COP30 in Belém: Tosi Mpanu Mpanu Outlines the DRC’s and Africa’s Expectations

As the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) unfolds in Belém, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is championing a strategic position: ensuring that the “special circumstances” of Africa are formally recognized in global climate negotiations.

In an exclusive interview, Tosi Mpanu Mpanu to environewsrdc.org, Senior Climate Negotiator and Environmental Adviser to the President of the DRC, explained the significance of this demand, which is shared by several African nations.

“Africa is not a uniform bloc,” he stressed.

“Some countries are experiencing rapid economic growth, while others remain extremely vulnerable to climate change. We want this diversity to be acknowledged and reflected in the global decisions being made.”

According to Mpanu Mpanu, the COP presidency has already referred the issue to a consultation session to determine how African specificities could be recognized within the official negotiation texts.

Climate Finance Under Scrutiny: The Debate Over the TFFF

The DRC is also seeking clarity on the Tropical Forest Finance Facility (TFFF), a funding mechanism offering compensation of US$4 per hectare for forest conservation.

“If you take one hectare used for firewood, what does it actually produce? What economic returns does it generate for local communities?” Mpanu Mpanu questioned.

“Four dollars per hectare cannot compensate for alternative uses. We must therefore assess whether the TFFF truly serves our needsor whether new financing models are required.”

Repositioning the DRC as a Climate Power

For Kinshasa, COP30 represents a pivotal opportunity to reposition the DRC as a forest and climate powerhouse within the Global South, while demanding environmental justice that matches the country’s conservation efforts.

 “We must transform our natural capital into a driver of sustainable development, not an economic burden,” the Congolese negotiator concluded.