29 Oct

Youth Forum on Adaptation Finance in Africa

12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Hotel Franco, Yaounde

The Youth Forum on Adaptation Finance in Africa (YOFAFA) is a Youth for Adaptation Finance (YAF) initiative aimed at mobilizing African youths to advocate for a fair adaptation financing system. YOFAFA, convened by PACJA and ACSEA, supported by various partners, promotes participation, transparency, and accountability in climate adaptation financing for Africa. In 2024, YOFAFA convened at Hotel Franco, Yaoundé, under the theme “More than Double Adaptation Finance,” with over 150 youth delegates from 30 African countries and more online participants. Family World International was represented by its Secretary General.

Panel Discussions

Overview of Adaptation Finance Gap in Africa

Africa, despite contributing the least to climate change, suffers the most from its effects. The adaptation finance gap is driven by underfunding, access barriers, and financial uncertainty. Annual adaptation costs in developing nations could reach over $300 billion by 2030, yet global adaptation finance falls short, with Africa receiving only $13 billion annually.

Key Issues and Solutions
– Under-funding: Existing adaptation finance mechanisms are insufficient.
– Access Barriers: Complex application processes and limited project capacity.
– Uncertainty: Long-term funding is essential but often uncertain.

Proposed Solutions
– Scale Up Commitment Develop context-specific solutions.
– Engage Private Sector Encourage grant-based rather than loan-based funding.
– Improve Access to Finance Simplify procedures and build capacity.

Role of Youth

Participants suggested valorizing local adaptation solutions, supporting youth-led projects, and advocating for dedicated climate adaptation funds. Emphasis was placed on transitioning to green energy and fostering collaboration across borders.

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Workshop Activities

Energy Access for Resilient Health Systems
Importance of Energy in Health Systems

Health systems rely on leadership, service delivery, energy finance, and workforce. Primary health services are most affected by energy issues, particularly in remote areas lacking power. Clean energy is vital, as air pollution is a major health risk. Advocacy is needed to highlight the link between climate change and energy needs in healthcare.

Panel Discussions and Workshops

The panel Discussions covered topics like climate finance, energy access, public-private partnerships, and youth engagement in climate advocacy. Workshops on the other hand identified finance gaps, opportunities for renewable energy investments, and developed a Call for Action document to be shared at the COP29 side event.

Demands from Participants
YOFAFA 2024 delegates urged industrialized countries to:
– Increase climate financing for energy access in Africa.
– Simplify access to finance for youth-led projects.
– Support capacity building in energy and climate finance.
– Adopt funding models integrating energy access with adaptation needs.
– Commit to providing a fair share of global adaptation finance to Africa.

These steps are crucial for achieving both adaptation and mitigation goals, ensuring Africa’s sustainable low-carbon future.

Secretary General (FAWOI) and Dr Augustine Njamshi (Convener)

Prof B Sammy Chumbaw

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Youth Forum on Adaptation Finance in Africa

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