Addis Ababa: Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa underscored that the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) would be instrumental in catalyzing solutions for a resilient future.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the summit, organized in collaboration with the African Union Commission, will be held from September 8 to 10, 2025, in Addis Ababa. It aims to catalyze global climate solutions and enhance access to climate financing for Africa’s sustainable development. The decision to host the summit follows a recent African Union Summit aimed at accelerating global solutions and financing.
In a media briefing, Minister Fitsum emphasized Ethiopia’s election to host the summit as a reflection of its longstanding commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development. She highlighted that the Government of Ethiopia’s dedication to climate action is evidenced by initiatives such as the Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, launched in 2011, which has become a cornerstone of the country’s 10-Year Development Plan.
The minister noted Ethiopia’s continued efforts to translate its climate commitments into tangible results through nationally recognized flagship initiatives. These include the Green Legacy Initiative, which saw over 40 billion tree seedlings planted between 2019 and 2023, along with ambitious programs in renewable energy, e-mobility, climate-smart urban planning, sustainable land management, and watershed development.
She emphasized that the summit will serve as a platform to showcase nature-based solutions, promote climate finance, and explore investment opportunities. The event is expected to bring together approximately 25,000 participants, including heads of state, global climate leaders, civil society organizations, academics, and private sector representatives.
The summit’s theme, “Green Talks and Green Actions,” underscores its focus on actionable, scalable solutions for climate resilience. Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, stressed the urgency of the summit given the continent’s vulnerability to climate impacts.
Vilakati noted that although Africa contributes just 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it bears the brunt of climate change’s consequences. He highlighted the continent’s unprecedented threats to food and water security, public health, and critical infrastructure. Vilakati pointed out that Africa requires 250 billion US Dollars annually to finance climate adaptation and mitigation but currently receives only 30 billion US Dollars. He emphasized the need for innovative funding mechanisms and global cooperation to address this massive financing gap.
He concluded by stating that the summit will foster high-level dialogue and action to support Africa’s transition toward a climate-resilient and green development pathway.