As city leaders and national governments gather at the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, one message is clear: transitioning away from fossil fuels is the most effective way to guarantee energy security. Current global volatility has proven that fossil fuel dependence is a direct threat to household budgets, national financial stability and global insecurity. By moving away from the price shocks and supply disruptions inherent in fossil fuel dependence, we can deliver what communities actually need: energy that is affordable, reliable and resilient against global crises. This conference stands as one of the most promising outcomes of COP30, signaling a concrete shift from global pledges to local implementation. Earlier this month, over 25 cities from around the world joined the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands in a virtual dialogue co-convened by C40 and ICLEI, ensuring the conference reflects a truly global subnational perspective and showcases the transition in action at the local level.

Over one thousand stakeholders from across government, finance, development, and the private sector are set to convene in Nairobi for the Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) 2026 Summit, seeking to drive a dialogue to unlock sustainable financing for Africa’s agri-food systems.

Scheduled to take place from 30 June to 2 July 2026, the summit will be held under the theme: “Towards Sustainable Financial Architecture for Africa’s Food Systems.” Building on the outcomes of previous editions, FINAS 2026 will place a strong emphasis on implementation, investment mobilisation, and measurable outcomes across the Africa’s agri-food systems financing landscape.

 
Africa’s agri-food systems remain central to economic growth and livelihoods, contributing up to 20–30 percent of GDP in many countries and employing more than 60 percent of the workforce. Yet the sector continues to face a financing gap estimated at over USD 100 billion annually, with agriculture receiving less than five percent of formal bank lending in most markets. These gaps disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, women, youth, and agri-SMEs, even as they produce up to 70–80 percent of the continent’s food supply.

At the same time, climate change, market volatility, and rising food import bills are increasing the urgency for resilient, inclusive, and scalable financing solutions.

Leaders and experts convened at the UN Conference Centre in Addis Ababa to tackle Africa’s interconnected challenges related to climate, water, energy, and food security.

The dialogue on “Climate-Water-Energy-Food Nexus Solutions for Africa’s Sustainable Development” was a hybrid event and part of the #ARFSD12 pre-events, which brought together representatives from UN agencies, the African Union, Resident Coordinators, and ministers to discuss a unified way forward.

Organized under the United Nations Africa Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP) Opportunity and Issues Based Coalition 4 (OIBC4) the dialogue aimed to equip UN Resident Coordinators and other key stakeholders with insights on integrated Climate-Water-Energy-Food solutions, identify best practices, and propose ways to dismantle policy barriers.

The dialogue focused on sharing integrated approaches, showcasing best practices, and discussing strategies at addressing policy and implementation barriers. Participants explored financial instruments, the roles of communities, and identified solutions for water and climate risks, as well as avenues for sustainable development. The event sought to enhance resilience, diversify energy sources, leverage regional assets, and guide leadership towards sustainable growth in Africa.

Ghana has walked away from a proposed US health aid deal, citing concerns over terms requiring the sharing of sensitive health data. The rejected agreement, negotiated under the Trump administration’s “America First Global Health Strategy,” would have channeled $109 million in US health assistance to Ghana over five years while encouraging greater local responsibility for disease control. However, officials in Accra reportedly resisted mounting pressure to finalize the agreement, ultimately rejecting its terms ahead of an April deadline. The decision mirrors similar setbacks in Zimbabwe and Kenya, where data-sharing provisions have also sparked pushback. While the US seeks to reshape global aid partnerships, Ghana’s stance highlights growing tensions over sovereignty, privacy, and the future of international health cooperation.