Bel©m: The East African Community (EAC) delegation has arrived in Bel©m, Brazil, to present a united regional position at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). Head of the delegation, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrew Ariik, stated that the regional bloc is participating in the global climate summit to advocate for East Africa’s collective commitment to climate resilience, transboundary cooperation, and sustainable development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ariik emphasized that COP30 is a pivotal moment for East Africa to showcase the importance of regional cooperation in building climate resilience. He highlighted that the EAC’s unified position allows Partner States to voice shared priorities and solutions on the global stage. The delegation, representing all eight Partner States, is focusing on four key priorities: scaling access to climate finance for Least Developed Countries and vulnerable communities, advancing nature-based solutions, strengthening transboundary water cooperation in shared basins such as Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, and accelerating the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) through regional coordination.
Ariik mentioned that these priorities were consolidated during a preparatory experts’ meeting organized by the EAC with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). This meeting harmonized the positions of the Partner States ahead of the global talks. He noted that East Africa’s participation highlights both the region’s vulnerability to climate change and its leadership in crafting data-driven, sustainable responses to the crisis.
A significant highlight of the EAC’s presence at COP30 is the unveiling of the Preview Edition of the Lake Victoria State of the Basin Report 2025. Prepared by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) with support from GIZ, the report provides comprehensive insights into the ecological health, socio-economic conditions, and governance of the Lake Victoria Basin, which supports more than 45 million people across five partner states.
Ariik stated that the EAC stand at COP30 will also showcase flagship programs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation, all aligned with the EAC Climate Change Master Plan (2023-2033). He emphasized the goal of amplifying East Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations to ensure the region benefits fairly from climate finance and technology transfer.
LVBC Executive Secretary Dr. Masinde Bwire noted that the report is a key policy instrument to inform planning, investment, and cross-border cooperation in managing the shared resource. Dr. Bwire stated, “The State of the Basin Report provides evidence-based insights critical for policy and action. It strengthens transboundary cooperation and supports communities dependent on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.”
The report also highlights contributions from German Technical and Financial Cooperation through the £60 million Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Programme, financed by BMZ via KfW. The programme has established the Water Information System (WIS), a digital platform for data collection and analysis to guide decision-making in basin management.
Julia Kronberg, Head of Development Cooperation in Tanzania and the EAC, speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), emphasized the importance of data-driven climate action. Kronberg stated, “Germany is proud to partner with the East African Community in promoting data-driven climate action,” adding that the Basin Report will guide the selection and financing of green infrastructure, cross-border water management, and climate adaptation projects.
Kronberg commended the partnership with the EAC, reiterating Germany’s commitment to supporting regional efforts in sustainable water management and climate adaptation. As global leaders, scientists, and advocates gather in the Amazon-a symbol of environmental stewardship-the EAC delegation positions East Africa as a proactive contributor to global climate solutions.
