US Withdrawal From Paris Accord Holds Opportunities For Africa – Okito

Okito Wedi, a medical doctor and global health specialist, is the founder and CEO of Crtve Development, a pan-African organisation dedicated to driving positive change through visual storytelling and advocacy campaigns.

With over 10 years of experience working on critical issues such as health security, climate change, and gender, Okito has collaborated with renowned organisations including the United Nations, the African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, and Global Citizen.

Okito firmly believes in the transformative power of creativity, storytelling, and research, and is driven by her passion for the African continent.

When the United States announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, an international accord aimed at mitigating climate change, Okito emerged as a dissenting voice, arguing that the move presents benefits for Africa. She shared her insights with THE WHISTLER, discussing the benefits and how Africa can harness them.

Could you start by sharing a bit about your background and what drives your passion for addressing climate change in Africa?

As a South African medical doctor and global development specialist of Congolese descent, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of climate change on the health, wellbeing, livelihoods and dignity of vulnerable communities across Africa and beyond. I am passionate about catalyzing and fostering social change and economic investment towards a resilient, thriving and self-determined Africa for this generation and the generations to come – the Africa we want to see.

How does the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement affect Africa’s efforts to address climate change, and what role does climate justice play in this context?

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement weakens global climate ambition, creating a leadership gap and reducing access to much-needed resources for vulnerable regions like Africa. For Africa, this means reduced access to funding and support for critical adaptation and mitigation projects. However, it also underscores the importance of climate justice for those who are most affected yet least responsible. The withdrawal doesn’t diminish Africa’s resilience but highlights the urgent need for equitable global action and accountability.

How does the changing global power dynamics impact Africa’s position in international climate negotiations? Are there challenges?

The shifting global power dynamics present both challenges and opportunities for Africa. On the one hand, African nations often lack the economic leverage and technical capacity to fully assert their priorities in negotiations.

On the other hand, these geopolitical shifts allow Africa to diversify partnerships and explore new avenues for technology transfer and climate financing. New alliances with countries in the Global South and a growing recognition of Africa’s role can enhance its bargaining power. Nonetheless, challenges remain in ensuring that African priorities are not sidelined in favor of larger geopolitical interests.

What benefits or opportunities arise for Africa in the wake of the US withdrawal?

The US withdrawal, while a setback, creates a space for African nations to assert greater leadership in climate negotiations. It opens up opportunities to collaborate more closely with other regions, particularly within the African Union and with allies committed to the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, this shift encourages African countries to explore innovative financing mechanisms and local solutions tailored to regional contexts.

How can African countries harness these benefits?

To harness these opportunities, African countries need to prioritize regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing. Through frameworks like the African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), countries can coordinate climate policies, share resources, and facilitate green trade. We need to invest in research and capacity-building to empower local communities to implement effective climate strategies and homegrown solutions such as climate-smart agriculture or off-grid solar technologies.

What role can African businesses and entrepreneurs play in driving sustainable development and climate resilience?

Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with supportive policies, has the potential to unlock transformative change in climate resilience and sustainable development. By investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology, they can drive job creation while mitigating environmental impact. Start-ups and SMEs, in particular, have the agility to innovate rapidly, addressing local challenges with scalable solutions. Supporting these enterprises through policy incentives and access to capital is crucial.

How can Africa prioritise climate resilience and adaptation in the face of increasing climate-related disasters?

Africa must integrate climate resilience into national development plans, ensuring that infrastructure projects and urban planning consider long-term climate impacts. Strengthening early warning systems and investing in nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and wetland restoration, can also enhance adaptive capacity. Finally, public awareness and education campaigns such as Crtve Development’s We!Are Unmuted campaign are essential to changing the narrative of climate justice on the continent and build a culture of preparedness and resilience across communities.

US Withdrawal From Paris Accord Holds Opportunities For Africa – Okito is first published on The Whistler Newspaper