Introduction

At COP31, Africa will advocate for a climate agenda grounded in justice, equity, resilience, and the continent’s development priorities. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa continues to face disproportionate climate impacts. African negotiators will call for accessible and predictable climate finance, effective implementation of Loss and Damage arrangements, strengthened adaptation support, a just and equitable energy transition, and fair participation in carbon markets. At the same time, Africa will showcase its vast renewable energy resources, critical green minerals, natural carbon sinks, and growing youth-led innovation, while calling for meaningful reforms to the global climate finance architecture and governance system.

Africa Pavilion

The Africa Pavilion is a regular feature of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP), first introduced at COP17 in Durban in 2011 following a mandate by African Union Heads of State and Government. It is a collaborative initiative convened by key African institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD). Following the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in February 2025, Afreximbank was co-opted into the ClimDev-Africa Programme partnership, strengthening its role as a core partner in convening the Africa Pavilion at COP events.

Located within the COP venue, the Africa Pavilion serves as a strategic platform for advancing Africa’s climate priorities and amplifying the continent’s collective voice in global climate negotiations. It provides a space for African governments, institutions, development partners, civil society, youth, the private sector, researchers, and other stakeholders to engage, exchange knowledge, showcase African-led climate solutions, build partnerships, and promote Africa’s common positions on climate change and sustainable development.

At COP31 in 2026, the Africa Pavilion will continue to provide a prominent platform for advancing Africa’s priorities on climate finance, adaptation, Loss and Damage, resilient food systems, a just energy transition, green industrialization, carbon markets, critical minerals, technology and innovation, and the implementation of Africa’s climate commitments. It will also showcase the continent’s opportunities and solutions while strengthening partnerships capable of translating Africa’s climate ambitions into concrete action and investment.