National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has proposed the establishment of a dedicated fund to support environmental programmes across Africa. He made this proposal during a meeting with Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The meeting focused on ways African countries can respond to the growing effects of climate change. Wetang'ula emphasized the need for a realistic and sustainable financing model for climate action.
The proposed financing arrangement should be practical and sustainable enough to help countries implement climate policies rather than leaving them at the level of commitments. Wetang'ula stressed that Africa has resources that can help strengthen its ability to finance climate action. However, he urged countries to ensure their natural wealth is used responsibly. Africa is rich in minerals and other natural resources, which can be leveraged to support climate action.
Wetang'ula also called for greater cooperation among African lawmakers in developing and supporting environmental laws. He urged legislators to take a united position on climate matters while ensuring that laws provide clear responsibility for those who cause environmental damage. This, he believes, will help hold environmental polluters accountable. The Speaker emphasized the importance of a unified approach to addressing climate change.
The talks between Wetang'ula and the Pan-African Parliament members are part of a wider engagement among African lawmakers on continental policies and legislation addressing common challenges, including climate change. Lawmakers are currently working on a Model Law on Climate Change aimed at providing a shared legal approach to climate-related challenges across Africa. This law seeks to provide a stronger legal framework for addressing environmental concerns.
Wetang'ula highlighted Kenya's role in environmental matters, pointing to the country's hosting of UN-Habitat. With Kenya hosting UN-Habitat, Wetang'ula believes the country has a special responsibility to champion environmental protection. He urged African countries to move beyond making climate pledges and focus on putting policies into practice, with funding forming a key part of the process.
The proposed Model Law on Climate Change is being developed as lawmakers seek to address the growing effects of climate change. Wetang'ula emphasized that legislation alone will not be enough if governments lack the financial resources needed to put climate measures into effect. He stressed the need for Africa to move from commitments to action by ensuring that climate policies and laws are backed by adequate resources.
The National Assembly Speaker's call for a dedicated Africa climate fund is a significant development in the region's efforts to address climate change. The fund aims to support environmental programmes and help countries implement climate policies. With the support of lawmakers and the Pan-African Parliament, the proposed fund may become a reality, providing a much-needed boost to Africa's climate action efforts.
Key points
- Wetang'ula proposes a dedicated Africa climate fund to support environmental programmes.
- The proposed Model Law on Climate Change aims to provide a shared legal approach to climate-related challenges across Africa.
- Wetang'ula emphasizes the need for a realistic and sustainable financing model for climate action.
