On 4 November 2025, Development Reimagined convened an online Chatham-house rule and invite only dialogue titled “Rebalancing the Scales: Africa–UK–EU Climate Commitments Post-ACS and Toward COP30.” The discussion built on the momentum of the Second Africa Climate Summit that took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and looked ahead to COP30, and the next phases of international cooperation between Africa and the United Kingdom with the forthcoming approach paper and with the European Union with the upcoming African Union-European Union Summit taking place from 24th – 25th November 2025.
The discussion brought together members of the diplomatic corps and policy experts to reflect on Africa’s leadership in global climate action. Presenters and participants emphasised that the continent’s narrative from one of vulnerability to one of opportunity while emphasising Africa’s growing role as a driver of solutions and innovation.
Discussions focused on aligning Africa’s priorities with EU and UK policies, and explored whether, for instance mechanisms such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and carbon markets, were really “good” for Africa, and how finance and technology transfer can be scaled up from Europe and the UK, despite difficult geopolitical atmospheres. Contributors underlined the importance of the EU and UK transforming “pledges” into concrete concession finance for renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and real foreign direct investment into value addition within African industries. The role of green industrialisation was highlighted as essential for connecting climate goals with economic transformation and job creation.
Participants emphasised on transparent financing models, policies that strengthen debt sustainability and greater support for building strong local institutions capable of leading the green transition.
As COP30 continues to take place – the dialogue reaffirmed Africa’s central place in the global response to climate change. It reinforced the continent’s agency through coordination to go green while deepening partnerships founded on equality, respect, and shared progress.
Read the report for Rebalancing the Scales: Africa–UK–EU Climate Commitments Post-ACS and Toward COP30 convening
Date Published: December 5, 2025.
