At the African Climate Summit in Ethiopia last week, leaders warned global military costs are draining aid for climate adaptation. They urged richer nations and private investors to step up, as Africa faces worsening floods, droughts and heatwaves.

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• Global military spending at $2.7 trillion in 2024
• Spending jumped 9.4% from 2023, steepest since Cold War
• Less aid left for Africa’s $70B annual adaptation needs
• Africa received only $14.8B in 2023, far below target
• Donors shifting focus to Ukraine, Gaza conflicts
• GCA’s program investing in mangroves, waste recycling
• Leaders call climate fight “common agenda” over defence
• Africa’s debt $1.8T, spends 3x more on debt than climate
• Private sector urged to fill finance gap, only 6% now
• $1 invested in adaptation can return $10 in benefits