The 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held in Samoa, marks a significant moment for the Commonwealth as it grapples with pressing global challenges, particularly those that affect Africa and other vulnerable regions. This year's theme, "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth,” emphasises resilience, a crucial trait for addressing the overlapping crises of climate change, economic instability, and social inequality.
The meeting is the first CHOGM hosted by a Small Island Developing State from the Blue Pacific, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and the unique perspectives of nations most affected by climate impacts.
The theme of resilience has been central to the discussions, reflecting the need for the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations to come together to build sustainable futures. In her opening speech, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland highlighted the interconnected nature of current challenges. She described the world as facing a "multi-dimensional polycrisis,” requiring collective action on sustainable development, climate adaptation, and democratic governance.
The Secretary-General pointed out the accomplishments of the Commonwealth in fostering resilience, including initiatives like the Blue Charter and Living Lands Charter. These frameworks are designed to combat the effects of climate change by focusing on ocean conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. Her emphasis on the importance of technology, particularly digital transformation, aligns with the Commonwealth’s goal of creating a more connected and data-driven approach to resilience. Such strategies are vital for African nations, which are often at the frontline of climate-related disasters.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who recently concluded his tenure as Chair-in-Office, reiterated the importance of resilience in his speech. He acknowledged that small states and developing nations, particularly those in Africa, bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts. Kagame called for concrete action, particularly in securing increased climate financing from wealthier nations, highlighting the need for fair and accessible funding terms that do not increase the debt burden of developing countries. His speech underscored the importance of public-private partnerships to drive green investments and foster sustainable development.
Kagame also pointed to the potential of Africa's young population as a driver of innovation and resilience. By investing in digital skills and technology, Africa can address rising unemployment and irregular migration while narrowing the skills gap. This focus on youth empowerment aligns with broader Commonwealth efforts to place young people at the centre of decision-making processes, recognising them as key contributors to the region's future stability and prosperity.
The Samoa CHOGM provides a platform for African nations to emphasise their priorities in the global fight against climate change. Many African countries, which contribute minimally to global carbon emissions, are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts. This year's meeting highlights the Commonwealth’s potential as a coalition to advocate for fairer climate finance mechanisms. Both President Kagame and Secretary-General Scotland stressed the importance of leveraging the "Commonwealth Advantage” to amplify the voices of member states in international negotiations, including the upcoming COP-29 climate conference.
Building resilience in Africa is not just about mitigating the impacts of climate change but also about fostering economic stability. The theme of a "resilient economy” was recurrent in the CHOGM discussions, recognising the need for economic policies that support recovery and long-term prosperity. This includes fostering local entrepreneurship, improving access to digital technologies, and encouraging investment in sectors like fintech and green energy. African nations are particularly focused on economic diversification, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional industries and explore sustainable, technology-driven alternatives.
Africa’s challenges are multifaceted, involving economic vulnerabilities, political instability, and environmental risks. However, the CHOGM discussions also illuminated opportunities. The Commonwealth’s digital and technological initiatives are particularly relevant, with African countries looking to expand their digital economies and improve access to education and healthcare through technology. The emphasis on "smart” and modern governance systems can help African nations strengthen their democratic institutions, increase transparency, and promote accountability.
For Africa, resilience also involves enhancing food security through climate-smart agricultural practices. The Commonwealth's emphasis on sustainable land use and biodiversity protection aligns with ongoing efforts in Africa to adapt farming techniques to changing weather patterns. As Kagame and Scotland highlighted, resilience is not merely about surviving crises but about thriving despite them—leveraging Africa's rich natural resources, youthful population, and growing technological sector for sustainable development.
The 2024 CHOGM in Samoa has reinforced the Commonwealth’s commitment to a resilient and inclusive future, with a particular focus on the needs of vulnerable regions like Africa. The discussions emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, unity, and shared resources in confronting the climate crisis and fostering sustainable growth. The call to transform the Commonwealth into a "Common Wealth” is not just a slogan but a commitment to using the organisation’s collective strengths to create equitable opportunities for all member states.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, Africa’s role in the Commonwealth’s resilience agenda is crucial. By focusing on technology, innovation, and fair climate finance, the continent can position itself as a leader in sustainable development. This requires continued cooperation among member nations, strong governance, and a commitment to implementing bold and ambitious policies. With the support of the Commonwealth and the international community, Africa has the potential to overcome its challenges and lead the way toward a more resilient global future.
The Samoa CHOGM thus stands as a reminder that resilience is not only about adaptation but also about transformation — creating systems that are not just robust but capable of thriving amidst uncertainty. For Africa and other vulnerable regions, the pursuit of a resilient future is both a necessity and an opportunity, one that requires unwavering commitment, solidarity, and innovative thinking.
JP Fabri is an economist.