The Sustainable Horizons Conference aimed to build consensus that climate change is an economic issue of critical importance to MoFs. Sessions ranged from exploring the unique climate opportunities and challenges for African MoFs to discussions on sustainable budgeting, climate finance, and the establishment of dedicated climate units within ministries. The conference also introduced the London School of Economics (LSE) Guide highlighted strategies for adaptation and financing tools. The event emphasized that climate change is not just an environmental issue but requires the direct involvement of finance ministries across Africa.  

C3A played a pivotal role in the conference by coordinating and chairing a session on Green Economic Development and Industrial Policy. This session was introduced by Joseph Nganga, CEO of the Climate Africa Summit, and featured an all-female panel. The panelists included representatives from Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa’s MoFs, as well as experts from the African Minerals Development Centre and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The discussion centered on practical experiences of finance ministries and proposed actionable steps toward advancing green industrialization across Africa.
Key takeaways from the session included a strong consensus among MoFs on their critical role in green industrialization. Countries like Egypt and Rwanda were highlighted for their efforts in enabling green hydrogen and electric vehicle (EV) subsidies, respectively. The session also underscored the importance of Africa's vast deposits of critical minerals, which present both opportunities for green industrialization and risks if not managed properly. Panelist Marit Y. Kitaw urged MoFs to adopt strategic policies that integrate critical minerals into the broader economic framework, drawing examples from countries like Indonesia.
One of the recurring themes at the conference was the need for MoFs to mobilize domestic finance effectively. While international finance remains crucial, it is often catalytic and slow to materialize. Participants emphasized the importance of MoFs building their own capacity and momentum domestically before seeking international funds. This approach has been successfully implemented by countries like Uganda and Rwanda, which have demonstrated strong leadership in climate finance mobilization.
The conference also highlighted the need for analytical capabilities to feed into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Long-Term Strategies (LTSs), and other strategic plans. MoFs from countries like Uganda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Egypt expressed demand for reliable costing and a deeper understanding of the macroeconomic implications of climate policies. However, the need for technical assistance in this area was evident, particularly in terms of integrating climate considerations into broader economic planning and reducing the cost of capital for green investments.
The conference concluded with reflections on the need for finance ministries to take a more strategic role in green industrialization and climate finance. While the extraction of critical minerals offers significant potential for economic development, there is a need for a more nuanced and strategic approach to ensure that these resources contribute to sustainable growth. MoFs must also navigate the complex landscape of interministerial competition and ensure that climate action is integrated across government policies.

The Sustainable Horizons conference in Kampala marked a significant step forward in building consensus among African finance ministries on the importance of addressing climate change as an economic imperative. As MoFs continue to play an increasingly central role in climate action, the lessons learned, and strategies discussed at this conference will be critical in shaping the future of sustainable development across the continent.