Climate action stakeholders gathered in Nairobi for a series of important discussions leading up to the ACS@One event in February 2025, where progress on adaptation and resilience initiatives since the 2023 Africa Climate Summit (ACS) will be evaluated.

The two-day forum, which kicked off on November 4, 2024, focuses on crucial topics such as climate adaptation, resilience, and the inclusion of youth and children in the fight against climate change.

The event is hosted by Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) and supported by key partners such as the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ KE), and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).

Additional support comes from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Government of Kenya.

This forum unites leaders, experts, and organizations with the shared goal of building a sustainable and resilient future for Africa.

The ACS has shifted Africa’s role from being seen only as a victim of climate change to a continent leading innovative solutions.

Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO of JLA, emphasized that the ACS marked a crucial moment for Africa to take ownership of its climate future.

She highlighted that if the outcomes of the ACS are effectively applied, they could transform the continent’s path.

This outlook reflects the ACS held from September 4 to 6, 2023, which brought significant commitments to address Africa’s climate challenges.

Youth involvement remains a key focus in these discussions. The launch of the Climate Action Innovation Hub at the summit provided a platform for over 70 young innovators, with many being women, to present creative ideas aimed at tackling climate challenges.

Given that over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, engaging young people is essential for developing fresh solutions to environmental problems.

For example, community-based adaptation projects have successfully combined traditional knowledge with modern methods to enhance resilience.

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Dr. Jackson Koimbori from KEPSA pointed out that Kenya has made impressive progress with various adaptation strategies in recent years.

He highlighted that initiatives like climate-smart agriculture have boosted yields by up to 50% in certain areas.

However, challenges persist, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that often lack the resources to implement effective adaptation measures.

The discussions on November 4 addressed urgent issues such as sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient urban infrastructure, and drought preparedness—problems that have become more pressing due to rapid urbanization and climate instability.

Dr. John Wandaka stressed the importance of incorporating adaptation strategies into development policies to enhance resilience and protect communities from climate risks.

Additionally, a session on youth and children’s participation in climate action allowed young leaders from across Kenya to advocate for their active role in climate policy and hold leaders accountable.

Dr. Koimbori noted that young people are making a real impact, citing initiatives that have contributed to a 20% increase in tree cover in Kenya over the past decade.

As Africa prepares for ACS@One in February 2025, these pre-convening events call on all sectors to keep the momentum going from the ACS.

The summit had already committed $4.5 billion to climate adaptation projects and emphasized the importance of involving young people in climate discussions.

By focusing on both adaptation strategies and youth engagement, these events show a comprehensive approach to tackling climate challenges while empowering the next generation.

By addressing the urgent needs of climate adaptation and involving youth and children in decision-making, stakeholders are laying the groundwork for lasting progress as Africa continues to move towards sustainable development and resilience against climate change.

This collective effort shows Africa’s potential not just to address its own challenges but also to lead global efforts in finding effective climate solutions while nurturing a new generation of leaders committed to building a sustainable future.