G20 take note: Climate adaptation today will ensure Africa's thriving future
South Africa is the current president of the G20, a first for the African continent. The government has chosen Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability
as its theme. Given the climate-related crises being experienced on the continent, there hasn't been a better or more urgent opportunity to emphasise how fundamental these concepts are for the development and resilience of Africa.
As we set up the
In 2024, in the Sahel, extreme temperatures triggered heatwaves while heavy rains caused flooding, with
Most of these disasters were anticipated and highlighted as potential risks as far back as
Access to food is a human right that is continuously unrealised in most of Africa. The statistics for the continent are sobering:
The records of people experiencing
In 2024, a staggering eight out of
With more than 20% of its population affected, Africa has the highest rate of hunger, and
Several African countries are
53% of the global population facing hunger will be in Africa by 2030.
Climate change
Despite the extreme vulnerability, adaptation to climate change has so far been too slow and insufficient. African leaders have not been silent, actively calling
These calls have been mostly ignored, as exemplified by COP29's disappointing outcome, where the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance of prioritising and mobilising
As the G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction meets this week, the need for risk reduction and resilience in the form of climate adaptation must be high on their agenda.
If we are to see the chosen values of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability
applied, the global community needs to commit to and support an African-led just transition that reflects the will and aspirations of Africa and secures its future as an equal global partner. Similarly, local governments need to be intentional and innovative about climate action. Changes in how things are 'normally done' are urgent, and a recognition that there will be no future growth possible without paying for climate risks today.
Key actions that could be advanced in 2025 include:
Strategic and meaningful climate action in Africa. The international community needs to support Africa in bridging the existing climate adaptation funding gap.
African countries must develop inclusive, sustainable and equitable National Adaptation Plans and Climate Resilience indicators to attract funding.
Support and strengthen community-led climate adaptation programmes to empower local communities to take climate action.
Strategic and contextualised post-disaster humanitarian aid that does not reinforce, redistribute or create new vulnerabilities.
Advances in the evidence base to improve understanding of the connections between health and climate change in Africa, to inform effective adaptation action which protects health.
While Africa faces daunting problems, which are being exacerbated by climate change, there is always hope. With the right support, robust evidence, and strategic collaboration, Africa can achieve a future where its environment and people thrive.
Professor Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi is the director of the Lancet Countdown Africa, and holds positions on various advisory committees and panels and is an editor for several journals. The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change was established in partnership with the Wellcome Trust, which continues to provide core financial support.
Mendy-Lisa Ndlovu is the project coordinator for the Wellcome Trust-funded Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems for Southern Africa Project.
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Mail & Guardian
32 minutes ago
- Mail & Guardian
Africa's entrepreneurs focusing on sustainability are the continent's changemakers
Dr Mia Strand of Nelson Mandela University's Institute for Coastal and Marine Research. Photo: Supplied Stewardship — keeping what we have in trust for our children — lies at the heart of sustainability, and Africa must tell its own story in its own voice. This was the message from a panel discussion hosted by Nelson Mandela University's (NMU's) Mandela Institute for Sustainable Futures (MISF) earlier this month, which explored how sustainability can be framed in an African context. The event brought together thought leaders from South Africa and Nigeria, who emphasised that African solutions must be indigenous, inclusive and innovative. In his keynote address, Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at NMU, highlighted Africa's rich resources and the need to redefine sustainability through African epistemologies, or ways of knowing. 'A subject like history should be reintroduced — we relegated it to oblivion. In 1994 we had the opportunity to commission books and we squandered it,' he said, calling for African-centred books to be commissioned to trace African inventions. He was critical of both colonial legacies and post-colonial African leadership failures. 'Africans are thinking but not implementing — we should have progressed much faster but we cannot blame the West for all of our wrongs,' he said. 'How do we shift the narrative that Africans have to catch up?' he asked, stressing that African leaders needed to take responsibility and work collaboratively with academics to address sustainability issues. But he cautioned that research should not be conducted purely for the sake of research; it had to be in service of society. The conversation underscored the power of narrative in changing attitudes, advocating for pan Africanist intentionality and the celebration of African achievements. From Nigeria, Dr Nneka Okekearu, director of the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University, echoed this, saying that Africa's sustainability story must remain true to its roots while looking to the future. Her key takeaways were: • Africa has always been sustainable; our roots run deep. • Entrepreneurs are our changemakers; turning ideas into action. • Inclusion matters; everyone has a role to play. • Innovation is local; homegrown solutions are thriving. • Circular is the future; waste less, do more. • Tell our story; Africa's voice, Africa's way. • You are the movement; build it together. 'Let us celebrate local success stories, scale what is working and share South Africa's unique voice globally,' she said, stressing the importance of youth and women's empowerment and the circular economy. She also gave inspiring examples of African-led sustainable entrepreneurship. These include: Chioma Ogbudimkpa, founder and creative director of Redbutton, is a sustainable women's fashion brand that fuses African aesthetics, local materials and art to create apparel using yarns made from the invasive water hyacinth. Amara Nwuneli has transformed a landfill in Lagos into a youth-led, community-based recycling initiative. Ecotutu is a Nigerian start-up that provides solar-powered food storage for farmers using sustainable cooling technology. 'Africa's entrepreneurs are our changemakers,' she said. Dr Mia Strand, a postdoctoral research fellow with NMU's Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, challenged participants to centre African ways of knowing in ocean conservation and sustainability. She highlighted the legacies of colonialism in conservation, which often silenced indigenous voices and imposed external models. 'How can we centre ubuntu and communalism in ocean sustainability? How do we make sure we do not reproduce and reinforce coloniality?' she asked. She made a strong call for global cognitive justice, noting: 'It is important that this process is African-led — the United Nations sustainable development goal 14, Life Below Water, is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and consideration must be given to specific context. 'What and whose research, methods and knowledges are we including, and not including? 'How do we come together to make this an inclusive process, to ensure that it is actually informed by African ways of knowing and being with the ocean, and connecting with the ocean?' The panel, facilitated by Dr Shashi Cullinan Cook, said that framing sustainability in Africa demanded more than just replicating global frameworks. It called for intentional, African-led visioning, inclusion of indigenous knowledge and empowerment of local communities to take ownership of their sustainable future.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Why Trump's 30% blow to South Africa is a wake-up call for a new economic order
On August 1, 2025, South African exporters will wake up to a 30% tariff on all goods entering the United States, a decision announced by the administration of President Donald Trump. Image: File On August 1, 2025, South African exporters will wake up to a 30% tariff on all goods entering the United States, a decision announced by the administration of President Donald Trump. This is not a sector-specific sanction, nor the outcome of any formal trade dispute. It is a sweeping penalty imposed on all products, citing trade imbalances and regulatory barriers imposed by South Africa. But this is not the end of trade. It is the beginning of South Africa's trade adolescence, the moment we decide to grow up or continue being disciplined by our 'partners.' The justification provided by the US administration rests on the claim that South Africa runs a trade surplus with the United States. In truth, South Africa exported around R170 billion worth of goods to the US in 2023 (Stats SA, 2024), largely in automotive components, citrus and minerals, while importing just over R100 billion in return. The surplus exists but it is relatively small in the context of overall bilateral trade. Trade imbalances are also not inherently unfair; the US itself enjoys surpluses with many countries. What this tariff reveals is not a fiscal grievance but a display of geopolitical leverage, an assertion of economic power with limited regard for multilateral process. The tariff appears partly aimed at appeasing domestic political interests ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, particularly in states where trade unions are concerned about foreign competition. However, the consequences for South Africa's economy will be profound and immediate. South Africa is already under pressure to reindustrialise and this penalty could not come at a worse time. The automotive industry alone accounts for over 4% of GDP and more than 110 000 jobs (Naamsa and Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, 2024). With the US as a key destination for vehicle parts and assembled models, this tariff will deal a serious blow to sectoral stability. Reports indicate that companies relocating production to the US may receive expedited regulatory approvals. In effect, this risks incentivising capital flight and weakening local value chains. This policy shift is taking place while South Africa holds the presidency of the G20 (G20 Secretariat, 2025). That irony is difficult to ignore. We are presiding over a global forum committed to equitable development while being subjected to unilateral economic pressure by one of its most powerful members. This is more than a diplomatic discomfort; it is a direct challenge to the credibility of multilateralism. If the G20 cannot protect developing economies from arbitrary market exclusion, it must ask itself what kind of influence it truly holds. While this move falls outside the scope of Agoa, it nonetheless underscores how preferential trade access can shift at the stroke of a pen. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Past threats to South Africa's participation in Agoa, such as the poultry trade dispute of 2015 (USTR, 2016), highlight how even codified benefits remain vulnerable to political shifts. Critics of South Africa's trade policy may point to the use of technical regulations and local content rules. However, these are allowed under World Trade Organisation (WTO) guidelines, as outlined in the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (WTO, 2020). Developing countries are within their rights to protect and promote industrial growth through policy instruments that stimulate domestic value addition. The United States also protects its own industries through farm subsidies, defence procurement and steel tariffs. To frame South Africa's approach as uniquely restrictive is not only unfair; it reflects a double standard embedded in the global trade architecture. This situation reflects a deeper structural issue in South Africa's trade exposure. Our economy remains disproportionately dependent on the EU, the US and China. Even beyond the US, our exposure to external shocks is growing from the EU's carbon border taxes to shifting Chinese demand. Diversification must be structural, not just diplomatic. There is also a domestic reckoning to be had. South Africa's industrial policy remains constrained by loadshedding, underinvestment in ports and rail and persistent skills mismatches. If we are to reposition ourselves globally, these internal constraints must be addressed with equal urgency. A resilient economy cannot rely solely on favourable trade preferences beyond its control. It must be built on a foundation of functional infrastructure, competitive inputs and policy certainty. South Africa faces a choice. It can wait out the Trump presidency in the hope that future leadership will reverse course or it can act decisively now. This is not a call for isolationism. South Africa should not abandon global trade nor retaliate blindly. However, we must negotiate from a position of design rather than deference. We must ensure that this is the last time our national strategy is disrupted by external political cycles. Our trade strategy must pivot. Already, trade with BRICS+ partners has rivalled that of individual Western blocs in recent quarters, accounting for more than 22% of South Africa's exports in 2024 (SARB, Q4 2024). This is a foundation we can build upon. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains our continent's most ambitious economic project. While its infrastructure is still maturing, its potential cannot be deferred any longer. Trade corridors, payment systems and regulatory alignment must be fast-tracked in practice, not just policy. The World Bank estimates AfCFTA could lift 30 million people out of poverty by 2035 (World Bank, 2020). Parliament and the economic cluster must now take this seriously not as a trade spat but as a strategic inflection point for the country's long-term development path. The legality of this tariff under WTO rules remains debatable, especially given its blanket nature and lack of arbitration. However, legality aside, the message it sends is unmistakable. The global playing field remains unequal and South Africa must protect itself accordingly. This is not an argument for withdrawal. It is an argument for resilience. We cannot afford to build a 21st-century economy on the hope that global goodwill will prevail. We must design for volatility, prepare for shocks and root our trade agenda in real production, regional depth and economic clarity. US President Donald Trump may eventually give way to a different leader but the conditions that made this tariff possible are not tied to any single administration. The unpredictability of external markets, the asymmetry of trade power and the fragility of our supply chains are structural issues. They will not be resolved with the next election. The tariffs may be American but the decision before us is South African. Do we keep asking permission to grow or do we take the blows and build something of our own? Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. Image: Supplied Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
Daily Maverick
12 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Norway's Stoltenberg lauds SA's meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors
The Norwegian finance minister said that despite their differences, the countries around the table had been able to agree on a communique 'that sets out important principles'. South Africa's final G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors was a success, said Norway's finance minister, Jens Stoltenberg. The meeting at the Zimbali beach resort north of Durban on Thursday and Friday produced the first communique of SA's G20 presidency. So far, the sherpas track of the G20 has only managed to issue 'chairpersons' statements' because they were unable to achieve consensus. Norway is not a member of the G20 but was invited by President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend all the G20 meetings as a guest. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister and the previous secretary-general of Nato, said agreeing on a communique — despite the wide variety of countries around the table, including the European countries, the US, China and Russia, which disagreed on many issues — was good news and a recognition of South Africa's chairing of the G20. 'And despite these differences, we have been able to agree on a communique that actually sets out some important principles and charts a way forward on issues like a global minimum tax, like how to handle countries with debt problems, and to create a better framework for addressing debt problems for indebted countries, and also language on climate market and climate financing, which helps us to move that agenda forward,' Stoltenberg told Daily Maverick. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipped the meeting and sent a lower-ranking official, but, as Stoltenberg noted, the US was represented and endorsed the communique. Some analysts would have liked stronger language on important issues such as debt relief, climate financing and the minimum global tax. 'But in these kinds of negotiations, it is important not to make the best the enemy of the good,' said Stoltenberg. It was an achievement that, after many meetings which failed to agree on a communique, there was now an agreement, he said 'And the issues that are addressed, including debt, climate financing and minimum tax, are important issues, where we actually have taken some important steps. 'And I also think that … it is important that Africa has a central place in the communique, where the G20 countries commit to work more closely together, to also assess how these different development banks [like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund] are set up to support Africa. 'Debt relief and management of debt are, of course, important for many African countries. 'And we also looked into how we can facilitate more private investments, more trade with Africa.' Debt and taxes On a global minimum tax, the communique said the G20 countries would address concerns about the G20/OECD Pillar Two global minimum taxes 'with the shared goal of finding a balanced and practical solution that is acceptable for all'. Pillar Two sets out rules to ensure that large multinational corporations pay a minimum 15% tax on their profits in every country where they do business. The aim is to prevent such corporations from avoiding taxes by domiciling in tax havens. The G20 members also 'committed to addressing debt vulnerabilities in low- and middle-income countries in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner'. This included reaffirming the G20's commitment to further strengthen the implementation of the G20 Common Framework, which enables debt relief and restructuring for highly indebted countries. So far, it has focused on Africa. The communique noted that the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) — such as the World Bank and International Monetary Foundation (IMF) — were implementing the G20 MDB Roadmap and the recommendations from the Capital Adequacy Framework Report that the MDBs should more efficiently utilise their existing resources, share more risk with the private sector and utilise new instruments to increase lending capacity over the next decade. The G20 members acknowledged the 'strategic importance' of an enhanced G20 partnership with African economies, including through strengthening the G20 Compact with Africa. On climate financing, the communique noted a commitment to strengthen global sustainable financing through effective coordination among MDBs, vertical climate and environment funds (like the Global Environment Facility), which provide concessional finance to developing countries, and national development banks. The members looked forward to continued work for more effective funding of climate adaptation and addressing natural catastrophe insurance protection gaps in countries. The communique noted the potential of high-integrity, voluntary, private-sector-led carbon markets. The members reaffirmed the G20's commitment to a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced IMF at the centre of the Global Financial Safety Net and acknowledged 'the importance of realignment in quota shares to better reflect members' relative positions in the world economy while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members'. They underscored 'the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in MDBs and other international economic and financial institutions'. They welcomed the creation of a 25th chair on the IMF executive board 'to enhance the voice and representation of sub-Saharan Africa'. The finance ministers and central bank governors recognised the importance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to advance trade issues, and acknowledged the agreed-upon rules in the WTO 'as an integral part of the global trading system'. They underscored the importance of the independence of central banks. SA officials particularly welcomed the agreement on this, as well as the agreements on carbon markets and the importance of multilateral institutions like the WTO, as the Trump administration has not been enthusiastic about any of these. Historic ties Apart from attending the G20, Stoltenberg said he had visited the nearby Albert Luthuli Museum, which honours the late ANC leader who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961, 'from the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee. 'And that demonstrated … the long and strong bond between South Africa and Norway,' he said, which was in many ways initiated by that peace prize, which inspired the anti-apartheid and solidarity movement in Norway. He noted that Norway had provided economic and other support to the ANC in exile, which created the foundation for the bonds between the two countries that have lasted until today. He said that despite Norway being a strong supporter of free trade, it had imposed sanctions on South Africa during the apartheid era 'because freedom is more important than free trade. 'And that's also the reason why we are imposing sanctions on Russia, because of the illegal invasion, blatant violation of international law, invading a neighbour, Ukraine. 'And why Norway has imposed sanctions on Israel for the illegal settlements on the West Bank … and the warfare in Gaza, violating international law. 'So we don't believe in double standards. And there's a long line, from supporting self-determination of the people of South Africa, to supporting the people of Ukraine in their right to decide their own future, and recognising Palestine as an independent state.' In his intervention in the G20 meeting, Stoltenberg said, 'We need to find the right balance between political tools — when it comes to sanctions — and ensuring free trade and open economies. 'We are concerned about increasing tariffs. We believe that increased tariffs will reduce growth and reduce our ability to foster prosperity. So … we should not misuse the idea of political tools to impose tariffs which are not needed. We believe in free trade, it's good for all of us.' Road to peace Daily Maverick asked Stoltenberg, as a former Nato secretary-general, if he saw any prospects for a peace settlement in Ukraine. 'Yes, of course,' he replied. 'But the only way to get peace is to support Ukraine, because everyone wants this war to end. At the same time, we know that the quickest way to end the war is to lose the war. But that will not bring peace, that will bring occupation. 'And occupation is not peace. So if we want peace, we have to convince [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin that he will not achieve his goals on the battlefield. 'And the only way to get there is to provide military support to Ukraine, because the stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield, the stronger they will be around the negotiating table. 'And therefore, if we want peace, we need military support to Ukraine. And it is fundamental, not least for African countries, to uphold the right of territorial integrity. 'Russia has recognised the borders of Ukraine many times, and now they have violated the same borders by blatant violation of international law. So we cannot allow double standards. 'We need to criticise Israel's war against Gaza, and we need to be very clear on Russia's blatant violation of international law. And peace, we can get peace tomorrow if Putin stops invading a neighbour. 'If Putin stops fighting, then we have peace. If [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky stops fighting, then we have occupation. And occupation is not peace.' DM
