08 Nov 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was on Monday named African climate mobility champion together with the leaders of Niger, Somalia and Uganda.

 Conferring the honour and its associated tasks on the four leaders, World Bank vice president for western and central Africa Mr Ousmane Diagana said it was in recognition of the efforts they were making towards combating forced migration of people internally and regionally as a consequence of climate change.

As champions, the leaders would be expected to continue their work at regional level and inspire the continent towards addressing climate mobility.

Being the champion for Southern African, Botswana is expected to promote data research and innovation in tandem with President Masisi’s vision. 

Accepting the honour, President Masisi decried the widespread lack of knowledge about the connection between climate change and its impacts on livelihoods as outlined  in the Africa Climate Mobility Initiative. 

The President also expressed concern that people relocated in response to climate stressors and shocks without understanding the risks they might  face in the new locations.

Such unplanned climate mobility resulted in new vulnerabilities, President Masisi stated.

 He said better research, innovation and data provision in order to inform vulnerable communities was therefore necessary. 

President Masisi expressed optimism that communities could be empowered to become more resilient in mitigating the challenges of rural-urban migration or to other countries in response to climate change induced stressors based on evidence, science and technology. 

The President pledged to work with Global Centre for Climate Mobility, African Observatory for Migration, International Organisation for Migration, Columbia University and African university partners to champion data and knowledge for people-centered climate action in Africa.

He also indicated the availability of relevant agencies in Botswana to work closely with the partners to ensure a result-oriented partnership. 

The Africa Climate Mobility Initiative agenda for action revolves around eight action items for the period 2022 to 2030. 

They include anticipating and planning for climate mobility, integrating climate mobility in development planning, informing people of climate risks, amplifying women’s role, harnessing the youth’s ambitions, building locally, investing in resilient and connected cities as well as pursuing nature positive development. Ends