Wamkele Mene has called for deeper long-term investment partnerships to support Africa’s industrialisation and climate ambitions during high-level discussions at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
Speaking during the Africa–Europe High-Level Dialogue on Green Industrialisation, convened by the Africa Europe Foundation, the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative and the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, Mene said Africa must secure stronger financing partnerships capable of supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Mene highlighted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change as an important framework for continental climate coordination and policy alignment.
He noted that although Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent continues to face some of the harshest impacts of climate change, including pressure on food systems, infrastructure and economic productivity.
The AfCFTA chief also pointed to progress under the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, particularly efforts focused on green trade, industrialisation and critical minerals value chains aimed at mobilising as much as $100 billion in investment across the continent.
According to Mene, improving the bankability of projects remains critical to unlocking financing for large-scale infrastructure and industrial development.
He called for stronger coordination between continental and international initiatives to increase liquidity flows and attract long-term capital into African economies.
The discussions also focused on the growing link between industrialisation, climate policy and the digital economy as African countries position themselves within the emerging global green economy.
Mene warned that the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism could negatively affect African economies if implemented without consideration for the continent’s development realities.
He said approaches to carbon-related trade measures must remain “fair, inclusive, and mutually beneficial for all partners.”
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which places carbon-related costs on certain imported goods entering the European Union, has generated concern among African exporters and policymakers who fear it could weaken the competitiveness of developing economies with limited green industrial infrastructure.
The summit discussions come as African governments increasingly seek to balance climate commitments with industrial expansion and job creation while competing for global investment tied to energy transition and critical mineral supply chains.
