Pledges made under the Paris Agreement, including the much-publicized US$100 billion annual climate finance commitment, have consistently failed.
African countries need to collaborate with climate financing models in response to the uncertainties of constantly changing weather patterns.
Yet the most important issue is not just insecurity, but also financing. Without innovative, fair and accessible financing models, Africa's fight against climate change risks becoming an unequal battle against overwhelming odds.
There is a deep injustice at the heart of this matter. According to global climate science under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts.
This imbalance underpins the ethical argument for climate finance: those who contributed least to the crisis should not suffer the most, nor should they alone bear the financial burden of adaptation and mitigation.
However, current global financing mechanisms have failed to deliver results adequately.
Pledges made under the Paris Agreement, including the much-publicized US$100 billion annual climate finance commitment, have consistently failed.
Even when funds are distributed, they are often tied to complex conditions, slow bureaucratic processes and debt-creation instruments that worsen Africa's already fragile fiscal position.
This raises an important question: what kind of financing model does Africa really need?
First, Africa needs a shift from loans to grants. Many African countries are already burdened with high levels of debt, and financing climate resilience through debt is unsustainable and unjust.
Climate finance should prioritize grants, especially for adaptation projects such as irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops and disaster preparedness infrastructure.
In countries like Zimbabwe, where climate shocks often disrupt agricultural productivity, grant-based financing could mean the difference between resilience and recurring crisis.
Second, localised, community-driven financing mechanisms are needed.
Too often, climate funding is centralized at the national or international level, failing to reach the communities most affected.
Smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of Africa's food systems, are often excluded from accessing climate finance. Innovative models such as micro-financing, community climate funds and cooperative-based financing for climate-smart agriculture can empower local actors.
For example, supporting agroecological practices, which are increasingly being adopted in Zimbabwe, could promote sustainable land use as well as enhance resilience.
Third, Africa should take advantage of blended finance models that combine public, private and philanthropic capital.
The private sector has an important role to play, particularly in renewable energy, climate-smart infrastructure and green technologies.
Institutions such as the African Development Bank have begun exploring hybrid finance initiatives to de-risk investments and attract private capital.
However, scaling up these efforts requires strong policy frameworks, transparency and incentives that make green investments attractive and viable.
Equally important is the concept of climate justice financing.
This includes mechanisms such as the Loss and Damage Fund, which compensates countries for irreversible climate impacts.
The establishment of such a fund is an important step forward in recent global climate negotiations, but its operation remains uncertain.
Africa should continue to advocate for accessible, predictable and adequate funding under these frameworks to address losses that cannot be adapted such as lives lost, ecosystem destruction and degradation of cultural heritage.
Furthermore, innovative financing instruments such as green bonds and climate insurance schemes are promising.
Countries such as Nigeria and South Africa have already issued green bonds to finance environmentally sustainable projects. Expanding this model across the continent could open up new streams of capital.
Similarly, climate risk insurance can provide a safety net for vulnerable communities, helping them recover quickly from climate shocks.
However, affordability and accessibility are key challenges that must be addressed to ensure inclusivity.
The second important dimension is governance and accountability.
It is not enough to raise money; They should be used effectively and transparently.
Weak governance structures, corruption and mismanagement can undermine even the best-intentioned financing efforts.
To ensure that climate finance delivers concrete results, it is necessary to strengthen institutions, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and promote public participation.
For Zimbabwe, the need for innovative climate financing is particularly urgent.
The country has experienced frequent droughts, irregular rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, all of which threaten food security and economic stability.
Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, water management systems and renewable energy is no longer optional but mandatory.
However, limited fiscal space hinders the government's ability to independently finance these initiatives.
This makes access to fair and flexible climate finance not only beneficial, but essential.
Furthermore, Africa must assert its voice in global climate negotiations.
The continent cannot afford to become a passive recipient of decisions made elsewhere.
Through collective forums such as the African Union, African nations can push for reforms in global financial systems that prioritize equity, access and sustainability.
This includes advocating for simplified access processes, increased grant-based funding, and greater representation in decision-making bodies.
Importantly, climate finance should not be seen solely as a defensive tool against risks.
This is also an opportunity for change.
With the right investments, Africa can leapfrog into a green economy, harness its vast renewable energy potential, create jobs and drive sustainable development.
For example, solar energy presents immense opportunities for countries like Zimbabwe, where abundant sunlight can be converted into reliable and clean energy.
The call for new financing models against climate change in Africa is not just about money, it is about fairness, survival and the future.
Existing systems are inadequate, often unjust, and misaligned with the realities of the continent.
Africa needs financing models that are accessible, equitable and tailored to its unique challenges.
This includes a shift towards grants, community-driven approaches, blended finance and innovative instruments such as green bonds and insurance.
*Gary Gerald Mtombeni is a Harare-based journalist. He writes here in his personal capacity. For Feedback Email (email protected)/Call: +263778861608