Senegal Leading Africa’s Path to a Resilient Recovery

SENEGAL: Senegal is on the front lines of the global climate challenge and will play a critical role in leading Africa's response, said Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, in closing remarks in Dakar on Friday after meeting President Macky Sall.

Cutting climate finance risks escalating into larger conflicts in the future. According to World Bank data, internal climate migration in Senegal could reach 1 million people by 2050.

To address these risks, President Macky Sall and GCA CEO Patrick Verkooijen joined forces to secure $1 billion in climate finance for Senegal through the Africa led and Africa owned Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP). The AAAP, which is aligned with Senegal's National Plan for an Emerging Senegal (PSE), prioritises youth empowerment for entrepreneurship and job creation.

"Ignoring climate change is extremely short-sighted." The best strategy for addressing the root cause of other crises is bold adaptation action. As global food prices rise and shortages loom, the most pressing need is for funds to improve climate-vulnerable countries' ability to feed themselves," said President Macky Sall.

"If there was ever a time to strengthen adaptation in Senegal and across the continent, this is it."

The Dakar high-level meeting was an important step toward the Africa Adaptation Finance Forum, which will be co-hosted by President Macky Sall, CEO Patrick Verkooijen, and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.

The September 5th Leaders Forum in the Netherlands will bring together African leaders and global partners to realise the AAAP vision and the Glasgow commitments to double adaptation finance.

"Africa is fighting multiple crises on multiple fronts, including the economic fallout from COVID-19, climate change, and an energy and food emergency triggered by Ukraine's war."

Senegal has not escaped unscathed: water-related extreme events already cost the country more than 10% of GDP each year, jeopardising the country's position as a regional economic powerhouse." Verkooijen explained.

"Africa must quickly and broadly implement climate-resilient solutions. It is critical that global partners fulfil their Glasgow pledges on climate finance for Africa."

The AAAP is a joint initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and GCA that was approved by the African Union in 2021 with the goal of raising $25 billion for adaptation in Africa by COP27.

Since its inception in 2021, the AAAP Upstream Financing Facility has already influenced $3 billion in investment for adaptation in Africa.