In that line, jointly organized by C3A and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), this side-event brought together a broad range of stakeholders, from government officials and academics to civil society, private sector actors, and international organizations. The central focus of the event was the profound and growing influence of climate change on Africa’s labor market. The discussions shed light on both the pressing challenges and the emerging opportunities that climate dynamics present for employment across the continent.

Climate Change and Job Vulnerability

Participants emphasized that Africa’s workforce is highly exposed to climate shocks. With up to 62% of African workers employed in agriculture, a sector already experiencing productivity losses of up to 31%, the implications of climate variability are alarming. Forecasts warn that crop yields could decline by as much as 70% by 2050 if no significant adaptation measures are undertaken. Informal employment representing 83% of jobs in Africa, especially among women and youth, is particularly vulnerable, lacking the protections and buffers needed to withstand extreme weather events and economic disruption.
The side-event underscored that traditional development approaches are no longer sufficient. A bold rethinking of employment policies is needed, one that fully integrates climate adaptation, economic inclusion, and long-term resilience.

Opportunities in the Green Economy

Despite these challenges, speakers also highlighted the tremendous potential the green economy holds for Africa. Emerging sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable forestry, carbon markets, and circular waste management systems could collectively generate tens of millions of jobs by 2050. These jobs would not only help absorb Africa’s growing youth population but also support a more sustainable and inclusive economic model.
To tap into this opportunity, participants called for investments in climate-smart agriculture, reskilling of informal workers, and education reforms that align with future labor market demands. Emphasis was placed on empowering young people and women, who are often the first affected and last supported in times of climate-related disruption.

Just Transition: A Key to Inclusive Growth

A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of a just transition ensuring that climate action does not deepen existing inequalities. As countries pivot toward low-carbon development, national policies must safeguard workers, particularly those in vulnerable sectors. This includes social protection for those displaced by the green transition, compensation mechanisms to cushion income losses, and inclusive governance frameworks that give voice to workers, local communities, and marginalized groups.
Equity, participants noted, must be at the heart of Africa’s climate and employment strategies.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration

The event also offered concrete proposals for regional collaboration and policy innovation. Etienne Espagne, Co-Director of C3A, underscored that strategic regional coordination is vital to develop high-skill, climate-resilient employment: 

“As climate change disrupts yields and redefines commodity value, aligning supply chains with regional strengths can reduce risk and boost shared prosperity. Although the costs of renewables are falling, uncertainty still poses challenges. Early investment and coordinated actions are essential to secure resilient and inclusive green jobs.”

One recommendation was the creation of a regional observatory to monitor green jobs and just transition metrics. This observatory would track disaggregated labor market data by gender, age, sector, and geography, helping governments design targeted, evidence-based policies.
Additionally, participants stressed the need to embed SDG-aligned employment targets into national climate strategies and budget frameworks. Stronger alignment between employment and climate objectives would help governments access climate finance while advancing job creation goals.
Finally, the event proposed institutionalizing multistakeholder platforms, spaces where governments, employers, workers, and civil society can co-develop policies and ensure accountability. These platforms can serve as engines of learning, policy exchange, and long-term cooperation.

Beyond AFRSD-11

This side-event made a concrete contribution to the broader goals of ARFSD-11. It advanced regional dialogue on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By highlighting the connection between employment-led climate adaptation and poverty reduction, it also reinforced the agenda of SDG 1 (No Poverty).
Speakers emphasized that tackling climate change and creating decent jobs must go hand in hand. The transition to a green economy presents not just an environmental imperative, but a development opportunity that can drive equitable growth across Africa.
The event concluded with a strong call for African governments and development partners to co-create investment-ready frameworks that link climate resilience, job creation, and social equity. Africa contributes only 4% of global emissions, yet bears the brunt of climate impacts, with 17 of the 20 most climate-vulnerable countries and half of all climate-related disaster fatalities. These challenges place immense pressure on national budgets, compounding issues like food insecurity and social instability.

Also, on the sidelines of AFRSD-11, C3A co-hosted on April 10th a strategic dialogue at Makerere University with UNECA and the Ministry of Finance of Uganda, bringing together policymakers, academics, and climate finance experts from the region to explore the creation of an African-led knowledge network that supports Ministries of Finance in integrating climate risks into fiscal policy. The event highlighted the need for locally anchored tools, peer learning, and capacity-building to help African countries navigate the climate-development nexus. Thanks to Makerere University for hosting this event, and to UNECA and the Ministry of Finance of Uganda for their collaboration. 

More than ever, C3A is committed to supporting Ministries of Finance as they navigate these complex demands, through targeted tools, data, and capacity building. The launch of our Africa regional hub marks a major step forward in strengthening regional engagement and climate-informed fiscal policymaking.
We thank our partner UNECA for inviting us to this vital discussion and for their continued collaboration in advancing Africa’s climate and development goals.

>>> READ THE UNECA PR