Category: Uncategorized

The Climate Clock, a tool designed to underscore the urgency of climate action, paints a dire picture. 2024 has been the warmest year on record, reflecting a disturbing trend in global temperatures and Carbon dioxide emissions.

In Southern Africa, the consequences are particularly acute. The past century has seen Africa endure over 300 severe droughts, the highest number recorded on any continent.

Zambia, for instance, is facing one of its worst droughts in decades, with 84 out of 116 districts severely affected and crop yields plummeting by over 50%. Zimbabwe is similarly grappling with a drought that has left approximately 6 million people exposed to food insecurity and hunger.

Predictions are bleak; Crop yields in Africa could decline by up to 50% by 2050, and climate-induced diseases like malaria could result in an additional 250,000 deaths annually by mid-century.

These projections highlight the urgent need for global action, as emphasized in recent Conference of the Parties (COP) summits from COP26 to COP28. Despite various commitments to accelerate climate action, the gap between necessary and actual adaptation finance remains substantial.

Currently, Africa receives around $19 billion annually in climate finance, but only a small fraction supports agrifood systems. The continent needs between $30 billion and $50 billion annually by 2030 to effectively address climate impacts.

To meet these challenges, several actions are essential. They include raising climate ambitions where African nations must adopt more aggressive climate policies at both regional and national levels.

Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) should integrate climate goals into development strategies, fostering innovation and creating green job opportunities.

Stronger adaptation and mitigation measures which involve increased investment in adaptation strategies, such as developing drought-resistant crops and improving early warning systems, is crucial. This requires both local resource allocation and international financial support.

Enhanced Climate finance is also paramount where developed and developing nations must demonstrate greater commitment to providing the necessary financial resources. Africa needs a significant increase in both domestic and international funding for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Inclusive participation is ensuring that diverse voices, including those from vulnerable communities, are included in decision-making processes as it is essential for effective climate action. This inclusivity should extend to the integration of African perspectives in global climate policies.

A productive Private sector engagement where the private sector plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable development is substantial. African leaders must create investment climates that attract and retain private sector involvement in climate solutions.

There is also need for a functional policy and implementation strategy where strong climate policies must be complemented by effective implementation. Streamlining bureaucratic processes and enhancing inter-agency collaboration will help translate ambitious climate goals into tangible actions.

Decentralized leadership should be exercised through empowering local leaders who understand their communities’ specific needs as vital for building resilience and ensuring that climate strategies are effective and equitable.

The climate crisis presents complex challenges, but proactive and strategic leadership can help Africa navigate these turbulent times. By enhancing adaptation efforts, increasing investment, and fostering collaboration, the continent can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also drive sustainable development and economic transformation. The time for action is now—Africa’s future depends on it.

The Author is Rwanda’s former Minister of Agriculture and current Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) President

Dr. Agnes Kalibata

The eight-day-long reed dance is a traditional rite of passage into womanhood, where young women sing and dance bare-chested, dressed in traditional attire that includes anklets and vibrant, colourful tassels. Some participants also carry mock swords and shields.

King Mswati, who has ruled the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for 38 years, is allowed to marry multiple times.

Eswatini spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo told the BBC that Nomcebo and King Mswati III are “marrying for love,” downplaying criticism about the age gap and political power play.

“Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally,” Nxumalo said.

A section of analysts had speculated that the marriage would strengthen political ties between the King and Zuma, who was president of South Africa from 2009 until 2018. The former Head of State, who is also polygamous and has been married six times, was forced to resign by his African National Congress party after a series of corruption allegations.

King Mswati, who has ruled the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for 38 years, is allowed to marry multiple times. He has been married 15 times. Two of King Mswati’s wives are deceased, while two others are divorced.

Nomcebo Zuma (3rd L) and one of the king’s daughters, Princess Sakhizwe (2nd L), sing and dance with other young women during the Umhlanga reed dance.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Heifer International provided this equipment through the ‘Mechanization for Africa Initiative,’ a project that offers agricultural machinery on a loan payment plan. This initiative has been operational in three African countries since 2022, and Rwanda becomes the fourth, following Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria.

The handover event was officiated by the State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources Eric Rwigamba

The handover event was officiated by the State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, who expressed that the project is expected to accelerate agriculture in Rwanda.
He said, “It will help farmers cultivate faster and on time, enabling them to achieve higher yields. When you look at a farmer cultivating 10 or five hectares, they can hire manual labor, but often the delay causes them to miss the rainy season.”

In the next phase, an additional 15 tractors will be distributed to help farmers cultivate larger areas in a shorter time, increasing both the quantity and value of the yield.

Heifer International’s Vice President for Africa, Adesuwa Ifedi says that the organization is pleased to launch this program to uplift Rwandan farmers

Heifer International’s Vice President for Africa, Adesuwa Ifedi, stated that the organization is pleased to launch this program to uplift Rwandan farmers and noted that in other parts of Africa where it operates, the initiative has already advanced the level of local farming.

She said, “It helps farmers cultivate larger areas, which translates into higher income. We are pleased that, over the last two years, this program has improved agriculture in other countries. For instance, one testimony we received here was from a farmer who increased his cultivation from one hectare to five hectares thanks to the machine.”

Heifer International’s Director in Rwanda, Verena Ruzibuka, mentioned that the project will also create job opportunities for the youth across the country by connecting them with farmers who need these services.
However, Ruzibuka urged more partners to join the initiative to assist more farmers in accessing these loans.

Farmers who received the tractors say that they will help them to increase productivity in their work

She said, “We’ve provided the initial funding for the project, but we encourage financial institutions to explore how they can also get involved. We’ve seen interest from other donors, but we invite more partners to join us on this journey to help provide mechanization for more farmers.”

Modus operandi

Heifer International will provide the tractors in collaboration with a company called Hello Tractor, which connects the owners with farmers in need. A farmer who requires the tractor must cultivate at least 500 hectares annually, and cooperatives must have 500 hectares under cultivation.

Farmers are required to make an initial payment of 5% of the machine’s cost and sign a contract with Hello Tractor, which outlines the terms and conditions of collaboration. They typically pay for three to five years; after which they own them outright. Those who meet the criteria can register on the Hello Tractor website, undergo an assessment, and be connected with the providers.

Women are among the beneficiaries of this project

A facility for machine maintenance will soon be built in Kayonza District in the Eastern Province.
Each tractor provided has a value ranging from Rwf45million to Rwf50 million. They come with large plows that can cultivate, harvest, and perform other functions depending on the farmer’s needs.

IGIHE

Xi’s speech also included several promises to African nations in areas such as trade, connectivity, agriculture, health, green development, people-to-people exchange, and security. The Chinese government plans to provide RMB360billion (approximately $50.7B) to support these projects over the next three years.

Since its establishment in 2000, FOCAC has become the flagship platform for cooperation between China and African countries, playing a very significant role in promoting China’s desire to enhance South-South cooperation in various development sectors. However, China is not alone in approaching African nations on a multilateral basis.

This year alone in September, Indonesia held its second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali, and in June, South Korea hosted its first Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul. In July 2023, the second Russia-Africa Summit took place in St. Petersburg. In December 2022, the United States hosted the second U.S.-Africa Summit in Washington D.C., while Turkey held the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit in Istanbul.

The rise of these high-level meetings between African nations and a host country, known as ‘Africa+1’ summits, suggests that the world is increasingly turning its gaze towards Africa. However, a closer look at the structure of such summits reveals the weak and marginal position African countries continue to occupy on the global stage.

Rethinking the 'Africa+1′ Summit structure

The ‘Africa+1’ summits present opportunities for African countries. Whether it is China, Japan, the U.S., Turkey, Saudi Arabia, or Korea, these summits bring financial and diplomatic commitments that are appealing to African nations.

China emphasizes win-win cooperation, Indonesia hopes to revive the Bandung spirit of Asia-Africa solidarity, Japan aims to promote sustainable development, and Korea seeks to share its developmental experience with African countries, and so on and so forth.

While it is natural for African countries to welcome such cooperation deals, it is intriguing how easily individual countries can invite African heads of state to summits—something not seen with any other continent.

On one hand, this reflects the perceived importance of African nations, but on the other, it underscores the gullibility of African countries. Moreover, it is not always the case that when grouped together, African countries form a much stronger force in negotiations with the summit-hosting country.

The lack of unity among African heads of state raises doubts about whether African countries can present a cohesive front to counter the host nations’ clearly defined agendas and strategies at these ‘Africa+1’ summits.

Africa is politically and socio-economically diverse, far from being unified. Countries like Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, and Sudan are grappling with internal conflicts. Inter-African trade remains low, regional integration is limited, and many nations are still working to eradicate poverty.

Each African country has its own unique context, challenges, and opportunities. Treating Africa as a single entity often leads to simplistic conclusions about how to best support growth and development on the continent.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a welcome banquet for international guests attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2024. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted the banquet here on Wednesday.

How to move forward

In the evolving global geopolitical landscape, African countries have proven to be important partners. Africa’s youthful population, vast natural resources, and diplomatic influence at the United Nations are strong incentives for engagement.
However, African countries need to demonstrate a readiness to leverage these attributes to claim their rightful place in international politics.

“I find that our leaders, who should have been working together all along to address these problems that commonly affect their countries, wait until they are invited to go to Europe to sit there and find solutions to their problems,” remarked President Paul Kagame at the African Development Bank annual meeting in 2014.

It has been ten years, and little has changed. African Heads of state attend summits en masse, but their collective influence remains questionable. The developed world can provide financial support, but neither China nor the U.S. can bestow global power and influence upon Africa.

African countries must figure out how to build unity, assert their position, and establish themselves as significant players on the international stage. Africa does not always have to be the invited party; it should aspire to become the inviting one.

The Author is a Learning Coach at the African Leadership University
BA in International Studies from Yonsei University
MA in China Studies (Politics and International Relations) from Yenching Academy of Peking University

Claudine Ukubereyimfura

Kagame, extended heartfelt congratulations upon the upcoming 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, attributing the country’s transformation over the last decade to effective leadership that prioritizes the values and expectations of its citizens.

The 2024 edition of the FOCAC Summit has attracted representatives from over 50 African Countries

“Effective state governance is undoubtedly central to the success China has achieved,” Kagame said during the opening ceremony of the high level summit attended by more than 10 African Heads of State and Government.

“However, for governance to be truly effective, it must be grounded in the values and expectations of its citizens and not imposed from outside,” he said.
Kagame highlighted China’s impressive strides in poverty alleviation, development, and technological innovation as key areas from which Africa can draw valuable lessons to accelerate its own modernization efforts.

The Rwandan Head of State praised China’s commitment to shared development, which has facilitated a flourishing relationship between the two regions in areas such as infrastructure development, scientific innovation plus peace and security. The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China in 2013, was hailed by Kagame as a transformative force with a global impact, benefiting not only China but also nations like Rwanda.

President Paul Kagame during the FOCAC Summit in Beijing. He has called for effective state governance and mutual support

Reflecting on Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction, Kagame shared two crucial lessons. First, he emphasized that there is no universal model for governance; each nation must navigate its own path in accordance with its unique context, history, and aspirations. He described how Rwanda, in the wake of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, relied on homegrown solutions to rebuild its economic, social, and political foundations.

Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s focus on national unity, economic diversification, and decentralized governance as pillars of its development strategy. “Our journey of self-reliance has allowed us to forge many productive partnerships, particularly with China and other African countries,” he stated.

The Head of Sate expressed confidence that as new global challenges and opportunities continue to emerge; the Africa-China partnership will remain more united and strengthened. He acknowledged the significant gains made in trade, industrial cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges since the inception of FOCAC, demonstrating the vitality of South-South cooperation.

Looking ahead, Kagame reaffirmed Africa’s readiness to build on the momentum achieved through participation in the three Global Initiatives on Development, Security, and Civilization proposed by President Xi Jinping.

Heads of African States during during the FOCAC summit 2024

On his part President Xi Jinping pledged to step up Chinese support to Africa with 30 infrastructure projects across the African continent and offer $50.7billion in financial assistance. The projects are expected to create a million jobs. “China is ready to deepen cooperation with Africa in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment,” Xi said during the forum attended by delegates from more than 50 African nations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a keynote address delivered by President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing on September 5, 2024, the Chinese leader outlined a shared vision for the future of China-Africa relations, highlighting the deep bond between the regions and their commitment to achieving modernization together.

'The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space, surmounts mountains and oceans, and passes down through generations,' said Xi.

The high-level summit in Beijing is being attended by delegates from more than 50 African nations.

He noted that the relationship between the two regions has evolved over nearly seven decades and is now at its strongest point in history.

The financial package will be disbursed to support key sectors in Africa, including infrastructure, agriculture, industry, health, and education.

'This financial support will not only enhance Africa’s industrial capacity but will also provide tangible benefits to millions of ordinary Africans,' Xi stated.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is among Heads of State attending the summit.

The initiative is seen as a major step forward in China’s commitment to Africa’s development and modernization.

One of the most significant aspects of the support package is China’s commitment to opening its markets further to African products. Xi announced that least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, including 33 African nations, will receive zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines.

'This will help turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity,' Xi emphasized.

This move is expected to provide a major boost to African agricultural exports and deepen economic ties between the two regions.

Xi’s also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in Africa’s modernization journey. As part of the multibillion financial support, China will carry out 30 connectivity projects across the continent, aimed at improving transport links, boosting trade, and fostering regional integration.

'Together, we are building a network of connectivity that will benefit future generations,' Xi said.

This commitment aligns with Africa’s broader goal of achieving sustainable development through enhanced connectivity and cooperation.

In terms of technology and industrialization, China will work with Africa to create digital technology cooperation centers and launch 20 digital demonstration projects across the continent. These initiatives are intended to help Africa embrace the ongoing industrial revolution and foster inclusive economic growth.

In addition, China intends to focus on environmental sustainability by establishing clean energy projects to promote biodiversity conservation and disaster prevention thereby setting a hallmark of modernization in the new era of a low-carbon future.

According to Xi, various medical personnel will be sent to Africa and work with the continent to establish joint medical centers. These efforts will enhance Africa’s healthcare capacity, particularly in combating diseases such as malaria.

Xi also reaffirmed China’s support for the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will play a crucial role in strengthening the continent’s public health systems.

Security and peace, described as an essential component of modernization, will also be highly prioritized in the next three years to create a stable environment for development and modernization

China and Africa, together account for one-third of the world’s population. They are therefore poised to play a critical role in shaping global modernization.

'Without our modernization, there will be no global modernization,' President Xi declared.

As clear as it seems, this partnership between China and Africa is not only aimed at addressing historical injustices but also at creating a more just and equitable global order.

Xi criticized the Western approach to modernization, which he argued has inflicted immense suffering on developing nations. Instead, he championed a new path, in which countries like China and African nations can pursue their own models of modernization based on their unique national conditions.

'Modernization is an inalienable right of all countries,' Xi said, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and mutual respect in the modernization process.

This multi-billion financial support reflects China’s broader vision of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. It is a vision that seeks to foster deeper cooperation, promote economic growth, and ensure that no country or region is left behind in the global modernization journey.

As Xi poignantly noted, 'Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization.'

With this bold commitment, China and Africa are embarking on a new chapter of cooperation, one that promises to yield significant benefits for both regions. The shared journey toward modernization is set to bring about lasting changes that will shape the future of both China and Africa for generations to come.

President Xi Jinping has pledged RMB360 billion (approximately USD 50.7 billion) in financial support to Africa, in the next three years to improve the stage for modernization and cooperation between the two regions.

Sam K Nurunziza