African leaders, policymakers and climate experts have called for accelerated, Africa-led solutions to address the growing impacts of climate change, following a landmark advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice affirming States’ legal obligations to protect the climate system.
The call was made during a high-level sensitisation conference held in Nairobi, which brought together government officials, legal experts, scientists and civil society representatives from across East Africa and the Horn of Africa and the African Union Commission and the United Nations and its agencies.
Climate change continues to pose a serious threat to livelihoods across the continent, with rising temperatures and prolonged droughts worsening food insecurity, while heavy rains trigger floods that displace communities and damage infrastructure.
Without urgent action, these impacts will continue to reverse development gains, constrain economic growth and place increasing pressure on food systems, water resources and livelihoods.
The conference was informed by the ICJ Advisory Opinion issued on July 23, 2025, which underscores that climate commitments are no longer voluntary but legally binding and that States may face consequences for climate-related harm.
The event was convened by the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in partnership with the Government of Kenya, Queen Mary University of London, Kabarak University and the Technical University of Kenya.
The meeting brought together senior government officials from East Africa and the Horn of Africa, alongside representatives from the East African Community, the African Union Commission, and the United Nations and its agencies, as well as international legal experts, judicial officers and civil society organisations.
Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei said that this means accelerating implementation, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring that climate action is fully integrated into our development and economic decisions.
“This ruling changes the rules of the game. Climate commitments are no longer political choices. They are legal obligations, and states will be held accountable.” He said.
Building on this landmark ruling, leaders called for urgent action to turn legal momentum into practical, Africa-led solutions for frontline communities. They emphasise that the ruling positions Africa not as a victim but as a leader driving solutions and demanding accountability.
“Climate change is not only an environmental issue or a legal issue. It is fundamentally a human and development issue. Addressing it requires science, law and policy to work together so that we can move from principle to action and deliver real solutions for communities,” said CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF Éliane Ubalijoro.
Africa contributes less than 4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to analyses from institutions such as the African Development Bank and other international datasets. Yet, the continent faces some of the most severe climate impacts.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes that Africa is among the lowest contributors to global emissions while already experiencing widespread losses and damage across key sectors.
Team Leader of the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) George Wamukoya said it is about implementation and ensuring countries have the financing needed to deliver on their climate goals.
“The ICJ advisory opinion is a game changer. It affirms that states are bound by international law and can be held accountable, even beyond specific agreements. The challenge now is no longer about commitments,” he said.
He further emphasised that the advisory opinion strengthens the basis for climate accountability, noting that countries that fail to meet their obligations can now face real legal consequences under international law.
Against this backdrop, participants highlighted that the ICJ Advisory Opinion can reinforce legal and policy frameworks for climate action, support accountability where obligations are not met, strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations, and help unlock fair and adequate climate finance aligned with justice principles.
They underscored that the real test now lies in implementation, noting that while the Advisory Opinion provides important legal leverage, its true value depends on how effectively it is translated into concrete policies, targeted investments and sustained action that deliver meaningful benefits for communities across the continent.
“The advisory opinion makes it clear that climate commitments are no longer optional; they are legal obligations. It gives developing countries stronger leverage to demand accountability and to push for the support and financing needed to meet their climate goals,” said CIFOR-ICRAF Chief Operating Officer Philip Osano
Participants also highlighted the financing gap, noting that while progress has been made at global forums such as COP28, current funding levels remain far below the needs of developing countries.
They called for increased, predictable and accessible climate finance, including compensation for irreversible losses linked to climate change.
At the same time, leaders underscored that Africa is already implementing solutions, including landscape restoration initiatives such as the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, expansion of renewable energy, and adoption of climate-smart agriculture.
The conference concluded that while the ICJ Advisory Opinion provides a strong legal foundation, its impact will depend on how effectively it is translated into policies, investments and actions that benefit communities across the continent.
By Anita Omwenga
