As we step further into 2025, I remain filled with renewed hope for Africa’s climate journey. Scripture reminds us that hope is an anchor for the soul; a truth that feels more urgent than ever in these transformative times. While the challenges before us are significant, our hope is neither blind nor passive; it is anchored in the remarkable progress we’ve already achieved and the unstoppable potential of Africa’s youth.
Our world is in flux. Political shifts across major economies, from the U.S. election cycle to evolving EU climate policies, are reshaping global priorities. The fallout from recent geopolitical tensions, such as trade restrictions on green technologies and shifting development finance commitments, has direct implications for Africa’s sustainable growth. Yet, amid these uncertainties, one thing remains clear: Africa’s climate and economic resilience will be determined by our ability to seize opportunities and shape our future.
The urgency of climate action is undeniable. The devastating wildfires in California this January, severe flooding in East Africa, and continued climate finance shortfalls under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) negotiations highlight the uneven distribution of climate burdens. Africa, contributing the least to global emissions, remains the most vulnerable, yet continues to be sidelined in key climate finance discussions. However, the tide is shifting. The G7’s commitment to phasing out unabated coal by 2035 and the growing focus on carbon markets for developing economies signal a critical moment for Africa to assert its leadership in the green transition. At the same time, financial momentum is building—the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA) together delivered $31 billion in climate finance in FY24, with $10.3 billion specifically allocated to adaptation and resilience investments.
These developments present a crucial opportunity for Africa to not only secure much-needed resources but to actively shape the financial mechanisms that will drive a just and equitable climate transition. Our continent cannot afford to be passive observers; we must be architects of the solutions that define our future.
This belief fueled Jacob’s Ladder Africa’s (JLA) remarkable progress in 2024. From being recognized as “The Best Youth NDC Investment Initiative of the Year” at the African NDC Investment Awards, to hosting Kenya’s first-ever national Green Jobs and Skills Development Workshop, and leading the ACS@One pre-convenings; which will shape the first civil society-led reflection on the Africa Climate Summit.
Our greenLabs Incubator is revolutionizing how young entrepreneurs tackle climate challenges and curbing early start-up mortality. Our successful powering food systems innovation challenge exemplifies how these youth-led ventures address community needs while driving climate resilience. Meanwhile, our soon-to-launch Climate Finance Fellowship under the Africa Climate Ambassadors Programme (ACAP) marks a crucial step in empowering young Africans in climate finance advocacy. Our youth won’t just understand global climate finance; they will advocate for it. Additionally, our Intrapreneurship Programme is creating immediate opportunities for youth in critical sectors such as aquaculture, and livestock. This isn’t just workforce development; it’s building climate resilience from the ground up.
For us, hope is more than an emotion; it’s a call to action. To our partners, your investment in African youth is building lasting resilience. To our collaborators, your knowledge-sharing empowers the next generation of climate leaders. To our alumni, your successes illuminate the path for others to follow. To our supporters and growing community, your trust enables us to dream bigger and reach further.
Together, we’re ensuring that Africa’s youth don’t just face climate challenges; they solve them. We look forward to making 2025 a year of unprecedented impact for Africa’s climate-resilient future, with faith in Africa’s youth and an undying optimism for tomorrow.
