By Atoyebi Nike
African governments have been urged to view their upcoming national climate plans as opportunities to transform economies, create millions of jobs, and raise living standards across the continent.
The call was made by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, who emphasised that the new plans formally known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement could unlock large-scale investments, clean energy access, and resilient infrastructure.
“Strong plans open the door to new industries, large-scale investment, more affordable clean energy accessible to all, and more resilient infrastructure, as climate disasters hit African nations harder each year,” Stiell said.
Highlighting ongoing progress, the UN noted that South Africa is pursuing a just energy transition, supported by international partners whose financing commitments have grown from $8.5 to $11.6 billion. Nigeria is advancing a whole-of-society approach, linking climate action to job creation and poverty reduction, with solar mini-grids already providing electricity to 6 million people and youth-led innovation driving recycling, clean transport, and agriculture. Morocco, meanwhile, has become a regional leader with its Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the largest in the world.
Stiell stressed that Africa is “not just on the frontlines of climate impacts; it is also at the forefront of solutions,” urging countries to submit their most ambitious plans before COP30 in Brazil this November.
The UN also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a tool to boost regional supply chains and green exports, while stressing that climate finance must be scaled up from the $300bn pledged at COP29 to at least $1.3tn annually by 2035.
“With new national climate plans due in 2025, this process is not just about climate ambition , it is a roadmap for investment, prosperity, and justice for millions of Africans,” the statement added.
