Overview: Africa gathers to shape its COP30 message
The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), a Nigerian civil society group, is convening a high‑level webinar to refresh Africa’s strategy ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The session brings together climate experts, policymakers, youth representatives, and gender advocates from across the continent to discuss the current state of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and how Africa can translate commitments into concrete action.
As of October 1, 2025, only 13 of Africa’s 54 countries had submitted their NDCs 3.0. Experts emphasize that while the appetite for stronger climate action exists, progress has been slowed by limited time, gaps in technical capacity, and inadequate financing. The webinar aims to illuminate these obstacles and explore practical pathways to close the gaps before the deadline, ensuring that Africa’s voice at COP30 reflects both ambition and feasibility.
Event objectives: turning commitments into implementation
The virtual gathering, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. West Africa Time on Friday, October 31, 2025, is titled “COP30: Coordinating Ambitious NDCs Development and Implementation in Africa.” It will feature a frank briefing on Africa’s NDC landscape and a critical examination of the governance framework that should guide NDC development and implementation across the continent.
Key discussion points include the interplay between NDCs and sustainable development, as well as practical messaging for COP30 that can resonate with bilateral partners and multilateral bodies. Participants will hear case studies from country, gender, and youth perspectives, highlighting successes, bottlenecks, and scalable solutions that can advance climate resilience while supporting development goals.
Why now: navigating the emissions gap and the road to 2035
Despite the focus on NDCs 3.0, the fact remains that a substantial emissions gap persists. Estimates suggest a remaining gap of over 30GtCO2e by October 2025, underscoring the risk that some countries may over- or under-ambitious in their targets. The webinar underscores the need for a dual approach: strengthen emission reductions while ensuring robust implementation that translates into real-world outcomes, from cleaner energy to resilient communities.
Experts also point to additional options for deeper cuts, including exploring emissions reductions beyond baseline commitments and expanding conditional targets for developing countries. The session will examine how to support these conditional targets so Africa’s total reduction trajectory remains credible and ambitious through 2035 and beyond.
Who speaks and what to expect
Confirmed speakers include leading voices from academia, civil society, and policy circles. Highlights include:
- Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President, SPP (Host)
- Iskander Erzini Vernoit, Executive Director, IMAL Initiative for Climate and Development
- Gbemisola Titilope Akosa, Executive Director, Centre For 21st Century Issues
- Samuel C. Okorie, UNFCCC Santiago Network Advisory Board Member, Youth Rep
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Additional participants from Kenya, Zimbabwe, and other African contexts will share on climate finance, governance, and locally led action. The discussion will also highlight the intersection between climate action and Africa’s sustainable development trajectory, offering actionable recommendations for negotiators and bilateral partners at COP30.
What happens next: from webinar to COP30 messaging
The session is designed to produce a concrete set of recommendations that can guide Africa’s multilateral and bilateral engagements at COP30. By consolidating country experiences, gender- and youth-informed insights, and finance considerations, the webinar intends to shape a coherent, implementable position for the continent. The goal is to ensure that Africa’s participation in Belém emphasizes not only commitments but the practical steps required to achieve them.
Aspiring participants can register to join the event at: https://shorturl.at/uLZ17
Inclusion and participation: a path toward equitable climate action
SPP’s initiative foregrounds inclusive dialogue, acknowledging that climate governance must reflect diverse experiences across Africa. The webinar will consider the needs and opportunities of different countries, the roles of youth and women in climate leadership, and the importance of ensuring that finance mechanisms support locally led climate action. By centering implementation and financing alongside ambition, Africa can present a credible, unified stance at COP30 that aligns with sustainable development priorities.
