AfDB showcases innovative climate dialogues at COP30 in Brazil

Belém, Brazil: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) introduced an innovative and interactive approach to climate engagement at COP30, held in Belém, Brazil from 10–21 November, by hosting informal, coffee-style dialogues that allowed participants to engage directly with Bank climate experts.

The discussions focused on accelerating sustainable and climate-resilient development in Africa, as the continent continues to face growing climate threats despite contributing less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Opening the sessions, Al-Hamndou Dorsouma, Manager of the Bank Group’s Climate and Green Growth Division, highlighted Africa’s increasing exposure to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and climate-related vulnerabilities.

The Bank Group was represented by several senior climate specialists. Davinah Milenge, Chief Programme Coordinator for Climate Change and Green Growth, presented the Bank’s special initiatives, including efforts to advance the circular economy in Africa.

Gareth Phillips, Manager for Climate and Environmental Finance, outlined AfDB’s green finance agenda, with particular emphasis on the African Green Banks Initiative.

Meanwhile, James Kinyangi, Coordinator of the ClimDev Special Fund and Climate Action Window, engaged participants with insights into the two financing mechanisms designed to support climate action across the continent.

The regional perspective was addressed by Arona Soumaré, Chief Regional Specialist on Climate Change for West Africa, who led discussions on the Bank’s climate initiatives in a region considered one of the world’s climate change hotspots.

Soumaré emphasized AfDB’s commitment to creating synergies among the Rio Conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.

Participants welcomed the informal format of the sessions. Kenyan visitors Reilo Idagiza Sirali and Lydia Wanjo praised the originality of the approach. “It was as if we had met over coffee to discuss serious issues about the future of the planet,” said Wanjo.

Maria Micah Maua, a member of the Kenyan youth delegation to COP30, said the dialogue deepened her understanding of the just energy transition, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and the Bank’s work on the circular economy.

“At the African Development Bank, our role is to help unlock Africa’s potential through integrated and transformative action,” Dorsouma said.

“The initiatives we are discussing today circular economy, climate information services, and green finance—directly contribute to these priorities and demonstrate how the Bank integrates innovation, information, and investment to drive large-scale climate action,” Dorsouma added.