AGN CHAIR CALLS FOR AN AFRICA-RESPONSIVE JUST TRANSITION MECHANISM

Accra, Aug. 10, AGN- Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, has called for a technically grounded and united African position on the Just Transition Mechanism ahead of COP31.

Speaking at the opening of the AGN Just Transition Technical Workshop in Accra, Ghana, Nana Dr. Amoah stressed that the mechanism must address Africa’s development priorities; including energy access, adaptation, industrialisation, economic diversification, decent jobs and value addition.

“As the global economy moves towards low-carbon production, emerging trade measures and carbon standards could affect the competitiveness of African economies. At the same time, the transition presents opportunities for green industrialisation, mineral value addition and stronger participation in global supply chains. Africa must not remain simply a supplier of raw materials while value addition, technology and jobs are created elsewhere. A truly just transition must enable Africa to participate equitably in, and benefit from, the emerging green economy.”

The two-day workshop will develop concrete African proposals on the mechanism’s purpose, functions, financing, governance and institutional arrangements. Its outcomes will inform African submissions to the UNFCCC and strengthen the continent’s negotiating position for COP31.