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Africa faces important choices about how to pursue economic development while addressing environmental challenges. Trade, industrialisation and the use of natural resources create opportunities for growth, but can also raise competing environmental, social and economic priorities.
The Regional Consultative Meeting brought together African civil society representatives and other stakeholders to discuss environmental governance, multilateral cooperation and the continent's role in shaping international policy. Discussions also addressed the participation of women and young people in environmental decision-making.
Building on its longstanding support for the consultation process, KAS Regional Programme Economy Africa contributed perspectives on trade and economic development. The exchange examined the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while emphasising that market access alone does not guarantee competitiveness or broad-based economic benefits. Skills, infrastructure, energy, finance, technology and effective institutions remain essential.
Participants also considered how Africa can strengthen productive capacity, retain greater value from its resources and navigate the economic implications of environmental policies.The meeting concluded with consolidated civil society priorities and a joint statement to inform forthcoming regional and international environmental processes.
