PM urges transformative climate finance for Africa’s sustainable future
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini delivered a powerful message of unity, resilience, and urgent climate action on behalf of the Kingdom of Eswatini at a historic African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa.
Speaking with deep appreciation for the host nation Ethiopia and its ambitious Green Legacy Initiative, Dlamini emphasised the continent’s shared responsibility to confront the escalating climate crisis while highlighting Eswatini’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Opening his address, Dlamini extended “warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the African Union Commission and the Government and People of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for hosting this historic Summit” on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Ndlovukazi, the government, and people of Eswatini.
He praised Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visionary leadership, noting how the Green Legacy Initiative has “mobilised millions to plant billions of trees and restore degraded landscapes, inspiring a continental movement toward ecological renewal.”
This initiative, Dlamini said, embodies the spirit of African solidarity as nations unite “under a common purpose to safeguard our shared future from the escalating climate crisis.”
Despite Africa’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions—less than 4 per cent, the continent, including Eswatini, suffers disproportionately from climate change.
Dlamini highlighted the severe impacts faced by his country: “erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, devastating floods, and the disruption of our agricultural systems.”
With over 70 per cent of Eswatini’s population reliant on rain-fed agriculture, these challenges threaten livelihoods and food security, especially in rural communities.
To counter these threats, Eswatini has set ambitious targets and policies. The Prime Minister referenced the nation’s National Climate Change Policy (2016) and updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the UNFCCC in 2021, committing to an economy-wide emissions reduction target of 5 per cent by 2030 despite the country’s minimal emissions footprint.
He also described ongoing efforts such as flood control measures, ecosystem-based adaptation via the Eswatini Environment Fund, and a goal to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030.
Yet, Dlamini stressed that Eswatini refuses to be defined solely by vulnerability. Instead, he portrayed a vision of resilience and innovation rooted in African unity and homegrown solutions.
Aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions “a prosperous, inclusive, and climate-resilient continent,” Eswatini is investing in nature-based and technology-driven strategies.
These include watershed management, community reforestation, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy projects spanning solar, wind, and hydropower. He underscored the importance of empowering local communities, especially women and youth, to take ownership of these initiatives.
Dlamini also addressed the critical issue of climate finance. Citing the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, he noted Africa’s need for nearly US$3 trillion to meet its climate goals by 2030, contrasting this with the paltry US$30 billion received between 2021 and 2022.
He called for “transformative climate financing, moving from aid to strategic investments in local innovation,” and urged reforms to global funding mechanisms to increase concessional finance and African representation.
He warned against punitive measures such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which could cost Africa up to US$25 billion annually by 2030.
Regarding energy transition, Dlamini emphasised that it must be just and inclusive, ensuring that “energy transitions should not leave our people in the dark.”
For Eswatini, this means harnessing renewable energy potentials while protecting livelihoods dependent on traditional energy sources.
He called for international support to implement continental initiatives like the Africa Single Electricity Market and the Africa Clean Cooking Programme to achieve equitable access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged that the outcomes of the Summit—the Addis Ababa Declaration and Call to Action—be actionable and aligned with Africa’s broader development goals, including reparations for historical injustices.
He called for a united African voice ahead of global forums such as COP30, G20, and the UN General Assembly, “speaking not as victims of climate injustice, but as architects of global solutions.”
He reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to inclusive, equitable climate action grounded in African values and governance systems, pledging support for youth-led innovation and nature-based solutions.
Minister Dlamini’s address was a clarion call for solidarity, ambition, and justice in the face of climate change.
His vision positions Eswatini and Africa not only as vulnerable victims but as resilient leaders poised to transform the climate challenge into an opportunity for green growth, shared prosperity, and lasting climate justice.
