Seidu Issifu calls for bankable China-Africa climate projects at COP31

Ghana’s Minister for Climate Change, Seidu Issifu, has called on China and African nations to transition from high-level green development pledges to the implementation of actionable, bankable projects. Speaking at the COP31 summit in Antalya, Turkey, the Minister emphasized the necessity of moving beyond rhetoric to ensure that climate commitments yield measurable benefits for African communities. He specifically urged for the swift execution of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Action Plan for 2025–2027, which includes support for 30 clean energy projects across the continent.

Minister Issifu stressed that the success of the China-Africa partnership depends on establishing credible investment pipelines that attract both funding and technology. He argued that investments must be tailored to the specific needs and national development goals of African countries rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. By fostering local capacities and ensuring projects are financially viable, the Minister noted that the partnership can provide a sustainable framework for long-term ecological and economic stability. He highlighted China’s existing commitment to supporting clean energy but underscored that implementation remains the true test of partnership success.

Highlighting a shift in narrative, Issifu asserted that climate action should be viewed as a strategic driver for industrialization and job creation rather than an act of charity. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to sustainable financing and urged African nations to take the lead in defining their own development pathways. According to the Minister, the ultimate measure of the FOCAC partnership will be the tangible projects and outcomes that contribute to the continent's future prosperity and environmental resilience, ensuring that green growth aligns with the immediate economic needs of the population.