Policy mechanisms of the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities to manage transboundary climate risks

This report aims to build a better understanding of the political economy of transboundary climate risks (TCARs) and their management in the African Union (AU). It examines AU policies and programmes and those of four regional economic communities (RECs) – the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Africa (IGAD). It then identifies entry points within AU and REC mechanisms that could assist member states in coordinated TCAR management.

The study explores the enabling conditions within existing policy structures for enhancing cooperation and managing transboundary climate risks. It highlights ways of moving forward and recommends feasible actions that can be taken by the AU and the RECs to meet the shared challenges to climate-resilient development that Africa faces.