Africa approaches COP31 while facing intensifying climate impacts alongside profound development challenges. Droughts, floods, heatwaves and other extremes are already undermining food and water security, infrastructure, livelihoods and development gains. At the same time, many African countries face high debt burdens, constrained fiscal space, high borrowing costs, inadequate energy access, and structural inequalities in global finance, trade and technology.
This policy brief provides an African perspective on key thematic priorities for the upcoming 31st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026. It aims to support African negotiators, policymakers and civil society in advancing a coherent justice- oriented African strategy and narrative in the lead up to and during COP31.