In his address at the 56th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa highlighted the disproportionate impacts of rising global greenhouse gas emissions on African nations.

Wilson Waison

His comments come at a critical time when the continent contends with the dual challenge of advancing economic growth while grappling with adverse climatic conditions adversely affecting public finance, expansion, and employment.

“These activities are negatively impacting ecological systems and social equity, leading to imbalances between and within countries, as well as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and non-inclusive growth,” he said.

Emphasizing Africa's negligible contribution to global emissions, he nonetheless pointed out that the continent is facing the severe repercussions of an environmental imbalance, including climate change and biodiversity loss, which hinder the sustainable exploitation of its abundant natural resources.

“This is resulting in diminishing returns along the economic value chains. Heatwaves, floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts are having devastating effects on communities, economies, and livelihoods. A large number of people, particularly in Africa and the Global South, are at greater risk of vulnerability,” he said

Pointing out the severe impacts of climate phenomena like El Nino on agricultural and energy sectors in Southern Africa, Mnangagwa called for a shift towards resource-efficient economic models that do not compromise human development and well-being. He stressed the importance of multi-faceted approaches that would alleviate poverty while maintaining ecological integrity.

The president criticized the polluting nations for their failure to honour financial commitments to address climate change, urging them to meet their climate financing responsibilities.

“At the same time, polluting countries are lagging behind in honouring their commitments to mobilise resources under mechanisms such as the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” added Mnangagwa.

He enjoined African countries to shoulder the mantle of environmental stewardship and to pursue innovative strategies, highlighting the necessity of regional collaboration in developing climate-resilient infrastructure to foster sustainable industrialization.

“Africa should mobilize financial resources to adopt clean and low carbon technologies, unlocking its potential for green growth investments,” said Mnangagwa