Africa must continue to insist that justice is not charity.
I know. I know the world feels like it is spinning out of control with geopolitics in turmoil, international law fraying, and the global order shaken. But come closer, especially my fellow Africans, and hear the ancestral call because we simply do not have the luxury of despair.
We have no choice but to stay focused in the urgent work of building lasting resilience for our communities. To build strong political systems, invest in regenerative food systems and landscapes, and craft economies rooted in the abundance of Africa’s resources and our partnerships with friends both East and West. This is the time to deepen collaboration, to embrace free movement and access across our borders, and to strengthen intra-African trade.
In this moment of fractured global cooperation, we must hold on to the reality we know to be true: this is not the first time multilateralism has been challenged, and history shows it always comes back stronger, sharper, and one might argue even more focused: from the ashes of the League of Nations rose the United Nations; from the paralysis of the Cold War emerged peacekeeping and arms control; from recent withdrawals, renewed climate alliances. The crisis before us is bigger than one country, and we must face it with that reality of mind. Even more important, Africa must lead as the architect of our own future.
So in these last few months I have remained inspired to stay focused by the reality of what Africa as a continent still faces regardless of what happens around us. There are so many stories of counties that are quietly but steadfastly investing in a green climate resilient future, over delivering on their climate commitments. China comes to mind here.
Carbon neutrality
Despite being the world’s largest emitter, it has simultaneously become the leading clean energy market, committing to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. In recent months, China has announced new nationally determined contributions for 2035, reaffirming its trajectory toward deep decarbonization. Its massive investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and green infrastructure demonstrate that even the most complex economies can pivot toward sustainability. This dual reality of challenge and leadership should offer us inspiration: if China can mobilize at scale, then Africa too can chart its own bold path.
Even as multilateralism is under siege, climate justice can not wait. Just this week the United States withdrew from dozens of international agreements and forums related to climate, gender, peace, and democracy. This is troubling news and call to action for the following reasons: Africa contributes less than 4 per cent of global emissions.
Yet the continent is among the most climate-vulnerable regions on earth. There are daily reminders like floods in Nigeria, droughts in the Horn of Africa, cyclones in Mozambique that are wiping out homes, destabilizing food systems, and displacing millions. Africa must continue to insist that justice is not charity. It is an obligation that must remain to every negotiation, every framework, and every forum.
Another opportunity before us is to reshape global cooperation into something less of a system dominated by a handful of powerful nations, but as a network of inclusive, transparent, and accountable partnerships. We can build a vibrant network of inclusive, transparent, and accountable partnerships that reflect the hopes of all people.
This new multilateralism could bring forth agreements that live and breathe, protecting communities, guiding sustainable investment, and reducing collective risk. Africa’s leadership, through the African Union, the African Group of Negotiators, and pioneering climate initiatives, shows the world that solidarity is much stronger than isolationism.
Climate chaos
The challenges before us are immense: climate chaos, economic instability, health crises, and security threats that test the resilience of nations and communities alike. Yet these challenges are not insurmountable. What is required is courage. The courage to resist despair, to reject isolationism, and to embrace solidarity as the foundation of our collective future.
Africa must lead with vision. By centering climate justice, scaling renewable energy, and reimagining multilateralism, the continent can chart a path toward sustainability that inspires the world. Because this is the great work ahead. It is humanity’s fight.
The withdrawal of powerful nations from international agreements is troubling, but it is not the end of multilateralism. Climate justice, renewable energy, and reimagined multilateralism are all pillars of a sustainable future. Africa has the vision, the resources, and the courage to lead, and in doing so, to redefine what global cooperation can mean in the twenty‑first century.
The climate crisis will not wait. Neither should we. The time for hesitation has passed; the time for courage has arrived. Let Africa’s leadership be the beacon that lights the way forward, proving that despair can be overcome, that solidarity can triumph, and that together, humanity can rise to meet the greatest challenges of our age.
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Ms Mathai is the MD for Africa & Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute and Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation.
