The 3rd Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa has kicked off at Villa Rosa Kempinski, bringing together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to address climate resilience, with agriculture at the center of discussions.
Kenya Faces Rising Climate Pressures
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe underscored the urgency of climate action, noting that Kenya’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture exposes millions to climate shocks.
“It is now time for climate dialogue and innovation, we gather not only to discuss climate change, but to share a path towards resilience, prosperity, and shared responsibility,” said Kagwe.
He revealed that 98% of Kenya’s farming depends on rainfall, making it highly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns. Between 2020 and 2023, the country experienced five consecutive failed rainy seasons, resulting in the worst drought in four decades.
In 2022, 4.4 million Kenyans faced acute food insecurity, while pastoralists lost over 2.5 million livestock, Kagwe noted adding that floods in 2024 displaced thousands and destroyed crops and infrastructure.
Call for Climate Justice and Fair Responsibility
The CS challenged global climate narratives that disproportionately burden developing countries, particularly in agricultural exports.
“I have never heard anybody say… we will not buy your steel or your oil. Yet we are told we will not buy your coffee unless you stop deforestation,” he said.
In addition, he emphasized the need for fairness, arguing that major polluters must bear greater responsibility. “The polluters must accept, we are polluting more, we should pay more… because non-polluting benefits us all.”
He called for inclusive dialogue involving governments, private sector players, farmers, and youth, warning that climate change is no longer a distant threat. “These extremes are no longer rare events. Climate change is now a lived reality.”
Government Steps Up Climate Action
Kagwe highlighted Kenya’s ongoing mitigation efforts, including a national tree-planting initiative targeting 15 billion trees over the next decade, and policies such as the Climate Change Act and Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy.
He noted that Kenya already derives about 80% of its energy from renewable sources and is scaling climate-smart farming practices, including drought-resistant crops, irrigation, and livestock insurance.
“Food security is not just about production. It’s about access, equity, and resilience,” he said, calling for increased climate financing and private sector investment.
Global Partnerships and Investment Momentum
Italian Ambassador to Kenya Vincenzo Del Monaco emphasized the importance of international collaboration and investment in Africa’s climate future.
“To ensure a future characterised by prosperity, it is essential to take combined vision, political will, investment and capital with the full involvement of all stakeholders,” he said.
He highlighted new initiatives under Italy’s development agenda, including a venture capital fund for Africa and growing focus on digital innovation and tech diplomacy.
The summit is expected to drive deeper partnerships aimed at strengthening Africa’s role in global supply chains while advancing sustainable and climate-resilient growth.