Accra, 26th May 2025
West African countries have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating climate action by enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of the 2025 global deadline. This resolution was made at a recent regional workshop held in Lomé, Togo, focused on reviewing and improving regional climate plans.
The workshop, convened by WASCAL’s West Africa Hub of the Independent Global Stocktake (iGST WA Hub) brought together government representatives, climate experts, civil society actors, and development partners to share findings from a youth-led study analysing the Nationally Determined Contributions of seven West African countries.
In a speech read on his behalf, Executive Director of WASCAL, Professor Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé, reiterated WASCAL’s support for evidence-based climate decision-making and inclusive governance.
“Our commitment is to empower West African nations with the data and partnerships necessary to increase their climate ambitions and meet global expectations,” said Prof. Ramde.
Prof. Ramdé praised the collaboration and the work of the young researchers who led the study, supported by technical partners including CSIR South Africa and national climate focal points. Funding for the workshop was provided by the Climate Works Foundation and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the AICCRA project.
“The stocktake process must translate from a global event into a regional movement and national priority. West Africa has the capacity and determination to advance climate ambition through collective action and evidence-based policies. He added.
Dr. Segnon Alcade, Project Lead for AICCRA, was confident about the success of the meeting
“The global stocktake must resonate beyond global summits. It must take root in local realities, regional ambitions, and national policy contexts. He stated. The study reviewed the sectoral commitments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, assessing how these align with the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake. It also examined the role of civil society and other non-state actors in shaping and implementing these commitments.
This regional analysis provides a timely contribution to the development of the next generation of NDCs, expected to be submitted ahead of COP30 in 2025. The workshop emphasised the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement, particularly the meaningful involvement of youth and vulnerable groups.
Over the past years, the iGST WA Hub has established national networks and facilitated evidence-based dialogues to foster peer learning and strengthen climate governance in the region. To date, the initiative has mobilised over 500,000 US dollars to support these efforts.
WASCAL remains committed to supporting all partners and encourages further collaboration to ensure the successful revision and implementation of enhanced climate plans.
