The Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 makes it clear that climate-resilient communities and economies are an integral component of the continental vision for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena. This African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032) supports the realization of this vision by setting out principles, priorities and action areas for enhanced climate cooperation and long term, climate resilient development. The Strategy provides an outline for harmonized and coordinated actions to respond to the impacts of climate change, thereby supporting planning for the continent’s low-emission future.

# Land degradation remains a major constraint to raising the continent’s agricultural productivity, owing to poor
soils, reduced fallows, and nutrient mining. Much of Africa is characterized by low levels of energy access,
particularly in rural areas. Energy demand is projected to grow rapidly to mid-century due to growth of the industrial sector, which creates opportunities for the expansion of energy production from decentralized and renewable sources, particularly wind, hydro and solar.
# Desertification affects approximately 45% of Africa’s total land area, with 55% of this area at high or very high risk of further degradation. According to the IPCC, Africa will see increased droughts, which will continue to affect livelihoods, agriculture, water systems and ecosystems. Already, 18 of the world’s 20 most food insecure countries are in Africa. Furthermore, two of the world’s areas most vulnerable to ecosystem collapse within the next decade (due to resource scarcity and natural disasters) are in African rangelands.

The Strategy defines the main parameters and priorities in building African resilient capacities for adaptation and exploiting the benefits of the mitigation potential of the continent. It seeks to ensure that institutions, strategies, and decisions for climate risk management and climate-resilient development are integrated and implemented as a central aspect of achieving sustainable development, as framed by Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.The

Strategy highlights the importance of supporting the most vulnerable communities and groups. It recognizes that women and the youth face challenge in responding to climate impacts, but also acknowledges and seeks to support the critical role that they play as change agents driving climate responses at local, national, sub-regional and continental levels. To promote an inclusive climate approach, this Strategy seeks to enhance collective development, participation, implementation, and monitoring. In particular, the Strategy provides a consolidated platform around which partnerships can be built with non-governmental and civil society organizations, as well as the private sector.