Africans must take the lead in shaping solutions to climate change and financing the continent’s recovery, according to Channel Africa Business Manager Dicksy Ngqula.

Ngqula says the continent cannot continue relying solely on external support while receiving only a small share of global climate finance, despite being one of the regions most affected by climate change.

He was speaking ahead of the 2026 Africa Matters Summit, which Channel Africa will host later this month to focus on climate change and financing Africa’s recovery.

Ngqula says the summit aims to create a platform where Africans themselves can define the challenges and develop practical solutions.

“We want to create a space where Africans can come together and come up with their own solutions to the issues affecting the continent,” he said.

The summit will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, labour representatives and civil society organisations to explore ways of mobilising resources and strengthening policy frameworks needed to attract climate funding.

Ngqula notes that while global climate finance commitments are increasing, Africa still receives a limited share, partly due to fragmented policy environments across the continent.

The one-day summit will take place on March 25 at Wits Business School in Parktown, Johannesburg and will feature three panel discussions focusing on policy frameworks, climate finance and practical outcomes.

Ngqula says the discussions are intended to produce concrete recommendations rather than becoming what he described as “another talk shop”. Outcomes from the summit will be documented by Wits Business School to ensure progress can be tracked.

The event will also be streamed live on SABC Plus and Channel Africa platforms, allowing audiences across Africa and the diaspora to follow the discussions.

Attendance is free, with participants required to register through Channel Africa’s website.

–ChannelAfrica–