The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Consultative Group of Experts in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Partnership on Transparency in the Paris Agreement (PATPA), concluded a three-day Regional Training Workshop aimed at strengthening Africa's capacity to prepare high-quality Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) under the Paris Agreement.
Held from 27-29 April 2026 in Maputo, the workshop brought together experts from 41 African countries to share experiences and strengthen practical skills for climate reporting and action. The training took place as countries prepare for a new round of reporting that will require stronger systems, better coordination, and improved capacity.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mozambique's Secretary of State for Land and Environment, Mr Gustavo Dgedge, highlighted the importance of transparency for national planning. "For countries like Mozambique, facing cyclones, floods, and droughts, transparency is not simply an international obligation; it is a practical tool for better planning, stronger coordination, and improved national responses," Dgedge said.
UNDP's Deputy Resident Representative Cleopas Torori, underscored the significance of transparency in advancing climate action, saying: "Transparency is the foundation upon which climate action is built. It allows countries to strengthen policies, build trust, and translate ambition into real results."
Representing the Government of Belgium, Mr Nikolaas Swyngedouw, Head of Cooperation, Diplomatic Bureau of the Kingdom of Belgium, reaffirmed support to developing countries: "No country should be left behind in implementing the Paris Agreement. Strong transparency systems are essential for enabling sustainable development and supporting the transition to resilient economies."
African Development Bank's Mozambique Country Manager Mr Rômulo Correa attended. He underscored the Bank's commitment to supporting countries, noting that "transparency is not only a reporting obligation; it is the foundation of trust, accountability, and effective climate action. Strong transparency systems enable countries to track progress, identify gaps, and mobilize the finance needed to scale climate action." He said that the Bank was supporting African countries through initiatives such as the Africa NDC Hub, which provides targeted support to strengthen reporting systems, build institutional capacity, and translate climate commitments into investable actions.
During the workshop, participants exchanged lessons drawn from their national experiences and identified practical ways to strengthen transparency systems. The discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration, peer learning, and sustained support to improve reporting and drive climate action across Africa.
The African Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment to work with partners and countries to strengthen transparency, enhance capacity, and accelerate climate action across the continent.
