West Africa has taken a major step forward in shaping a climate-resilient and low-carbon future, as WASCAL hosts the inaugural International Conference on Climate Change and Just Energy Transition (I3C-JET) in Abuja, Nigeria. The event brought together policymakers, scientists, investors, civil society, academia, and development partners to explore innovative solutions to address the hazards of climate change and advance just energy transition in Africa.
In his keynote address, the Honorable Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment of Nigeria, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in advancing climate action and energy transition. He noted that although Africa contributes the least to global carbon emissions, the continent is determined to lead through equity, innovation, and sustainable development.
“Nigeria’s commitment to a just transition is clear, deliberate, and rooted in our belief that no one should be left behind in the journey toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient future,” he stated. “Through our Energy Transition Plan, we aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while ensuring universal access to modern energy by 2030.”
Calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, the Minister urged participants to move beyond rhetoric and translate commitments into tangible impact. He commended WASCAL for convening what he described as a timely and strategic platform for regional cooperation.
“Nigeria values WASCAL as a trusted partner in building a resilient and low-carbon future that speaks to our realities. This conference provides an opportunity to deepen dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and translate scientific research into policies that safeguard our shared future.”
Addressing participants, Prof. Emmanuel Ramde, Executive Director of WASCAL, reaffirmed the organization’s mission to strengthen West Africa’s resilience against climate change through capacity building, research, and climate services.
“Since our establishment, we have graduated over 700 master’s and PhD holders, established a world-class Competence Centre in Ouagadougou, and continue to deliver regional climate services that empower communities, farmers, and governments to make informed choices,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of ownership and sustainability among WASCAL member countries to secure long-term impact.
“WASCAL belongs to West Africa it is our shared legacy. Only through collective ownership, shared responsibility, and sustained investment by our governments can we ensure the long-term sustainability and autonomy of this vital institution.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, emphasized that research and innovation are at the heart of effective responses to the complex challenges of climate change. He underscored that the partnership between Africa and the European Union, under the AU-EU Agenda for Research and Innovation, covers key areas such as climate change and renewable energy, public health and food security, green hydrogen and sustainable agriculture, as well as digital transformation and youth innovation.
The Ambassador commended WASCAL’s role as a key partner in strengthening Africa-EU collaboration on climate research, capacity building, and renewable energy innovation.
As the first of its kind, I3C-JET Conference marks a milestone in fostering dialogue across sectors and borders. The conference reaffirmed WASCAL’s central role in advancing science-driven solutions and regional cooperation for a climate-resilient and sustainable Africa.
