Finland commits to more investment in Africa’s green growth agenda

The Government of Finland has made a bold commitment to increase funding towards Africa's Green transition, signaling a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the continent. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Pasi Hellman, Finland's Under-Secretary of State for Development Policy, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing the pressing issue of climate change and promoting a just energy transition in Africa. Hellman emphasized the need for collective action, stating that when countries join forces, their unified voice can make a significant impact on the global stage. One of the key points raised in the interview was the disproportionate impact of climate change on African countries despite their lower contribution to global emissions. Hellman acknowledged the challenges faced by African nations and stressed the necessity of providing support for climate change adaptation. Finland has been actively involved in initiatives such as the Champions Group for Adaptation Finance, aiming to mobilize resources to assist the most vulnerable regions that are bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. In terms of financial commitments, Hellman shared insights into Finland's past contributions to climate finance for developing countries. He highlighted that 2021 was a record year for Finnish climate finance, with approximately 170 million euros allocated, emphasizing the country's focus on dedicating at least 50% of the funding to adaptation efforts. This commitment underscores Finland's recognition of the critical need to address the funding gap for adaptation measures globally. When asked about Africa's current level of support in relation to climate finance, Hellman acknowledged that while the continent does receive international assistance, there remains a significant disparity between the funding Africa receives and the actual requirement. He emphasized the importance of enhancing multilateral structures to ensure equitable distribution of international support, calling for increased global collaboration to address the immense needs of African nations. Looking ahead, Hellman expressed Finland's interest in investing further in the green agenda, highlighting the provision of weather services as a key area of focus. Finland's expertise in meteorological services has enabled the country to collaborate with over 50 nations in enhancing weather-related risk management and disaster preparedness. By leveraging its capabilities in this area, Finland aims to support vulnerable populations in adapting to climate change and reducing the impact of natural disasters. In conclusion, Finland's commitment to bolstering Africa's green growth agenda signifies a positive step towards achieving climate equity and sustainable development on the continent. As global concerns around climate change continue to escalate, initiatives like Finland's increased funding for climate finance and support for climate adaptation projects are crucial in building a more resilient and environmentally sustainable future for Africa and the world.