At the ongoing 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is advancing a climate agenda that reflects Africa’s aspirations for sustainable development and industrialisation, as articulated by its President, Dr. George Elombi.
The Bank’s delegation is advocating for a comprehensive pan-African climate narrative, building on the outcomes of the African Climate Summits and previous COP conferences. Afreximbank’s engagement is rooted in the core principles of the AU Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, with a particular focus on the critical role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in fostering climate-resilient economies.
A key element of the Bank’s advocacy is the mobilisation of climate finance, particularly to support the adaptation goals of its member countries. Additionally, Afreximbank is championing the swift operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring that African countries, who are disproportionately impacted by climate events despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, receive fair compensation and can build the necessary domestic structures to access these funds.
In line with President Dr. George Elombi’s vision, Afreximbank is highlighting Africa’s vast potential in value addition and strategic minerals processing. Rather than exporting raw materials, the Bank is promoting financing for full value chains, such as transforming the Democratic Republic of Congo’s lithium into batteries, positioning Africa as a centre for clean technology and fostering high-skilled employment.
The Bank is also advocating for a just and equitable energy transition that acknowledges Africa’s right to address its energy poverty, which leaves over 600 million people without electricity. This approach seeks a balance between renewable energy sources and the responsible use of transitional fuels, such as natural gas, to drive industrialisation.
Further, Afreximbank is emphasizing the importance of Africa’s biodiversity, a key resource for climate resilience through the absorption of harmful emissions. The Bank is committed to supporting its member countries in monetising their biodiversity as a strategy to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
Additionally, Afreximbank is showcasing its financial initiatives, including the Afreximbank Trade Transformation Fund (ATTF), which serves as a primary vehicle for de-risking and financing green projects across the continent.
At COP30, the Bank’s participation features high-level dialogues, thematic panels, and side events, such as activities at the African Pavilion and a session with Liberia on establishing a carbon markets authority.
Commenting on Afreximbank’s role at COP30, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, remarked:
“Our mission at COP30 is clear: to ensure that Africa’s voice is not only heard but acted upon. Our approach is one of proactive transformation, adding value to our rich mineral resources, powering our industries with a sustainable energy mix, and leveraging the AfCFTA to build resilient, integrated economies. We are using our influence to mobilise Global African capital and demand a globally recognised and supported framework for Africa’s just energy transition, ensuring that comprehensive climate action actively serves and reinforces Africa’s development and industrialisation goals.”
