Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2): Advancing Africa’s Climate Leadership and Solutions in Addis Ababa
By: Archeadious Kubai
Diplomat, Embassy of Ethiopia in Kenya
The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2) will be held from September 8–10, 2025, at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union, this landmark event carries the theme:
“Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”
The summit is expected to bring together over 45 heads of state, along with policymakers, academics, practitioners, youth, media, financiers, business leaders, and other key stakeholders. Together, they aim to advance Africa’s climate agenda, accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and foster continental and global collaboration on the climate crisis facing Africa.
Africa’s Climate Challenge
Africa is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, recurrent droughts, floods, and extreme weather patterns. These events have devastated agriculture, increased food insecurity, and led to the displacement of millions.
Africa’s high vulnerability stems from its heavy reliance on agriculture, limited adaptive capacity, and inadequate infrastructure, despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These climate-induced changes threaten the livelihoods of communities across the continent, making the need for African-led and global solutions more urgent than ever.
A Platform for African Solutions and Leadership
ACS-2 will serve as a strategic platform to amplify Africa’s voice in global climate action, promote African-led climate solutions, and push for bold financial and political commitments. It will also spotlight innovative financing mechanisms, support green growth, and strengthen efforts in climate mitigation and adaptation.
The summit’s agenda will include:
- Showcasing indigenous knowledge and local innovations
- Highlighting youth engagement and community resilience
- Advocating for systemic reforms in global climate finance
- Promoting just partnerships and international cooperation
Importantly, ACS-2 will help establish a unified African position for COP30, ensuring Africa’s priorities and commitments are clearly articulated and advanced on the global stage.
Ethiopia’s Role in Climate Leadership
Ethiopia stands at the forefront of Africa’s climate resilience efforts. The country’s enduring legacy of independence, innovation, and policy leadership makes it a fitting host for this historic summit.
Notably, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI)—a groundbreaking reforestation campaign—has planted over 47.5 billion trees in just seven years. This initiative not only combats climate change but also restores ecosystems and improves livelihoods, exemplifying practical climate action in Africa.
In his message regarding ACS-2, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated:
“This landmark gathering offers a vital opportunity to redefine Africa’s aspirations for a climate-resilient and prosperous future.”
He emphasized that ACS-2 will spotlight proven Africa-led climate solutions and the continent’s efforts to re-green its landscapes, laying a strong foundation for future climate-resilient development.
Building on the Nairobi Declaration
ACS-2 builds upon the momentum of the Inaugural Africa Climate Summit (2023) held in Nairobi, Kenya, which adopted the Nairobi Declaration. That declaration:
- Called for acceleration of the AU Climate and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022–2032)
- Advocated for a new global financial architecture, including debt relief and restructuring
- Emphasized leveraging Africa’s natural resources for low-carbon development
- Urged reform of the multilateral financial system
- Institutionalized the Africa Climate Summit as a biennial event
The Nairobi Declaration marked a turning point in framing Africa’s common position on climate change and finance. ACS-2 now provides the opportunity to move from words to actions.
Financing for Climate Resilience
Climate financing will be a central focus of ACS-2. African countries require substantial investment to realize their climate adaptation and mitigation goals. The summit will explore:
- Innovative financing strategies
- Public-private partnerships
- Access to global climate funds
- Expansion of green bonds
- Engagement with multilateral financial institutions
These mechanisms are essential for building a green, resilient, and inclusive future for Africa.
Toward the Addis Ababa Declaration
The summit is expected to culminate in the Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to:
- Unified continental action
- E-mobility and renewable energy
- Green cities and sustainable food systems
- Nature-based solutions
- Harnessing indigenous knowledge
This declaration will set the tone for Africa’s contribution to COP30 and beyond.
Conclusion
As the climate crisis intensifies, the African continent—though least responsible—is bearing the heaviest burden. The Second Africa Climate Summit presents a historic opportunity to turn the tide, strengthen Africa’s leadership, and advance actionable solutions.
It is time for Africa to not only demand climate justice but also to lead with innovation, unity, and purpose. The world must listen—and act—because Africa’s future is a global priority.
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