A Just Transition for Adaptation: A Framework and Vision for Africa, 2026

A Just Transition for Adaptation

A Framework and Vision for Africa

Africa contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions yet bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts, reflecting deep structural inequalities rooted in colonial legacies, global economic asymmetries, unequal governance systems, and persistent finance and knowledge gaps. With adaptation needs far exceeding international finance flows, and increasing reliance on loans rather than grants, existing systems risk reinforcing debt, dependency, and vulnerability.

This report argues that adaptation must therefore be understood as a matter of justice, power, and equity, rather than as a primarily technical response to climate risks. It introduces Just Transition for Adaptation (JTfA) as a framework for transforming the systems that produce vulnerability while advancing equitable and climate-resilient development.

Grounded in African realities and perspectives, the framework centres four dimensions of justice: recognitional, procedural, distributive, and restorative. It calls for predictable and accessible grant-based adaptation finance, inclusive and accountable governance, recognition of Indigenous and Local Knowledge, and greater African leadership and agency in defining adaptation pathways.

The report provides principles and enabling conditions for policymakers, practitioners, and civil society to advance adaptation that is effective, equitable, restorative, locally grounded, and aligned with Africa’s development priorities.