Stakeholders Gather in Namibia to Discuss Climate’s Role in Fostering Resilient African Economies 

Stakeholders Gather in Namibia to Discuss Climate’s Role in Fostering Resilient African Economies 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

In light of the escalating climate crisis and its severe impacts on Africa, stakeholders are convening in Windhoek, Namibia, from June 23-27, 2025, for a Joint Forum on the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) and the Space for Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) programmes.

This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Public Information Officer, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Regional Office for Africa (RAF), Dr Kosmos Akande-Alasoka.

According to the statement, the forum, organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) with support from the European Union and AMCOMET, aims to enhance the role of climate and weather services in building resilient economies and communities across the continent.

Akande-Alasoka noted that the forum will also  bring together over 300 participants, including government representatives from 49 African ClimSA participating countries, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), civil society organizations, and key partners such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNDP.

“The aim is to elevate the role of climate and weather services in fostering resilient economies and communities across the continent,” Akande-Alasoka stated.

In his opening statement, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, Moses Vilakati, emphasized the urgent need for action.

“Africa is experiencing complex and multi-faceted exposure and vulnerability to climate change. A majority of Africans are employed in climate-sensitive sectors, with 55-62% of the workforce in sub-Saharan Africa employed in the agriculture sector and 95% of cropland relying on rainfed farming,” Vilakati noted.

He further urged a shift in perception regarding financing climate services, stating, “We must shift our perception of financing climate services from viewing it merely as a cost to recognizing it as an essential investment in adaptation and resilience building.”

The European Union Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting countries in becoming less vulnerable to climate change impacts.

“The EU is committed to achieving inclusive, sustainable development in line with the vision of key continental strategies such as the African Union Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change and Resilient Development,” she said.

The forum will also showcase the impacts of climate services, highlighting ClimSA’s achievements in sectors such as agriculture, food security, health, and disaster risk reduction.

By promoting South-South learning and collaboration among stakeholders from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, the forum aims to strengthen institutional coordination and enhance resilience against climate risks across the continent.