As the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) winds to a close in Baku, Azerbaijan, a growing cloud of disillusionment is hanging over the talks.

Of the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change, a staggering 17 are located in Africa. African leaders and citizens are raising their voices louder than ever, demanding accountability and concrete measures to combat the climate crisis. African countries are grappling with severe droughts, floods and escalating food insecurity, all exacerbated by climate change.

Disgruntled citizens say that with every passing year, promises of climate-related financing and meaningful global cooperation remain just that — promises.

Dan Kaburu, a Nairobi resident who spoke with DW, said his hope for a breakthrough at COP29 is waning.

"The current COP happening in Baku doesn't matter much, because when we look at the previous COPs, there are a lot of promises but nothing much to show for them" said Kaburu. "It doesn't make a lot of sense when the global leaders meet and always have these exchanges or move goalposts."

In Malawi, Angella Phiri expressed frustration over the lack of obvious outcome, saying simply: "We need tangible results."

Meanwhile, Ghanaian student Safiyya Muhammad Ikileel questioned the feasibility of the summit's goals. "If these same people have big companies and support industrialization, if they want to make things OK, that means industrialization has to slow down or stop," she said. "And I don't think we are at the point in this world now where........

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