Experts Call for More Skilled African Climate Negotiators to Strengthen Global Representation.

Climate experts have called for greater investment in developing a new generation of African climate negotiators equipped with the scientific knowledge, policy expertise and diplomatic skills needed to effectively represent the continent in international climate negotiations.

The call was made during the African Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF) Cohort 5, organised by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) in Accra. The week-long programme brought together young climate leaders from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Senegal, with additional participants joining virtually.

Throughout the fellowship, participants received intensive training in climate science, climate finance, climate justice, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, climate diplomacy and negotiation techniques through practical simulation exercises.

Speaking during the program, Chairman of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and Director of Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation at Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, stressed the importance of preparing young Africans to actively participate in shaping global climate decisions.

He explained that climate negotiations influence national climate policies and determine how countries respond to climate-related challenges, making it essential for Africa to develop negotiators with both technical competence and strong diplomatic skills.

According to Dr. Amoah, Africa’s youthful population presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the continent’s influence in global climate governance, provided young people receive the necessary training and mentorship.

He noted that effective participation in climate negotiations requires more than enthusiasm, urging young people to continuously build their expertise across multiple disciplines, as climate change affects sectors ranging from agriculture and health to energy and economic development.

The Country Manager of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), Dr. Prince Ansah, also highlighted the importance of empowering young people to engage meaningfully in climate policymaking.

He said youth involvement should extend beyond attending international conferences such as the Conference of the Parties (COP), encouraging young leaders to influence climate decisions at community, national, regional and international levels.

Dr. Ansah added that equipping young people with negotiation skills would enable them to contribute more effectively to local climate action while preparing them for participation in global climate discussions.

Participants described the fellowship as a transformative learning experience that deepened their understanding of climate governance and international negotiations.

Emmanuel Kofi Mensah from Ghana said the program enhanced his appreciation of the relationship between climate negotiations, governance and policymaking, adding that the knowledge gained would strengthen his climate advocacy efforts.

Similarly, Sarfoh Danquah, a climate adaptation advocate, said the fellowship bridged important knowledge gaps by combining theoretical instruction with practical negotiation exercises.

From Nigeria, Princess Kemdi Chika-Okafor noted that the interactive simulations significantly improved participants’ confidence and negotiation skills, equipping them to address climate challenges affecting agriculture and vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the close of the program, Executive Director of GAYO, Richard Matey, emphasised that Africa needs more than symbolic youth participation in global climate forums.

He said the fellowship seeks to build a network of young Africans capable of understanding complex issues such as climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, and the just transition, while translating that knowledge into practical action that advances Africa’s interests on the global stage.

According to Matey, strengthening the capacity of young climate leaders is a long-term investment in Africa’s ability to influence international climate governance and secure better outcomes for the continent in future negotiations