Belgium pledges 24m euros for new climate projects in Africa

Belgium has pledged 24 million euros for climate projects in Burundi, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and Tanzania in 2023 and 2024. The projects should "contribute to climate change adaptation in agriculture, sustainable cities and biodiversity".

The pledge was made at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. According to the FPS Foreign Affairs, Belgium welcomes the summit as "a signal of African leadership in addressing the existential climate crisis in a spirit of collective action that prioritises a solution-oriented approach".

As part of the summit, the Mozambican government is also organising a round table on energy transition in Mozambique with Belgian development agency Enabel. According to a Foreign Affairs spokesperson, "Enabel's climate experts are advising the Mozambican government on energy transition and carbon markets, and are facilitating bilateral discussions between the Mozambican government and other stakeholders".

This is the first climate summit to focus on the African continent. From Monday to Wednesday, African leaders, UN representatives, global officials, NGOs and the private sector have gathered to address Africa's climate challenges. The summit will end with the Nairobi Declaration, which will set climate targets and serve as a guide for the upcoming COP28 climate conference in Dubai.

^{© PHOTO LUIS TATO / AFP}