17-07-2025
Ethiopia Engages Diplomats on Climate Finance Ahead of Africa Climate Summit
Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has held consultations with the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa ahead of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), calling for stronger international financial and technical support to address the continent's climate challenges.
The meeting, held this week, focused on mobilizing global climate finance for Africa's green development agenda, with particular attention to equitable support for African-led climate solutions.
ACS2 is scheduled for September 8–10, 2025, at the Addis International Convention Centre under the theme 'Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa's Resilient and Green Development.'
The consultations were opened by Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos and moderated by Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa. Officials emphasized that while Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change.
The Ministry of Planning and Development presented the summit's concept note, outlining the summit's vision and objectives. Abas Mohammed, CEO at the Ministry, said ACS2 would seek to unlock grant-based climate finance and drive sustainable investment across Africa.
Participants highlighted Ethiopia's own initiatives, such as the Green Legacy reforestation campaign, as examples of domestic climate leadership that require international support to scale.
The Government of Ethiopia, in partnership with the African Union, has also launched the official ACS2 website. In a welcome message posted on the platform, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the summit will be 'a vital opportunity to redefine Africa's aspirations for a climate-resilient and prosperous future.'
Abiy said the summit would be guided by Agenda 2063 and Africa-led solutions, adding that 'African leadership must shape fair and practical global climate action.'
ACS2 follows the first Africa Climate Summit (ACS1), which was held in Nairobi in September 2023. That summit resulted in more than $20 billion in pledged financing and the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, which called for expanded investment in renewable energy and carbon markets.
According to organizers, ACS2 aims to build momentum for Africa's unified climate finance position ahead of major global forums, including COP30, G20, and the UN General Assembly.
Key expected outcomes include:
The Addis Ababa Declaration on climate finance and resilient development;
A push for scaling grant-based climate finance;
Promotion of African-led climate solutions;
Strengthening of country platforms and local systems to deliver climate finance;
Strategic partnerships to support just transition and climate justice efforts across the continent
