Africa is one of the world’s regions most vulnerable to climate change, while its contribution to global emissions has been negligible. To date, its development model has not led to significant progress in terms of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, while the continent has depleted part of its natural capital. Africa has to develop in a landscape very different from those of the industrialized countries, facing climate stress, resource scarcity, trade fragmentation and automation-driven job disruptions. To reconcile its development imperatives with the effects of climate change and to transform its weaknesses into opportunities, Africa needs to leapfrog to a well-being model that places planetary boundaries and human well-being at its centre. This will not only help the continent to build resilience and secure sustainable development but will also mitigate its financing constraints.
