Africa’s struggle to translate climate commitments into bankable projects is set to take centre stage as policymakers, investors and private-sector leaders converge in Abuja for the 2026 Africa Climate Forum.
The forum, scheduled for October 13 and 14 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, will focus heavily on how to unlock private capital and strengthen public-private partnerships needed to deliver Africa’s climate and green transition ambitions.
Organised by the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy (GCLBE), the fourth edition of the forum is themed “Implementing in Lockstep: Public-Private Action for Green Outcomes.”
The emphasis on investment comes as African countries continue to face challenges in financing climate action, despite growing commitments to energy transition, adaptation, food security, resilience and sustainable development.
The organisers said the forum would seek to move discussions beyond climate pledges towards practical mechanisms for financing and implementing projects capable of producing measurable outcomes.
A major component of the 2026 forum will be the ACF Deal Room, designed to bring climate project developers, green businesses, investors and financial institutions into direct engagement.
The initiative is expected to provide a platform for climate-focused enterprises to showcase opportunities, identify potential investors and develop partnerships capable of moving projects from conception to implementation.
The forum will also examine the future of carbon markets, energy access, natural gas, food security and adaptation, as well as the role of technology and artificial intelligence in improving climate planning and delivery.
According to Prof. George Nwangwu, Convener of the Africa Climate Forum and Director-General of GCLBE, Africa needs stronger coordination between governments, businesses and financial institutions if climate ambitions are to produce tangible results.
“Climate action requires more than ambition. It requires governments, businesses and financial institutions to move together,” Nwangwu said.
He said the forum would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to refine existing partnerships, forge new ones and make commitments capable of translating into meaningful action.
Among those expected at the event are Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson, Director and UNIDO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS; Olasupo Shasore, SAN, Senior Partner at Africa Law Practice NG & Company; Hon. Sam Onuigbo, Governing Board Member and Chairman of the Committee on Security, Special Interventions and Climate Change at the North East Development Commission; and Dr Salisu Dahiru, former Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change.
Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, Managing Director of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, is also expected to participate alongside other government, business, development and climate-sector leaders.
The forum will further feature international contributions from experts including Dr Forster Boateng, Dr Gloria Boamah Kusi, Dr Debany Fonseca Batista and Claudette Hutchinson.
Beyond finance, participants will examine the social dimensions of Africa’s transition, including human rights, community-led climate action and the need for a just transition that takes vulnerable populations into account.
The role of journalism in climate accountability will also receive attention through a dedicated Pulitzer Centre side event on Journalism, Climate Action and Civic Space Engagement.
The session will consider how public-interest journalism can improve climate awareness, strengthen accountability and bring the experiences of climate-affected communities into policy discussions.
