By Arnold Ageta
Ethiopia, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), is preparing to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) from September 8 to 10, 2025, in Addis Ababa.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural summit held in Nairobi in 2023, ACS2 aims to position Africa at the forefront of global climate action by showcasing African-led solutions and driving meaningful outcomes.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” the summit will serve as a platform to track progress on previous commitments, refine strategies, and define a clear roadmap for implementation.
The focus will be on aligning Africa’s climate priorities with global agendas while ensuring that solutions are rooted in the continent’s unique realities.
“Africa needs a platform that reflects its priorities and drives real outcomes. ACS2 is that platform,” said Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development.
“It brings voices together, builds alignment and alliances, and creates the space to turn ambition into action on our terms.”
Strategically scheduled between major global events such as the G20 Summit, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30), ACS2 offers Africa a critical opportunity to influence global climate and finance discussions.
The COP, or Conference of Parties, is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), responsible for reviewing the implementation of the convention and advancing climate negotiations.
Deliberations
Discussions at ACS2 will center on strengthening systems and institutions to ensure effective delivery of climate goals.
Key sessions will address climate finance, just transitions, adaptation, nature-based solutions, trade, innovation, and technology.
The summit will also spotlight successful African initiatives in energy, food systems, climate-smart infrastructure, and innovation.
Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, underscored the urgency of collective action.
“The urgent need for global cooperation has never been clearer, as Africa strives to combat various climate-related challenges while advocating for equitable action against climate change,” he said.
Vilakati called on AU Member States and partners to champion a climate-resilient and green development agenda for the continent.
Summit participants
ACS2 is expected to draw participation from over 45 Heads of State and will feature more than 45 official events across diverse thematic areas.
Interest in the summit has surged, with over 100 side event requests already submitted, reflecting the breadth and depth of engagement across sectors.
The summit’s program will include high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, exhibitions, youth forums, and regional pavilions.
These events will provide a platform for stakeholders to share best practices, forge partnerships, and amplify Africa’s voice in the global climate discourse.
Engagement with key stakeholders has been ongoing, with targeted roundtables and briefing sessions held with AU Member States, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, philanthropic organizations, and non-state actors.
These consultations have helped align expectations and build broad-based support for the summit’s collaborative approach.
Organizers are encouraging early expressions of interest from governments, institutions, and partners, as availability is becoming limited.
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS1), held in Nairobi in 2023, was co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the African Union Commission.
Spearheaded by President William Ruto, the summit culminated in the Nairobi Declaration, which articulated Africa’s unified position on climate action and financing.
The declaration emphasized the continent’s vast potential as a green powerhouse and called for increased global support for African climate initiatives.
The Africa Climate Summits are strategically held ahead of the annual COP conferences to inform and strengthen Africa’s negotiating position.
This year’s COP30 will take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, with over 50,000 participants, including world leaders, expected to attend.