa’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It reiterates the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC), which recognises that developed nations have a historical responsibility for the climate crisis and must therefore provide financial and technological support to developing countries.
At its core, the declaration envisions a climate-resilient and low-carbon Africa that achieves sustainable development through inclusive and just transitions. It calls for unity among African nations and demands a reformed global system that treats climate action as an opportunity for prosperity, not a constraint on development.

Key Commitments and Focus Areas

1. Climate Finance and Global Reform

One of the central themes of the Nairobi Declaration is the urgent need to restructure the global climate finance architecture. African leaders stressed that current financial systems are inequitable, complex, and insufficient to meet the needs of developing countries. The declaration calls for:

• Concessional and accessible finance to support adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage initiatives.
• Debt relief and restructuring to enable African nations to invest in climate resilience rather than servicing unsustainable debts.
• The establishment of innovative financial mechanisms, including global taxes on fossil fuel trade, shipping, and aviation, to generate predictable climate funds.
• A review of multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to make them more responsive to climate and developmental needs.

The declaration also supports the creation of carbon markets and green bonds as instruments to mobilise domestic and international investments in Africa’s green economy.

2. Renewable Energy and Green Industrialisation

Africa possesses some of the richest renewable energy resources in the world, particularly solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric potential. Yet, the continent attracts less than 2 percent of global clean-energy investments. The Nairobi Declaration calls for accelerated efforts to:

• Expand renewable energy capacity to power households, industries, and transport systems sustainably.
• Develop green manufacturing and value-added industries that utilise Africa’s vast mineral wealth, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements critical for clean technologies.
• Promote public–private partnerships and regional infrastructure projects to build energy connectivity across African borders.This commitment reflects Africa’s ambition to become a global hub for green industrialisation, where economic growth aligns with environmental responsibility.

3. Adaptation and Resilience

Recognising Africa’s high vulnerability to climate shocks, the Nairobi Declaration emphasises the need to strengthen adaptation measures. It highlights investments in:

• Sustainable agriculture and water management to ensure food security amid changing rainfall patterns.
• Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, mangrove restoration, and ecosystem conservation.
• Early warning systems for climate-related disasters, supported by data and technology.
• Urban resilience through sustainable planning and infrastructure to cope with flooding and heatwaves in rapidly growing cities.

The declaration further calls for international support to implement the Global Goal on Adaptation, ensuring that adaptation financing matches the scale of need in Africa.

4. Youth, Gender, and Inclusion

A notable feature of the declaration is its inclusive vision. Africa’s young population and women are recognised as vital agents of climate action. The document promotes education, innovation, and capacity building to empower youth participation in the green economy. It also demands gender-responsive policies that ensure women’s equal access to resources, technology, and decision-making in climate governance.

5. Regional and Global Cooperation

The declaration advocates for strong regional integration and collaboration among African nations to coordinate climate policies, share knowledge, and harmonise regulatory frameworks. It proposes the institutionalisation of the Africa Climate Summit as a biennial event, enabling continuous dialogue and monitoring of progress.
At the global level, the Nairobi Declaration calls upon the international community to honour commitments made under the Paris Agreement, particularly the pledge to mobilise USD 100 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries. It also urges reform of the global carbon trading system to ensure transparency and fair benefit-sharing.

Significance of the Nairobi Declaration

The Nairobi Declaration is significant for multiple reasons. It is the first comprehensive African-led statement linking climate action with economic transformation. It reframes the climate crisis as a development opportunity, not merely a challenge. By presenting a united African voice, the declaration strengthens the continent’s negotiating power at international climate forums such as COP28 and beyond.
It also introduces a paradigm shift—from viewing Africa as a victim of global emissions to seeing it as a solution hub for renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. Moreover, it underscores that investing in Africa’s green transition benefits the entire world by accelerating global decarbonisation and enhancing climate stability.

Challenges and Implementation Gaps

Despite its vision, several challenges could affect the declaration’s implementation. Access to finance remains limited, as international funding mechanisms often involve complex procedures and conditionalities. Political instability and weak institutional capacity in some countries also hinder long-term planning. Furthermore, coordination between national and regional frameworks may require stronger governance structures.
There is also the challenge of ensuring that climate investments are equitably distributed and benefit local communities. Civil society organisations have cautioned that large-scale projects must avoid marginalising Indigenous peoples or exacerbating inequality. The success of the declaration will therefore depend on transparent governance, accountability, and meaningful participation of all stakeholders.

Legacy and Future Outlook

The Nairobi Declaration marks a defining moment in Africa’s environmental diplomacy. It aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Decade of Action on Climate Change. It also builds upon earlier frameworks such as the Abuja Declaration and the African Common Position on Climate Change, reinforcing Africa’s determination to speak with one voice on global environmental matters.
Going forward, the declaration envisions Africa as a leader in climate-resilient growth, capable of shaping a global system that values both sustainability and justice. Its proposals for financial reform, renewable energy expansion, and inclusive growth reflect a transformative vision of a continent ready to innovate and lead.