Africa Emphasizes Locally Driven Climate Solutions

Africans should spearhead efforts to address climate change and secure funding for the continent’s recovery, according to Dicksy Ngqula, Business Manager at Channel Africa. The continent’s reliance on external support is unsustainable, particularly given its disproportionate vulnerability to climate change and the limited share of global climate finance it currently receives.

Channel Africa will host the 2026 Africa Matters Summit later this month, focusing on climate change and financing Africa’s recovery. The summit aims to provide a platform for Africans to define challenges and develop solutions.

Summit Objectives

The summit seeks to establish a forum where Africans can collaborate to devise solutions for issues impacting the continent. It will gather policymakers, academics, business leaders, labor representatives, and civil society organizations. The goal is to explore methods for mobilizing resources and reinforcing policy frameworks to attract climate funding.

Climate Finance Challenges

Despite increasing global climate finance commitments, Africa’s access to these funds remains limited. This is partly attributed to fragmented policy environments across the continent.

Event Details

The one-day summit is scheduled for March 25 at Wits Business School in Parktown, Johannesburg. The event will feature three panel discussions centered on policy frameworks, climate finance, and practical outcomes. Discussions are intended to generate actionable recommendations, with Wits Business School documenting outcomes to facilitate progress tracking.

Accessibility and Registration

The summit will be live-streamed on SABC Plus and Channel Africa platforms, enabling audiences across Africa and the diaspora to participate. Attendance is free, and registration is required through Channel Africa’s website.