Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the need for Africa to change its narrative and highlight its wealth and potential instead of being portrayed as a poor and disease-ridden continent. He made this statement during the African Youth Climate Assembly 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. Ruto pointed out that Africa has significant natural assets, including carbon sequestration, which should be valued and properly accounted for.
Femi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank, also stressed the importance of recalibrating Africa’s wealth based on its natural capital. He called for the continent’s GDP to be re-estimated to include the value of its natural resources, such as carbon sequestration. Adesina advocated for the creation of an African carbon market and the inclusion of natural capital in GDP calculations.
Both leaders acknowledged the debt burden facing Africa and the need for new financing instruments to address the debt crisis. They also highlighted the importance of agriculture and food production in creating jobs and wealth for African youth.
The African Youth Climate Assembly aims to amplify the voices of youth and children on climate change and engage them in discussions on environmental and climate-related issues.