Africa’s private sector commits to fighting climate change

Private sector organisations from 43 African countries have committed to fighting climate change and effects of global warming. They made the commitment in Morocco, where they signed the Marrakech Declaration on the sidelines of the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP22).

Friday, November 18, 2016

Private sector organisations from 43 African countries have committed to fighting climate change and effects of global warming. They made the commitment in Morocco, where they signed the Marrakech Declaration on the sidelines of the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP22).

Benjamin Gasamagera, the chairman Private Sector Federation (PSF) signed on Rwanda’s behalf. The continent’s private sector agreed to mainstream climate considerations into business planning and their activities in line with the Paris Agreement that was signed last year in France.

"Climate change effects have no boundaries. That’s why it’s imperative for everyone, including the private sector to commit towards combating climate change,” Gasamagera said.

Representatives of private sector organisations from across Africa hoisted their national flags to show commitment to work with governments to formulate best ways of mitigating climate change.

"A strong synergy between the public and private sectors would enable mobilisation of the necessary funding for the implementation of these projects. Such synergy would also enable the private sector to remain in line with the public policies on climate change,” part of the declaration reads.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw