AGN Press CONFERENCE AT BONN
AGN Chair Dr Richard Muyungi lays out Africa’s key priorities for Bonn.
In Case You Missed It: At the AGN Press Conference this morning in Bonn, African Group of Negotiators (AGN) Chair, Dr. Richard Muyungi, laid out Africa’s key priorities for #SB62.
On the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap (USD 1.3 Trillion Agenda)
Our priority is ensuring that this roadmap is not only ambitious but also realistic and grounded in Africa’s development context. In Baku, we strongly advocated for the roadmap’s adoption at COP29 itself. Going forward, we insist that the process be consultative, inclusive, and shaped by African needs. The roadmap must not become another abstract global ambition, but must reflect practical pathways that deliver on the continent’s priorities.
On Just Transition for Africa
Africa’s engagement in the Just Transition work is critical. Just transition is not merely a shift to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies as it represents a significant development opportunity for the continent. But this opportunity must be defined by Africa’s realities. We cannot have serious just transition discussions when over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity or clean cooking solutions. We hold 50–60% of the world’s critical minerals needed for the energy transition. These resources must benefit African economies and people. Let us be clear. Our vision of just transition includes clean cooking. That is why the African Union appointed my president to lead on this agenda. The clean cooking drive must therefore be firmly integrated into global just transition discussions.
On Mitigation Work Programme
Our focus is sharp: to ensure these processes deliver for Africa. Technical discussions must align with our development needs and not impose unrealistic expectations. The issue is not lack of ambition, but the need for ambition matched with means of implementation.
On Global Goal on Adaptation
This has proven quite complicated here in Bonn. While we respect the role of experts, the process has been overly technical. There is a need for a re-orientation that includes development linkages and meaningful consideration of Means of Implementation. Without a strong political injection, the current trajectory will not serve Africa’s interests.
On climate finance
Our position on finance remains clear. Predictable, adequate finance must be made available without placing additional burdens on the continent. Current trends show that “mobilised finance” increasingly translates to loans, not grants. This is not sustainable. We must move away from an overreliance on “mobilisation” rhetoric and instead demand the provision of climate finance by developed countries, as provided for under the Paris Agreement.
On gender
Our women and girls must be full participants in the global response to climate change. Africa cannot afford to leave anyone behind. Gender inclusion is a fundamental pillar of any just and equitable transition.
On COP30 Presidency letters and Road to Belém
We acknowledge the four letters issued by the COP30 Presidency. However, we believe there is need for further dialogue to reflect collectively on how to navigate the path to Belém. The fourth letter, in particular, introduces contentious issues, especially around Nationally Determined Contributions. We stress that ambition must be commensurate with available resources. We intend to engage constructively with the COP30 Presidency to seek clarity, particularly on Means of Implementation.
