6th ACT! called for climate justice, equity and fair financing

The 6th Africa Climate Talks (ACT!) and SDGs Forum, held on 7–8 April 2025 at the Speke Resort Convention Center in Kampala, Uganda, convened under the theme “Rethinking financing and ambition for climate action, green growth and development in Africa: a justice issue.” The Talks underscored that Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of climate impacts despite its low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, and called for climate justice, equity and fair financing to be placed at the centre of Africa’s climate agenda. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen Africa’s collective voice and bargaining power ahead of COP30 and to reposition the continent as a leader in sustainable development and a fair transition.

 

A central outcome was a call to reframe climate finance as an issue of justice and equity. Participants argued that the New Collective Quantified Goal should reflect Africa’s actual financing needs, go beyond the US$300 billion pledge, prioritize grant-based and predictable public finance, and provide simpler and more direct access for African countries. The Talks also called for the Loss and Damage Fund to provide predictable and accessible finance responsive to the needs of frontline communities, while strengthening African institutions' capacity to access, manage and track climate finance and deliver projects effectively.

 

The Kampala outcomes went beyond finance to articulate a broader agenda for African-led climate action. They called for stronger continental leadership in global climate governance; integration of loss and damage and just transition priorities into national climate and development plans; and greater investment in climate information services, early warning systems, research, innovation and indigenous knowledge. Participants also called for climate action that puts children, youth, women and local communities at its centre, alongside fairer carbon markets, expanded energy access and green jobs, regional value addition from Africa’s strategic minerals, and stronger integration of climate, peace and security.

 

The Talks ultimately set out ten priority areas for action, concluding with a call for strategic partnerships that expand access to grant-based climate finance, accelerate locally led and gender-sensitive technologies, strengthen South–South cooperation, and reduce Africa’s dependence on external solutions. The outcome statement provides a clear African agenda for turning climate finance, knowledge, technology and partnerships into development outcomes while strengthening the continent’s position in global climate processes.