GLOBAL activists are watching progress in the preparatory meeting for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) late next month in the Brazilian city of Belém.

International observers say in write ups abroad that in the COP30 preparatory meeting in Dar es Salaam Africa's positions are focused on securing new and increased climate finance for adaptation and loss and damage, a position expressed at the preliminary consultation stage before the plenary session was opened yesterday.

Other key demands are reforming the international financial architecture, achieving a just and equitable energy transition and strengthening domestic and regional capacity, demands that are being entrusted to the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) with Tanzania in the chairing role.

They said that the continent is also championing initiatives like natural capital accounting to better measure its ‘green wealth’ and improve access to finance, where climate change stakeholders from across Africa have a tough task obtaining results on the proposals at the plenary session, they said.

Yesterday hundreds of stakeholders convened in Dar es Salaam for the third strategic meeting of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), a meeting coordinated by the Tanzanian government to forge a unified, strong continental voice ahead of the global conference late next month.

Local organisers said that the session is crucial for consolidating Africa’s common position on implementing the Paris Agreement, focusing on five critical themes listed as the African Package for Delivery at COP30, dubbed as a global delivery conference of the parties, with a focus on tangible action and accountability.

Cyprian Luhemeja, the Union and Environment permanent secretary in the Vice President’s Office (VPO), opened the meeting, noting that it is the third strategic session since Tanzania took over the AGN chairmanship.

"The goal is to strengthen Africa’s unity ahead of what is being called the ‘Delivery COP’—a summit focused on action and accountability,” he stated, underlining that Africa remains highly vulnerable to severe climate impacts, including prolonged droughts, floods, sea level rise and soil erosion, necessitating urgent collective intervention.

National efforts such as the construction of seawalls in Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mtwara and Zanzibar are examples of Tanzania's commitment to enhancing climate resilience, he said, hinting that the African Package for Delivery at COP30 will center on climate finance,  increased and more accessible funding, just energy transition, as well as ensuring energy access without hindering development.

It also maps out resilience, enhancing protection against climate disasters and thus promoting climate justice, promoting fair compensation for affected communities and implementation of these measures, he said, similarly pointing at restoring confidence in global frameworks and upholding Africa’s position.

Dr Clara Makenya, country head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), commended the AGN for its strength as a coordinating body, asserting that the world is at a decisive moment.

 “The impacts of climate change are real, and Africa continues to stand out as a model of resilience and innovation in confronting this crisis,’ she said, stressing the importance of ensuring that climate funds reach local communities directly, particularly those most affected by climate impacts.

Dr Ama Essel, the Ghanaian lead coordinator for health and research at AGN, described the meeting as a crucial platform to prepare with a unified voice. "This is our time to reaffirm Africa’s shared vision—to secure equitable access to climate finance, protect lives and uphold justice during the global transition period,” she emphasized.

Dr Richard Muyungi, senior State House adviser on environment and climate change chairing the group of negotiators, outlined the key aims of Tanzania’s leadership at AGN.

It is bent on reinforcing continental solidarity, rebuilding trust in the international system and advocating for climate actions that are fair, inclusive and aligned with Africa’s development and socio-economic priorities, he declared.