Brazil and Africa are strengthening ties ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), with a shared agenda to fight for fairer global climate finance and a more just energy transition.
In Belém, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, in what is now being seen as a pivotal moment in modern climate diplomacy.
The meeting, which held at the symbolic heart of the Amazon rainforest, where COP30 will open later in November, marks a renewed Brazil–Africa collaboration. Both regions are home to the world’s largest tropical forests, yet receive a fraction of the financing needed to protect them or adapt to climate impacts.
“Africa has led in ambition despite its small emissions. Now it needs the finance to match,” said Dr Ould Tah.
Africa’s Climate Burden, Brazil’s Strategic Backing
Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions but is home to nine of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Yet, it receives only 3% of global climate finance.
With this in mind, the AfDB is positioning itself at COP30 as a decisive voice for Africa. The Bank wants wealthy nations to scale up finance for resilience, unlock green funds, and support a just energy transition for African economies.
The timing is crucial: COP30 comes as the world battles intensifying climate extremes and a growing risk of overshooting the 1.5°C warming target.
A Leaders’ Summit Before the Talks Begin
In an unprecedented move, Lula is hosting a high-level World Leaders Summit before negotiations start on 10 November. The platform will allow African and Latin American leaders to set the tone and expectations for fair finance and global solidarity.
Ould Tah will take part in the launch of Brazil’s Tropical Forests Forever Fund — uniting the Amazon, Congo Basin, and other African rainforests under a single climate protection framework.
“The Amazon and Congo are climate lifelines. What happens to one affects the other — and the world,” said Ould Tah.
AfDB’s Climate Finance Leadership
The African Development Bank has become a global force in climate finance innovation. In 2024 alone, the Bank committed $5.5 billion to climate projects — nearly half of its total approvals.
Over the last decade, 60% of its climate spending has gone toward adaptation projects like drought-resilient agriculture, clean water systems, and green energy infrastructure.
Through its Climate Action Window, launched in 2022, the Bank is directing grants to 37 of Africa’s least-developed countries, many of which are now on the frontline of climate impacts.
As Dr Ould Tah meets world leaders, civil society and private investors in Belém, the message will be clear: Africa is not coming to COP30 as a victim, but as a global solution holder demanding the finance to match.
