The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is making significant strides in advancing Africa’s green economy through strategic partnerships and initiatives. ACF is building a skilled workforce and addressing pressing global climate challenges. With a focus on sustainable development, climate action, and community engagement, ACF is committed to paving the way for a resilient future in Africa. Here’s a closer look at these exciting developments and their potential impact.
Building a Skilled Workforce for a Sustainable Future
The African Climate Foundation (ACF) has taken a significant step toward advancing Africa’s green economy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Allied Talent Partners (ATP). This partnership aims to equip the continent with a skilled workforce to lead and benefit from climate-related initiatives. By connecting NGOs, energy developers, governments, and other organisations with qualified professionals, ACF and ATP are set to enhance the capacity of climate projects across Africa.
Climate and Development Investment Platforms
In alignment with its evolving focus on Climate and Development Investment Platforms, ACF is poised to attract and optimise climate-related investments at the national level. This approach requires diverse skills, making ATP’s expertise and extensive network a vital resource for meeting these emerging needs. The collaboration aims to strengthen Africa’s ability to respond effectively to climate challenges while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Workshops on Climate Science and Justice
In August 2024, in collaboration with DSG, ACF will launch a series of workshops focusing on Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SRM) science, governance, and justice. These virtual workshops will be accessible to the public, allowing broader engagement on the continent’s critical climate issues.
Leveraging South Africa’s Climate Change Act
The Climate Change Act, recently signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, lays the groundwork for climate action and development in South Africa. To maximise its effectiveness, it must be understood in conjunction with other emerging legislation and policy instruments. ACF’s New Economy Hub has prepared a policy brief detailing how the Act will work alongside the Draft Sectoral Emissions Targets to support South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions, aiming for a net-zero economy by 2050.
Collaboration with Princeton University
ACF has announced a new partnership with the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, focusing on pressing climate-related challenges in Dakar and other Senegalese cities. This collaboration will address urban climate adaptation and finance, two critical areas heavily impacted by climate change. Together, ACF and Princeton aim to develop comprehensive policy recommendations that align with Senegal’s broader climate goals, particularly regarding energy transitions and mitigating the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Strengthening International Relations
This week, ACF’s Executive Director, Saliem Fakir, met with Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, at the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) in Germany. The meeting highlighted ACF’s impact on the continent since its establishment in 2020 and facilitated discussions on South Africa’s Just Energy Transition amidst the current political and climate landscape.
The African Climate Foundation is critical in driving Africa’s transition to a sustainable and resilient green economy through these strategic partnerships and initiatives. By fostering collaboration and enhancing capacity, ACF is committed to tackling the continent’s pressing climate challenges.