The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) convened in Accra, Ghana, from August 10 to 11, 2026, for a two-day technical workshop focused on developing a common African position on the newly established Global Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). The workshop, serving as a critical preparatory meeting for COP31, where nations are expected to determine the operational framework of this crucial climate mechanism, represents a pivotal moment in the global conversation on just transition.
Opening the session, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators, Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, underscored the shift from discussions to implementation following the successful outcomes of COP30 in Belém. He emphasized that the JTM’s establishment has moved beyond a purely deliberative space towards a mechanism designed to support implementation through access to finance, technical assistance, capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation – all vital components for effective transition.
However, the workshop was not without its challenges. Dr. Amoah noted that recent negotiations at SB64 in Bonn revealed significant obstacles to the ambition and institutional independence of the JTM, particularly concerning its ability to effectively deliver on its objectives. He urged African negotiators to move beyond broad statements and instead focus on developing concrete proposals that could significantly influence the final negotiating text.
“Ambition alone is insufficient,” he stated emphatically. “We must translate our broad political positions into concrete, technically sound proposals that can find their way into the negotiating text.”
Dr. Amoah stressed the importance of Africa’s understanding of a just transition, emphasizing that it must prioritize Africa’s development priorities rather than solely focusing on shifting from one energy source to another. He further highlighted that the mechanism must support Africa’s industrialization, economic diversification, decent employment, energy access, climate adaptation, and value addition to its natural resources – a crucial aspect of the continent’s economic future.
Furthermore, he cautioned that without adequate financing, the JTM risks becoming an institution with good intentions but limited ability to deliver on its objectives. “A mechanism without a credible pathway to adequate resources risks becoming an institution with limited ability to deliver,” he warned, emphasizing the urgency of securing the necessary resources.
The African Group of Negotiators is actively seeking to build consensus around Africa’s priorities and strengthen its voice in the global climate negotiations. Dr. Amoah concluded by asking, “As we begin, let us keep one fundamental question before us: What kind of Just Transition Mechanism will genuinely deliver for Africa?” He asserted that the outcomes of the workshop are expected to be considered by the wider AGN plenary and will form the basis of Africa’s formal submissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).”
According to a report released by the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change of Kenya, the African Group of Negotiators is seeking to leverage the workshop to foster understanding and strengthen the continent’s position in the negotiations. The workshop is being organized in partnership with Power Shift Africa and the Global Wind Energy Council, with significant support from the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change of Kenya, highlighting the collaborative nature of this initiative.
The anticipated outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform the broader AGN plenary and serve as the foundation for Africa’s formal submissions to the UNFCCC.”
The workshop’s significance lies in its potential to shape the trajectory of the JTM, aligning it with Africa’s strategic priorities and bolstering its role in advancing the continent’s climate and development agenda.
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Source: Adom Online
