By Fatima Saka
Ahead of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), slated for September 8th to 10th, 2025, in Addis Ababa, the African Union Commission and the Government of Ethiopia have called for a unified African voice ahead of COP30, to push for climate finance reform, and to exhibit climate solutions.
The summit is expected to bring together over 45 heads of state and government, ministers, development partners, civil society actors, and the private sector to push for accelerated climate action, innovative finance solutions, and Africa-led climate resilience strategies.
In a high-level virtual media briefing held Friday, top AU and Ethiopian officials emphasized that ACS2 is not merely a gathering but Africa’s moment to lead.
“Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions yet remains the most climate-vulnerable region. ACS2 is our opportunity to transform bold climate ambitions into scalable solutions,” said H.E. Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.
Vilakati highlighted the continent’s immense solar energy potential and ongoing efforts to triple renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030, as initially envisioned at the inaugural summit in Nairobi. However, he warned that Africa continues to face a massive climate finance gap. While Africa needs $3 trillion by 2030 to meet its climate targets, only $30 billion was received between 2021 and 2022.
“Only 18% of our mitigation needs and just 20% of adaptation needs are currently funded. We need finance that is efficient, just, and Africa-focused,” he stated.
“This is Africa’s time to act, innovate, and lead. Let us raise one united, bold African voice,” Vilakati added.
Ethiopia: A Model of Climate Ambition
The host country, Ethiopia, was praised for its climate leadership, especially through the Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen over 40 billion trees planted since 2019, boosting forest cover from 17.2% to 23.6% in just four years.
“This is not just a summit, it is a continental movement,” declared H.E. Sayoum Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Planning and Development. “We want ACS2 to project a unified African voice ahead of COP30, push for climate finance reform, and showcase homegrown solutions already transforming lives.”
Mekonnen cited Ethiopia’s investments in renewable energy and electric mobility, as well as regional power integration with Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan, and Tanzania, as examples of African innovation. He urged the media to tell stories of African climate solutions that often go unnoticed.
“Africa is scaling climate-smart agriculture, using satellite tech for forest monitoring, and creating green jobs, 1 million in Ethiopia alone through the Green Legacy. These are the stories the world must hear,” Mekonnen urged
Climate Solutions with Global Impact
During the panel discussion, Mr. Abbas Mohammed, co-chair of ACS2’s content and programming committee, said the summit will present flagship reports on successful African initiatives, such as: Large-scale reforestation efforts,Resilient agriculture models, Renewable energy expansion, and Community-led adaptation projects.
“These aren’t theoretical. They are operational, scalable, and globally relevant,” Abbas stressed. “This summit is designed to shift the narrative from Africa as a climate victim to Africa as a climate solution provider.”
Strategic Objectives and Stakeholder Engagement
ACS2 will operate under two strategic pillars: ‘Showcasing African climate action and innovation., and Unlocking scalable finance, including calls for international financial architecture reforms and promotion of innovative financial instruments.
The summit preparation is being coordinated by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister’s Office and supported by six functional committees, with over 56 official events and 2,200 side event applications already received.
Media Mobilization and Call to Action
Journalists were urged to become “influencers” and partners in shaping global narratives..
2025 ACS2: Africa Sets Pace to Host Global Climate Action in Addis Ababa
Organizers encouraged global media to register for press access at the summit, which will include interview opportunities, press rooms, and editorial resources.
As the continent grapples with the realities of droughts, floods, and food insecurity, ACS2 aims to deliver concrete declarations, galvanize financing, and ensure African solutions shape the global climate future.
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