“only 3% of global climate finance is allocated to NbS, leaving Africa with a $4.1 trillion shortfall by 2030.”
As Africa faces the brunt of climate change—despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions—an innovative solution rooted in nature is taking center stage: Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
In a compelling new research report, environmental policy analyst Trésor Daniel Mefire calls NbS a “transformative approach to tackling Africa’s climate, biodiversity, and socio-economic challenges.”
Defined by the IUCN as actions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems, NbS have emerged as both a shield against climate shocks and a catalyst for sustainable development across the continent.
Take the Congo Basin, for instance, which stores nearly 30 billion tonnes of carbon—equivalent to three years of global emissions. Or Kenya’s mangrove forests, which slash wave energy by 66%, shielding coastal communities from storm surges.
These natural assets, Mefire argues, are “indispensable in the global fight against climate change.”
Beyond environmental protection, the economic returns are significant. Since 2012, NbS projects have mobilized over $21 billion in sub-Saharan Africa, creating green jobs and stimulating rural economies.
In Mozambique, the Chiveve River restoration not only mitigated floods for 50,000 residents but also provided 1,200 jobs. In Zanzibar, integrating seaweed farming with mangrove conservation has increased local incomes by 30%.
Yet, scaling NbS is not without obstacles. Mefire highlights major funding gaps, noting that “only 3% of global climate finance is allocated to NbS, leaving Africa with a $4.1 trillion shortfall by 2030.” Governance issues and reliance on foreign expertise also hinder progress.
Still, hope glimmers in homegrown innovations. Rwanda and Ghana are weaving NbS into national climate plans, while projects like Kenya’s Mikoko Pamoja are empowering local communities to take the lead in ecosystem restoration.
According to Mefire, “community-led conservation increases adoption rates by 70%, ensuring long-term sustainability.”
Urban areas, too, are embracing hybrid solutions. Dar es Salaam’s blend of green wetlands and gray infrastructure offers a glimpse into Africa’s climate-smart cities of the future.
Ultimately, Mefire believes that Africa’s natural capital—from mangroves to savannas—holds the key to a resilient, inclusive future. Echoing UNECA’s Antonio Pedro, he concludes, “NbS offer Africa a chance to balance economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity, beyond GDP metrics.”
As the world races to meet its climate targets, Africa’s embrace of nature might just be the continent’s most powerful weapon—and its greatest opportunity.
Download the full report below I PDF INature-based Solutions I
