JUST TRANSITION PRINCIPLES LAUNCHED: African Climate Leaders Unite to Champion a Fair, Inclusive Future
In a powerful gathering of climate and environmental activists, civil society groups, and policy experts, the Just Transition Platform officially launched the Just Transition Principles for Africa, marking a milestone in the continent’s journey toward climate justice and sustainable development.
Held in Nairobi, the event brought together over 20 partner organizations and individuals who have been at the forefront of shaping the principles over the last four years.
The moment was described as “deeply symbolic,” given that the seeds for this platform were first planted in a modest room at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021—when only a handful of organizations gathered to chart a path toward a just transition for Africa.“It is truly a delight to see this room full of people today,” said one of the platform’s conveners, recalling the early days of uncertainty and determination. “What began with informal discussions and high hopes has today blossomed into a continent-wide movement.”From Idea to Movement:
A Pan-African EffortThe Just Transition Platform (JTP) emerged out of the urgent need to unify efforts across the continent in ensuring that climate actions are not only effective but also equitable. Working alongside key collaborators such as the ClimateWorks Foundation, IPUC Africa, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the platform has grown to include diverse voices from grassroots organizers to policy think tanks all committed to embedding justice at the core of Africa’s climate transitions.
The principles launched are sector-specific, crafted to respond to the unique challenges and opportunities within Africa’s key economic areas:EnergyTrade, Investment, and FinanceGender and HealthAgriculture, Forestry, and Land Use (AFOLU)The World of WorkEach working group presented principles tailored to ensure that transitions in these sectors are people-centered, inclusive, and justice-driven.Gender: Centering Care, Representation, and ProtectionAnne Zamboli, presenting on behalf of the gender and health working group, emphasized the centrality of women in the transition journey.
“The Just Transition must be deeply feminine,” she said. “We need to recognize and reward the invisible care work women do, ensure their representation from the start not as an afterthought and offer meaningful social protections, especially for women exploited through labor migration.”She cited the exploitation of African women in domestic work abroad as an urgent reason why gender justice must anchor all transition strategies.
The World of Work: Dignity, Dialogue, and EquityKimpi Othe Nkasa, representing labor movements across the continent, traced the origins of the Just Transition back to the labor movement and made a compelling case for integrating six key principles including social protection, lifelong learning, and institutionalized social dialogue.
“Africa’s workforce is informal, young, and vulnerable,” he said. “Climate action must correct the inequities born of fossil-fuel dependency not deepen them.”Trade, Investment, and Finance: Rethinking Global ImbalancesDr. Tim Moya addressed systemic economic imbalances and colonial legacies in trade and finance.“How can a continent that emits less than 4% of global carbon be punished by tariffs like CBAM?” he asked. “We need fairness, safeguards, and inclusive financing models that respect Africa’s sovereignty.”
He called for African-led solutions, such as strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and renegotiating global debt structures.Energy and Beyond: Toward a Just African FutureThough the energy working group’s presentation was pending at press time, it was clear from the conveners that energy lies at the heart of development, and decisions around it will define whether Africa’s transition empowers or excludes.“
This is not just about reducing emissions,” said one speaker. “This is about reimagining our economies, centering our people, and ensuring no one is left behind.”
A Call to ActionThe launch of the Just Transition Principles for Africa was not simply ceremonial it was a declaration of intent. As climate impacts intensify across the continent, the platform called on African governments, donors, and multilateral agencies to adopt and implement the principles in policymaking and project design.
The event ended with a standing ovation for the many partners some present, others tuning in remotely whose work, commitment, and belief in a just African future made this moment possible.“We may have started in a small room,” one organizer said, “but today, we stand together on a continental stage.”
About the Just Transition PlatformThe Just Transition Platform (JTP) is a coalition of African organizations and individuals working to ensure that Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy is inclusive, fair, and rooted in justice.
It advocates for structural change across key sectors and emphasizes the leadership of African communities in driving climate solutions.
