Kenya has called for a stronger focus on implementing climate commitments, increasing adaptation finance and accelerating green investment as African countries prepare their common position ahead of the upcoming UN climate negotiations.

Kenyan President William Ruto convened the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) in New York on September 23, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The meeting focused on Africa’s priorities ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, and preparations for COP32, which is scheduled to be hosted by Ethiopia in 2027.

From Climate Pledges to Implementation

During the meeting, Ruto argued that Africa’s climate agenda needs to move beyond commitments and concentrate more strongly on implementation.

The Kenyan president highlighted climate finance, adaptation, resilience, renewable energy, clean cooking and climate-positive economic growth as key areas for African countries.

The African Union said the meeting was intended to advance a common African position before COP31 and establish a longer-term pathway toward COP32.

The discussion comes as African countries face increasing pressure to respond to climate-related risks while also addressing development needs such as energy access, employment and infrastructure.

Climate Finance Remains a Major Issue

A central issue discussed at the meeting was access to climate finance.

Ruto said financing is critical for countries seeking to prepare for climate risks, strengthen resilience and implement climate-related projects. He also pointed to concerns about the availability and accessibility of international development finance.

According to the Kenyan president’s remarks published by the African Union, official development assistance reportedly declined by 23 percent in 2025. He called for greater attention to the financing gap facing adaptation efforts.

The African Union has also highlighted the need for significantly increased and accessible adaptation finance, support for addressing loss and damage, technology access and capacity building.

Africa Seeks Greater Adaptation Support

Adaptation is expected to remain one of Africa’s major priorities in international climate negotiations.

Many African countries are seeking resources to strengthen infrastructure, agriculture, water systems and other sectors against climate-related hazards.

The African Union said its priorities ahead of COP31 include improved adaptation finance and a credible mechanism for implementing existing commitments.

The organization also emphasized that climate action should support affordable energy, employment opportunities and community resilience rather than creating additional economic pressures.

Renewable Energy and Clean Cooking

Renewable energy was another major theme of the discussions.

Africa has significant potential for solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable-energy resources. Expanding these systems could help increase electricity access while supporting efforts to reduce dependence on higher-emission energy sources.

Clean cooking was also identified as an important area for climate action.

The African Union said member states are already advancing initiatives involving renewable energy, clean cooking, regional electricity integration and climate-resilient agriculture.

Climate Action as an Economic Opportunity

Kenya is also promoting an approach that links climate action with investment and economic development.

Ruto said climate policy should create opportunities for investment, employment, stronger economies and greater resilience.

The African Union similarly described green industrialisation, sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy as areas capable of attracting investment while supporting climate objectives.

This approach is particularly relevant for African countries attempting to expand energy access and infrastructure while responding to climate risks.

Super El Niño Adds to Concerns

The meeting also took place against the backdrop of forecasts for a potentially very strong El Niño event.

Ruto referred to forecasts of a super El Niño in the coming months and warned that vulnerable countries could experience significant impacts.

El Niño is a natural climate pattern involving unusually warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. Its effects can influence rainfall and temperature patterns in different parts of the world.

Recent reporting has described the current El Niño as unusually strong and examined its potential effects on rainfall, drought and heat in different regions.

Africa’s Position Ahead of COP31

The Nairobi and Addis Ababa climate declarations were also referenced during the discussions.

African leaders are seeking a coordinated position that places adaptation, implementation and financing at the centre of upcoming negotiations.

The African Union said Africa’s climate agenda should also address technology, capacity building and a just transition that expands access to affordable energy while creating employment opportunities.

These issues are expected to feature prominently as African governments prepare for COP31.

Looking Toward COP32

The September 23 meeting also began laying groundwork for COP32, which the African Union says will be hosted by Ethiopia in 2027.

The organization described the future conference as an opportunity to place adaptation, implementation, investment and climate-positive growth at the centre of Africa’s climate agenda.

For Kenya and other African countries, the challenge now is to translate international climate commitments into financing and projects that can be implemented on the ground.

As negotiations move toward COP31, questions surrounding adaptation finance, renewable energy, climate resilience and economic development are likely to remain central to Africa’s position.

The latest discussions in New York therefore represent an effort to coordinate African priorities before the next major round of global climate negotiations.