AUK Media-@Editor

Ministers and high-ranking officials from nearly 200 countries have gathered in the Amazonian city of Belém, Brazil, for COP30, which Brazil has described as “the COP of implementation.” The focus this year is on turning commitments into action — and for Africa, this represents both an urgent challenge and a historic opportunity.

Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa remains one of the most vulnerable regions to the devastating impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events are already undermining the continent’s economies, damaging infrastructure, displacing communities, and threatening livelihoods.

Yet, in the face of this existential threat, Africa has the potential to lead the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future. The Second Africa Climate Summit, held in Ethiopia in September, underscored the continent’s growing leadership in climate action. It highlighted African-led solutions, new financial commitments, and strategies for green growth and resilience — with priorities including a just energy transition, nature-based solutions, food and water security, and community empowerment.

Building on this momentum, Africa’s delegation to COP30 should focus on three interlinked priorities: climate finance, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. Experts and organizations stress that access to adequate climate finance is essential if Africa is to meet its climate and development goals.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that the continent will require between $1.3 trillion and $1.6 trillion in climate finance between 2020 and 2030 to achieve its targets under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As such, COP30 must deliver a concrete roadmap for mobilising and equitably distributing resources to support Africa’s climate action.

As Patricia Espinosa, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, aptly noted, “climate finance is about saving lives and reducing suffering.” For Africa, ensuring that this COP truly becomes the COP of implementation means turning pledges into tangible progress — and proving that climate justice begins with real investment in those who bear the greatest burden.

Antananarivo, Madagascar — Colonel Michael Randrianirina has taken office as Madagascar’s new president, following the Gen Z-led uprising that precipitated a military takeover in the country. The young generation’s protests, fuelled by frustration over poor public services, led to cabinet resignations and ultimately reshaped the political landscape.

The unrest began in late September 2025, primarily in the capital, Antananarivo, but quickly spread to other major cities.

Recurrent electricity outages and water-supply disruptions exposed longstanding infrastructure failures and deepened public dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth, who make up the majority of Madagascar’s population under 25.

Dubbed Gen Z Madagascar, the movement is largely composed of students, recent graduates, and young professionals. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram played a central role in organizing protests, sharing updates, and amplifying demands for accountability. Protesters also adopted cultural symbols such as the One Piece pirate skull-and-crossbones, signalling solidarity and defiance.

Despite government bans, large-scale demonstrations kicked off on September 25, 2025, leading to clashes with security forces. The UN estimates around 22 people were killed during the protests. Mounting pressure prompted the government to dissolve the cabinet under Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, but demonstrators escalated their demands, calling for President Andry Rajoelina to resign.

The turning point came when the elite military unit CAPSAT defected and sided with the protesters, enabling the coup in October 2025. With Randrianirina now sworn in, the nation enters a period of uncertain transition, with Gen Z activists closely monitoring whether the military takeover will result in substantive reforms or simply a change in leadership.

While the immediate crisis has subsided, protesters continue to demand reliable utilities, transparent governance, and protection of human rights. Amnesty International has called for investigations into the use of deadly force and the repeal of laws that criminalize protest.

Madagascar’s Gen Z has demonstrated that youth activism, digital mobilization, and coordinated civil action can reshape political realities—even in the face of entrenched power. The key question now is whether this momentum will lead to lasting change.