NEWS & POLITICS
Ethiopia concludes climate summit focused on financing Africa’s green future
Ethiopia has concluded its Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2), securing pledges of more than $100 billion under the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative to advance climate-resilient infrastructure.
Noluthando Buthelezi
The summit held in collaboration with the African Union, ran under the theme, "Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing Africa's Resilient and Green Development." It aimed to champion African-led climate solutions and marked a key milestone on the road to COP30.
Various stakeholders convened in the country's capital, Addis Ababa, to participate in high-level discussions about securing further financial commitments. In his keynote address, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali made a proposal for the establishment of an African Climate Innovation Compact. He highlighted the program's potential to deliver 1,000 Africa-centered climate solutions by 2030, supported by $50 billion in annual joint financing, and connecting startups, universities, research centers, and communities.
"Too often, Africa's story at climate summits begins with what we lack: finance, technology, time. Let us begin instead with what we have," he exclaimed.
Civil society and development partners praised the initiative, highlighting how these climate innovation hubs and resilient development strategies showcase Africa's capacity to forge its own sustainable future.
The end of the summit saw leaders, civil society, policymakers, and business owners calling for rigorous climate action and the implementation of a clear roadmap.
