African climate negotiators warn against debt-driven energy transition ahead of COP31

The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has warned that the global transition away from fossil fuels cannot be considered just if developing countries are forced to take on unsustainable debt to finance climate action. The group says mounting sovereign debt obligations are limiting the ability of African governments to invest in renewable energy, strengthen climate resilience and provide essential public services, despite the continent's relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The warning comes ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026.