The Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA) is set to host the maiden edition of the Africa Climate Dialogue Series in Accra this October, bringing together policymakers, researchers, civil society, and business leaders to shape the future of climate action across the continent.
The roundtable dialogue, scheduled for October 22, 2025, at the Accra City Hotel, will focus on advancing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), a growing sector in climate policy that promotes harnessing ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves to tackle climate change while supporting livelihoods, as the most efficient and cost-effective solution to climate change.
Organizers say the forum will provide a platform for African stakeholders to share best practices, strengthen policy coherence, and highlight innovative financing pathways for NbS integration into national development frameworks.
Global Lead for AC4NCA, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor affirmed that, “Nature-Based Solutions offer Africa a unique opportunity to address the twin challenges of climate and sustainable development. The Africa Climate Dialogue Series will convene leaders and communities to ensure these solutions are not only discussed but also implemented.”
The policy dialogue will feature keynote addresses and high-level panels with themes ranging from financing nature-based solutions to ensuring policy coherence across sectors such as energy, food systems, water, and urban development.
The event will be graced by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Issifu Seidu, who will serve as the Guest of Honour, and the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jakob Linulf, who will join as the Special Guest.
Organizers say their participation highlights the growing political and diplomatic recognition of nature-based approaches in addressing Africa’s climate challenges.
The dialogue will feature a distinguished line-up of panelists, including Professor Chris Gordon, Founding Director of the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), University of Ghana.
The rest are Dr. Tutu Benefoh, Director, Climate Change Unit, EPA; Dr. Bob Manteaw, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies; Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei, National Coordinator at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); and Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana.
Their discussions are expected to focus on practical approaches to scaling up NbS across sectors, strengthening local governance, and fostering public-private collaboration in environmental sustainability.
The inaugural dialogue comes as African governments face increasing challenges to align climate goals with economic development. Ghana’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), identify NbS as a priority, especially in forestry, agriculture, and coastal protection.
Analysts say the event underscores a wider shift in climate governance on the continent, from relying mainly on external financing and technology to promoting homegrown solutions rooted in Africa’s rich natural resources and indigenous knowledge.
The Africa Climate Dialogue Series is envisioned as an annual convening, with its outcomes informing continental and global processes, including the African Union’s climate agenda and the UN climate negotiations.
As COP30 in Belém, Brazil, approaches in 2025, the Africa Climate Dialogue will serve as an essential platform for African voices to consolidate positions and demonstrate leadership on NbS on the global stage.
By: News Desk
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
