By Linda Makau
As the impacts of climate change grow more acute, so too does the need for bold and collective action. From 8–10 September 2025, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) — a landmark moment to affirm Africa’s role as a solutions provider in the global climate agenda. Under the theme, “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” ACS2 seeks to build on the success and momentum of the inaugural Nairobi summit held in 2023.
Africa contributes only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains the most climate-vulnerable continent. With rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and recurring climate-induced shocks, the continent’s economies, ecosystems, and communities are under siege. “Access to clean water, food security, and public health systems are all under immense stress,” noted H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission (AUC). “These impacts threaten to reverse decades of development gains.”
In this context, ACS2 is not just another gathering — it is an urgent platform to secure outcomes. The summit will convene 45+ African Heads of State and Government, alongside ministers, civil society, UN agencies, donors, youth, and private sector leaders, to create a roadmap that aligns regional action with international negotiations such as COP30 in Belem, Brazil, and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Day 2 of the Summit will place a spotlight on Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) a crucial area of focus as the continent grapples with the escalating impacts of climate shocks. During a press briefing, Harsen Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission emphasized that these sessions will showcase Africa’s progress in implementing the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative, and explore ways to strengthen national and regional systems.. His experience covers the following sectors Biodiversity, Blue Economy, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Forestry, Land Management, Meteorology, Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Water and Wildlife.
The first edition of the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi set a powerful precedent by declaring Africa as a solutions powerhouse. ACS2 aims to scale those ambitions and track progress on commitments made in Nairobi while launching new partnerships, initiatives, and investment frameworks that reflect Africa’s climate priorities.
According to H.E. Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, “Africa needs a platform that reflects its priorities and drives real outcomes. ACS2 is that platform. It brings voices together, builds alignment and alliances, and creates the space to turn ambition into action on our terms.”
The rotational hosting of the summit starting with Kenya in 2023, now Ethiopia in 2025, and another African country in future editions reflects the continental ownership of the climate agenda. To achieve its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, Africa requires an estimated US$250 billion annually between 2020 and 2030. Yet, only US$30 billion currently flows into the continent each year, much of it in the form of concessional loans. That represents just 12% of the continent’s climate finance needs.
This year’s summit, therefore, prioritizes innovative climate finance mechanisms from debt-for-nature swaps and blended finance to carbon markets and regional green banks. Leaders are expected to push for equitable access to climate finance, a call that has grown louder in the wake of repeated shortfalls in pledged international support.
The Summit will include:
- High-level plenary sessions with heads of state
- Ministerial roundtables on climate finance, just transitions, trade, and adaptation
- Youth forums and innovation showcases
- Side events, with over 100 proposals already submitted
- Thematic pavilions, over 50% of which have already been booked
These activities will highlight African-led initiatives in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, nature-based solutions, and digital innovation, showcasing a continent on the move.
As Commissioner Vilakati noted during pre-summit remarks, “The ACS2 provides a pivotal moment for us to show leadership in climate action. I urge our partners to support us and our member states in building a climate-resilient and green development agenda for the Africa We Want.”
The Ethiopian government and AUC have issued a continued call for partnership and contributions, inviting financial, in-kind, and strategic support for the delivery and visibility of ACS2. The summit’s organizing committee has been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders from philanthropic foundations and UN agencies to private sector entities and civil society organizations to ensure an inclusive, impactful summit.
“Let us come together not just for discussions but for tangible, transformative outcomes,” urged Vilakati. “We invite African Union Member States and global partners to present transformative partnership opportunities, attract new investments, and champion a climate-resilient Africa.”
With the global community heading toward critical climate negotiations at COP30, Africa’s unified voice is essential. ACS2 represents an opportunity to ensure that African realities and innovations are central to the global climate discourse.
Whether it’s scaling solar energy in the Sahel, supporting coastal resilience in island nations, or elevating indigenous knowledge systems in forest conservation the continent is rich with climate solutions that need financing, scaling, and international recognition.
The Second Africa Climate Summit is more than a regional event. It is a continental catalyst for global change.
