Document Type

Research Project

Publication Date

Fall 9-25-2025

Abstract

Africa’s youth over, 60% of the population, remain an untapped force in climate policymaking despite being among the most affected by climate change. This exclusion persists even though Article 12 of the Paris Agreement, through Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), mandates education, training, public awareness, and capacity building as essential drivers of climate action. Most African countries have yet to fully implement ACE, leaving youth inclusion fragmented and under-resourced. This policy brief examines the gaps in mainstreaming youth action into national climate efforts and the UNFCCC process based on Ethiopia's U-Report, the African Union youth climate actions, and the IGAD Youth Climate Action Award. It acknowledges habitual barriers—policy silos, limited financing, and institutional coordination failures while it sets out potential opportunities to upscale successful models. Recommendations include appointing national ACE focal points for youth, embedding climate education in school curricula, and creating regional climate leadership centers. Implementing these measures would elevate youth from peripheral participants to central climate actors, strengthening Africa’s negotiating position at COP30 and ensuring climate action is equitable and future-proof.

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