CEM REPORT, AFRICA| The journey towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 seems particularly arduous for Africa. A recent report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with other key stakeholders, paints a concerning picture.
Africa bears the brunt of climate change, with a staggering 60% of global climate disasters occurring on the continent. These events have a devastating impact, displacing millions and inflicting severe economic damage. The report estimates that climate disasters cost African economies a staggering US$13.7 billion. This highlights the urgent need for robust climate action plans and improved disaster risk reduction strategies.
Unfortunately, only 29 African countries have national risk reduction strategies in place. Additionally, few nations have effectively mainstreamed climate change considerations into their national development plans. The limited focus often falls solely on building resilience in the agricultural sector, neglecting other vital areas.
“There is also a general issue of lack of data in tracking the progress in Africa,” says the report, emphasizing a critical hurdle.
Poverty Grip and Threaten Food Security
Despite progress in some areas, Africa still grapples with deep-rooted poverty. Over half (54.8%) of the world’s extremely poor reside in Africa. Children bear the brunt of this hardship, with 7 out of 10 extremely poor children living on the continent. The report urges policymakers to address the multi-faceted drivers of poverty, including lack of access to basic needs, inequality, infrastructure gaps, climate change, and limited employment opportunities.
The report highlights a worrying regression in achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Multiple factors, including COVID-19, climate change, the war in Ukraine, and political instability, have disrupted food security and driven hunger upwards. Localized famines threaten vulnerable populations across the continent. Experts warn that based on current trends, Africa could see a staggering 600 million people facing hunger by 2030.
“It is crucial for Africa to focus on the development of resilience and the reduction of dependency on humanitarian aid,” says Ramiz Alakbarov, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator. Building self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external aid are crucial steps towards long-term food security.
Challenges and Opportunities
The report exposes a significant gap in climate financing for Africa. Most funding currently comes from the public sector, with limited private sector participation. Innovative financing mechanisms like carbon markets, debt-for-climate swaps, and carbon taxes are potential solutions that require further exploration and policy frameworks.
Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. The report notes a slight decrease in homicide rates across Africa, suggesting a gradual move towards greater stability. However, significant disparities exist in budgetary management between countries. The report also emphasizes the need to address illicit financial flows (IFFs) that drain resources needed for development.
Botho Kebabonye Bayendi, Director of Strategic Planning & Delivery at the African Union Commission, highlights the AU’s commitment to “a decade of accelerated progress” through ambitious “moonshot” targets for 2033.
The report underscores the importance of partnerships for achieving the SDGs and the goals of Agenda 2063, Africa’s development blueprint. Mobilizing domestic resources effectively and attracting greater private sector and donor support are crucial.
Investing in data collection, analysis, and capacity building is also essential. The report recommends creating an SDG Index to track progress across different countries.
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Looking Ahead
Africa’s journey towards achieving the SDGs will undoubtedly be challenging. However, by taking decisive action on climate change, poverty reduction, and food security, and fostering stronger institutions and partnerships, the continent can chart a course towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
