African leaders and global experts have issued a strong call for homegrown climate solutions, urging the continent to take the lead in tackling a crisis it did little to create but continues to endure most severely.
Nairobi, Kenya — April 24, 2026
African leaders and global experts have issued a strong call for homegrown climate solutions, urging the continent to take the lead in tackling a crisis it did little to create but continues to endure most severely.
By Stella Ranji
The appeal comes in the wake of a landmark advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which for the first time affirms that countries have binding legal obligations to protect the global climate system.
The call to action emerged during a high-level conference held in Nairobi from April 21–23, convened by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, Queen Mary University of London, Kabarak University, and the Technical University of Kenya. The gathering brought together senior officials, scientists, legal scholars, and civil society actors from across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.
At the heart of discussions was the ICJ’s July 2025 advisory opinion, which signals a turning point in global climate governance. The ruling establishes that failure to meet climate obligations could result in legal consequences under international law—effectively shifting climate commitments from voluntary pledges to enforceable duties.
“Climate change is not just environmental or legal—it is fundamentally about people and development,” said Dr Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF. “We must align science, law, and policy to deliver real solutions for communities.”
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing’Oei, emphasized the transformative nature of the ruling. “This changes the rules of the game. Climate commitments are no longer political choices—they are legal obligations. States will be held accountable,” he said, calling for accelerated implementation and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Despite contributing less than 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions—according to the African Development Bank and other datasets—Africa faces disproportionate climate impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly warned that the continent is already experiencing severe losses across agriculture, water systems, and infrastructure.
Experts at the conference stressed that the ICJ ruling strengthens Africa’s leverage in global climate negotiations, particularly in demanding accountability and securing adequate financing. Dr George Wamukoya of the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support noted that countries failing to meet their obligations could now face tangible legal repercussions.
Yet, a major gap remains between climate needs and available funding. At COP28, nations agreed to operationalize a Loss and Damage Fund, but current pledges—estimated at under $1 billion—fall far short of the hundreds of billions required annually by developing countries.
“The challenge now is implementation,” said Dr Philip Osano, COO of CIFOR-ICRAF. “This ruling gives developing nations stronger leverage to demand both accountability and the financial support needed to meet climate goals.”
Amid these challenges, African leaders underscored that the continent is already advancing practical solutions. Initiatives such as the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative are restoring degraded landscapes, while climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and renewable energy investments are building resilience across communities.
The message from Nairobi was clear: Africa is not waiting for solutions—it is creating them. The ICJ ruling, leaders say, offers a historic opportunity to amplify these efforts, ensuring that climate justice is not just a principle, but a reality for millions across the continent.
