By Daniel Igboekwe
At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, African civil society organizations (CSOs) under the Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) coalition have joined the call for trillions of dollars in climate finance from wealthy nations.
The demand, led by G77 countries and China, also includes urgent action on technology transfer and capacity building to help communities most affected by the climate crisis.
The coalition argues that developed nations, who are historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, must take responsibility by providing the financial and technical support needed to combat climate change, particularly in Africa.
The United Nations reports that 17 of the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change are in Africa, where climate impacts already strain national budgets by 2 to 9 percent.
Africa MBPP, which includes groups like Nigeria-based Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA), Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, and South Africa’s Gender CC, emphasizes that climate justice goes beyond promises.
“This is about fairness,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA. “The wealth of developed nations was built at the cost of environmental damage. It’s time they repay that debt by helping vulnerable communities adapt and build resilience.”
Other coalition leaders, such as Nnimmo Bassey of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), stressed that climate finance must address adaptation, loss and damage, and mitigation efforts. “This isn’t charity; it’s a moral obligation,” Bassey noted.
The coalition also highlighted the importance of technology transfer and education to empower communities facing climate impacts.
Emem Bridget Okon of Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre said, “Financial resources alone are not enough. Communities need knowledge and tools to implement sustainable solutions.”
The Africa MBPP remains committed to holding polluters accountable while advocating for sustainable practices and equitable climate action. As COP29 discussions continue, their message is clear: it’s time for concrete action from developed nations to support those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.