Climate change: AGN calls for a ‘Just Transition’ that addresses Africa’s energy poverty

Dr. Richard Muyungi, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), called for a ‘Just Transition’ to tackle Africa’s energy poverty.

He emphasized the ‘Africa First’ agenda. Over 600 million people in Africa lack energy access. Additionally, 900 million do not have clean cooking solutions.

Dr. Muyungi highlighted the importance of including the Clean Cooking agenda. This initiative is led by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania.

He spoke at the first Strategic Meeting of AGN in Zanzibar, chaired by Tanzania.

The African Union recently adopted two important declarations. These include the AU declaration on Clean Cooking and the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration on Mission 300 Energy Summit.

This summit aims to provide energy access to 300 million people by 2030. Dr. Muyungi stated that these decisions must be part of the Just Transition work programs.

A ‘just transition’ means a fair shift to a low-carbon economy. It seeks to minimize negative impacts on workers and communities while maximizing opportunities.

This approach balances climate action with social justice and aims for decent work and reduced inequalities.

At its fourth session, the Conference of Parties to the Paris Agreement established a work program on ‘Just Transition’ pathways.

The decision stressed that these pathways should align with national development priorities and include social protection measures.

During the AGN meeting, several priorities were discussed:

1. Finalizing Africa’s approach towards ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0).
2. Clarifying and operationalizing climate finance goals based on AU decisions.
3. Making progress on adaptation indicators under the Global Goal on Adaptation.
4. Advocating for Africa’s equity-centered positions in global climate governance.
5. Emphasizing youth and gender inclusion in climate action.
6. Leveraging Africa’s natural resources for sustainable economic growth while reducing emissions.

Dr. Muyungi reaffirmed AGN's role in advising key African Union institutions like AMCEN and CAHOSCC.

“Our Group supports Africa’s political decisions on climate change,” he said.

He noted that this meeting aimed to address outcomes from February 2025's CAHOSCC meeting in Addis Ababa.

The meeting reinforced Africa's commitment to science-driven, justice-centered climate negotiations.

Adaptation, climate finance, clean energy access, just transition, and institutional strengthening are essential pillars of Africa’s climate agenda.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda from PACJA stressed that adaptation must be central in discussions about climate impacts affecting vulnerable communities.

He emphasized that adaptation finance needs to flow effectively—accessible, predictable, adequate—and scaled up significantly.

Africa must lead calls for ambitious financial goals reflecting real needs amid adaptation challenges.