By Witness Radio team.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Africa has ushered in a new era of climate leadership with the adoption of the historic African Leaders’ Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action at the conclusion of the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2) on Wednesday, 10th. This landmark agreement not only redefines Africa’s role in the global climate debate but also showcases the continent’s unity, determination, and potential to drive innovation, justice, and sustainable solutions.
Over 25,000 people attended the three-day Summit that ran from 8th to 10th of September, and was organized by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in partnership with the African Union. Those in attendance included heads of state, ministers, representatives from civil society, the private sector, indigenous leaders, young people, and scholars. The Summit concluded with ambitious pledges aimed at positioning Africa at the forefront of the global climate economy, under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”
During the Declaration, the Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) was launched, headed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The ACIC, a key component of the Addis Ababa Declaration, is a collaborative platform that aims to foster the development and implementation of innovative climate solutions across Africa. By 2030, the Compact hopes to deliver 1,000 African-led climate solutions in vital areas like energy, agriculture, water, transportation, and resilience, while also raising $50 billion a year in catalytic finance. Leaders underlined that money for adaptation needs to be viewed as a legal duty of the developed world, not as charity, and should be provided in grants rather than loans that might make Africa’s debt problem worse.
The Addis Ababa Declaration also underscores the importance of scaling up existing African initiatives, including the African Union Great Green Wall, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, and Ethiopia’s Green Legacy. These initiatives, rooted in Africa’s indigenous solutions, demonstrate that the continent already possesses the tools to transform vulnerability into resilience, a fact that should fill us all with pride and optimism.
Partners and financial institutions united behind Africa’s agenda. In an effort to channel green bonds and creative instruments tailored to Africa’s realities, the African Development Bank announced the operationalization of the African Climate Change Fund. This fund will provide financial support for climate adaptation and mitigation projects across the continent. At the same time, the Africa Finance Corporation, AfDB, Afreximbank, and Africa50 signed a framework for cooperation to realise the $100 billion Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, which aims to revolutionize industrial growth and renewable energy on the continent. These partnerships and financial commitments are crucial in supporting Africa’s transition to a green economy.
Furthermore, the Addis Ababa Declaration received significant backing from donor nations. Italy reaffirmed its $4.2 billion Italian Climate Fund, with 70% earmarked for Africa, while Denmark committed $79 million for agricultural transformation. These substantial financial commitments should reassure the continent that the international community has confidence in Africa’s climate initiatives.
Other aspects in the Declaration emphasized the continent’s goal of bridging the resilience and energy gaps. Within the next ten years, the Mission 300 Agenda seeks to give 900 million Africans access to clean cooking solutions and 300 million to modern energy. To climate-proof Africa’s cities, infrastructure, and food systems, the second phase of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP 2.0) was announced, with a target of $50 billion by 2030. To ensure that Africa’s cobalt, lithium, and rare earth resources support local industrialization, job creation, and economic transformation, in addition to contributing to global clean energy supply chains, leaders have also advanced a Green Minerals Strategy.
The moral position of the Addis Ababa Declaration is equally essential. Leaders emphasized how Africa bears a disproportionate amount of the consequences of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. They contended that this gives the continent a special moral right to demand justice internationally. Ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the Declaration embodies a unified African voice by prioritizing innovation, nature-based solutions, and equitable financing.
Delegates described the Addis Ababa gathering as a demonstration of Africa’s ability to convene, lead, and deliver solutions that resonate beyond its borders. Over 240 side events, 43 exhibitions, and 23 national pavilions showcased Africa’s technological innovations, policy frameworks, and community-driven solutions, reinforcing the idea that the continent is ready to lead.
The government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission have pledged to shepherd the implementation of the Addis Ababa Declaration, ensuring that the commitments made at ACS2 translate into tangible results for communities across the continent.
