Africa’s progress on climate commitments depends on how well countries embrace accountability, mobilise financing, and implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), said Prof Magnus Onuoha during an episode of Climate Fact File with Ify Onyekwere. He emphasised that while the Paris Agreement provided a roadmap through NDCs for all 198 signatory countries, implementation in Africa is lagging, largely due to institutional weakness and inadequate funding structures.
“The NDC is not just a paper; it’s a living document,” Prof Onuoha noted. “It spells out what each country will do unconditionally and what they can do with external support. This includes climate finance, capacity building, and technology transfer.” He cited Nigeria as a case in point, where the National Climate Change Council is tasked with coordinating climate policy across sectors like agriculture, water, energy, and waste. However, he stressed that without strong institutions and inter-ministerial coordination, even the best policies will stall.
Prof Onuoha pointed to recent developments such as Nigeria’s Development Bank becoming a climate finance-accredited entity, a move he believes could help domesticate over 99% of incoming green funds. Yet, he warned that most African nations are still not where they should be. “None of the countries scored ‘outstanding’ in the NDC Index. Only three had satisfactory ratings,” he said, adding that transparency in data collection is improving, with government, private sector, and civil society all contributing. “It shows we are beginning to understand how to measure progress. But now we must act.”
He argued for a strategic focus on mitigation, explaining that adaptation funding is limited and often treated like charity. “Africa is vulnerable, yes. But we should push for more mitigation projects—solar mini-grids, climate-smart agriculture, green hydrogen. These attract more funding and have scalable impacts.” He also urged leaders to consider the potential of the NDCs to reduce poverty. “A single megawatt of solar energy can create over 3,000 jobs. That’s livelihood building. That’s how you fight poverty.”
Implementation, according to him, is the next crucial step. He highlighted the role of institutions like the African Green Economy and Sustainability Institute (AGESI) in Lagos as key to transforming the NDC Index findings into actionable policies. “AGESI is not just a think tank, it’s a do tank,” he said. “It assesses financing sources and builds capacity, which is essential for moving from paper to progress.”
On the issue of governance, Prof Onuoha explained that it accounts for the highest weight—30%—in the NDC Index scoring framework. “Weak institutions mean weak implementation. Without laws, regulatory frameworks, and effective policies, countries cannot deliver on their climate pledges.” He also emphasized the importance of a just transition that includes women and youth, citing clean cookstove initiatives as an example of projects that bridge adaptation and mitigation.
With COP30 in Brazil fast approaching, Prof Onuoha called on African leaders to rise to the occasion. “They must show political will and be present at the negotiation table. Indifference is not an option. The NDCs are Africa’s pathway to a low-carbon, resource-efficient future—one that can eliminate poverty and improve quality of life if implemented right.”
