Addis Ababa, October 31, 2025 (ENA) – The designation of the Anywaa Biosphere Reserve as a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve demonstrates Ethiopia’s success in biodiversity protection and green economy strategy, experts said. The Anywaa Biosphere Reserve, located in the Gambella Regional State of Ethiopia, was officially designated as a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve on September 27, 2025. The Anywaa Biosphere Reserve encompasses six major ecosystems which are Moist Afromontane Forests, Transitional Rainforests, Combretum-Terminalia Woodlands, Riverine Forests/Vegetation, Wetlands, and Wooded Grasslands/Savannahs. Forestry and wildlife experts told ENA that the biosphere reserve designation will increase the country's protected area coverage and enable it to share its natural resource conservation and development efforts to the rest of the world. Lead Executive Officer for Forest and Rangeland Plants Biodiversity Research at the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), Abera Seyoum, said the biosphere has a significant role for natural resource conservation and is beneficial for the community by conserving biodiversity, ensuring sustainable development and to conduct research. EBI has carried out activities for the designation of the Anywaa Biosphere by UNESCO during the past two years, he recalled, adding that the biosphere was finally designated by UNESCO in Hangzhou, China, as the World Network of Biosphere Reserve in September, 2025. The reserve spans approximately over 1.8 million hectares and is recognized for its unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. For the Lead Executive Officer, the designation of the Anywaa Biosphere Reserve will help achieve the global goal through increasing the country's protected areas from the current 12 percent to 30 percent. Accordingly, the designation of the biosphere will showcase Ethiopia's rich assets to the world and will massively contribute to image building. Furthermore, Anywaa Biosphere Reserve is instrumental in sharing the nation’s rich experience to the world in conserving natural resources to ensure sustainable development by integrating its favorable policy, biodiversity, and community knowledge. Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) Director-General, Kumera Wakjira, said the Anywaa Biosphere Reserve, which is Ethiopia’s sixth biosphere reserve, is crucial to increase Ethiopia’s reserved areas. Ethiopia's other UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves are Sheka forest biosphere reserve, Majang forest biosphere reserve, Yayo coffee biosphere reserve, Kafa biosphere reserve, and Lake Tana biosphere reserve.

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia's commitment to safeguarding its natural resources and environment has been recognized as exemplary on a global scale, India's Ambassador to Ethiopia Anil Kumar Rai said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, he stated that Ethiopia's initiatives in environmental protection can be regarded as an international model. He pointed out the significance of Ethiopia's conservation efforts, which not only enhance the country's forest coverage but also promote biodiversity. The Ambassador highlighted Ethiopia's unique geographical features, including the lowest point on earth, the Danakil Depression in the Afar region, and the Rift Valley, which boasts distinct climatic conditions. ‘‘Ethiopia is blessed with diverse climatic conditions and that is the reason it has a very big diversity in terms of wildlife and the natural habitations. It starts with the lowest point on the earth in Danakil depression coming to the Rift Valley which has its own unique climatic condition and forestry; whereas you have highlands which are lush green and receives one of the highest rainfall. So, if we see it in totality Ethiopia is doing quite a remarkable work in conservation of its natural resources’’, Ambassador Rai remarked. He further cited programs like the Green Legacy Initiative and extensive development projects as highly beneficial for Ethiopia's future prosperity. He commended the attention given to ensuring the survival of planted trees and expressed confidence that Ethiopia will witness significant transformations in the coming decade as a result of this initiative. ‘‘Green legacy is one of its unique project where billions of trees has been planted, and from my experience of staying in Addis Ababa and participating in the Green Legacy initiative I see that the movement for bringing greenery in all parts of this country is remarkable. "India has (also) started a movement by the name International Big Cat Alliance in 2021, and Ethiopia is the founding member of that.’’ Through that international cooperation, India and the other members including Ethiopia want to create an ecosystem where the big cats like tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah are preserved, he elaborated, adding that if these animals are preserved then automatically the ecosystem will be restored. According to the Ambassador, India admires Ethiopia's endeavors regarding natural resource management, affirming that both countries share a commitment to protecting these vital resources. He recalled the mutual agreement between India and Ethiopia on natural resource conservation and confirmed that this collaboration will continue to strengthen. Ambassador Rai noted that Ethiopia's efforts, particularly through the Green Legacy initiative, have significantly reduced the migration of birds and wildlife.

Addis Ababa, October 28, 2025 (ENA) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched a crucial Regional Meeting for Climate Experts on Monday in Addis Ababa, gathering officials from across Member States to synchronize policy and craft a robust, unified stance on climate-induced mobility, resilience, and adaptation ahead of the global COP30 summit. The meeting is designed to move beyond theoretical discussions and develop concrete, evidence-based regional strategies to tackle the devastating, interconnected challenges of climate change, displacement, and conflict in the Horn of Africa. In his opening statement, Nigusu Lema, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Environmental Authority, underscored the gravity of the crisis and emphasized the need for regional solidarity. “The IGAD region... is increasingly confronted by the devastating impacts of climate change,” Nigusu stated. He highlighted how rising temperatures, recurring droughts, floods, and shifting rainfall patterns are not only eroding livelihoods but also driving displacement on an “unprecedented scale.” The Deputy Director General positioned the three-day meeting as a critical platform to “facilitate high-level policy exchange” and strengthen cooperation, explicitly focusing on aligning Member States' climate policies and negotiation priorities.“ As member states, we must align our climate policy and negotiation priorities to ensure a strong, unified African voice that reflects the realities of our people and ecosystems,” he asserted, concluding with a call for science-driven, inclusive, and regionally coordinated action to integrate mobility considerations into national adaptation plans. Victoria Anib, Head of Social Development at the IGAD Secretariat, said the region is grappling with a complex nexus of challenges, where climate variability fuels disasters, human mobility, and even exacerbates conflict and health crises. She cited recent examples from Sudan where individuals displaced by conflict were then struck by devastating floods, leading to outbreaks of cholera and the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases like polio. “It is not just numbers, it’s impacting our lives of pastoralists, life of farmers, life of women and children, vulnerable groups,” Anib remarked, stressing that the meeting must provide a policy dialogue to develop evidence-based answers. She noted the timeliness of the meeting as delegates prepare for two major global events: COP30 and the upcoming Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in December. The gathering will review current data, identify research gaps, and recommend pathways for integrating findings into national and regional frameworks. Noora K. Mäkelä, Program Officer for the Climate Action Division (CAD) at the IOM Regional Office reinforced the importance of the regional commitment, particularly through the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (KDMECC). She strongly stressed that human mobility, while often a consequence of crisis, “can also become pathways of resilience when they are planned and well managed.”She noted that the KDMECC, a landmark commitment now signed by 48 African countries, is already inspiring national action plans and concrete policy work in IGAD member states like Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.“ We really must ensure that the issue of mobility is not sidelined but placed at the heart of the global climate negotiations,” she urged, calling for integration of mobility into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), the Global Goal on Adaptation, and the Loss and Damage work program. The three-day meeting will convene experts in Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management, Environment, and Migration Commissions to formulate the consolidated IGAD position statement for the upcoming COP30, cementing the region’s commitment to turning climate challenges into opportunities for resilience and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, October 28, 2025 (ENA) –The regional Land, Soil and Crop Information Services project has concluded with promising results for climate-smart agriculture in Eastern Africa. At the event held today in Addis Ababa, key results and lessons learned from four years of project implementation in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda were discussed. It was learnt that Land Soil Crop Hubs project, which has been active since 2021 in the three countries, has successfully built and embedded data integration hubs for land, soil, and crop information within three national agricultural research organizations. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) Association Executive Director, Sylvester Dickson, said the results achieved by the project are significant and this needs to be scaled up to other countries and in the pilot countries so as to bring the development needed in the sector. The collaboration between entities and agencies should be strengthened to share the technology and innovations that are introduced and that exist in the project, he added. International Soil Reference and Information Center (ISRIC) Director, Ric Van Den Bosch on his part said, "we should make the methods and philosophies open to others so that others start their information hub by including private sector and other stakeholder who work in the agriculture sector to bring sustainable result." Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) senior expert, Girma Mamo, told ENA that the project must continue to overcome climate change effects and challenges regarding agricultural sector. He added that the project has achieved a great deal in agriculture data system and enabled farmers to receive the necessary information regarding accessibility of agriculture input as well as market linkage via mobile phone.

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2025 (ENA) -Foreign and local investors are demonstrating significant interest in establishing electric vehicle production and assembly factories in Ethiopia, Transport and Logistics State Minister Bareo Hassen said. The State Minister revealed that foreign investors, including companies from the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, and other European nations, have submitted requests to manufacture and assemble electric vehicles in Ethiopia. According to him, the government has developed a comprehensive strategy to evaluate and process the investment proposals. The adoption of electric vehicles represents a crucial component in Ethiopia's environmental protection strategy, offering substantial benefits in reducing pollution and mitigating climate change impacts. Beyond environmental advantages, the electric vehicle sector promises considerable economic returns, including reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports, lower vehicle maintenance costs, enhanced foreign currency saving, and expanded investment opportunities in green employment sector. Bareo outlined Ethiopia's ambitious target to increase the number of electric vehicles operating on national roads to over 500,000 units in the coming ten years. The government's strategic plan aims to achieve 99 percent electric vehicle import share, building on current progress that has seen electric vehicles reach seven percent of total vehicle imports, the State Minister elaborated. Demonstrating institutional commitment to the sector, the government has mandated that all new vehicle procurements for government use must be electric vehicles. This policy initiative is designed to encourage private sector adoption of electric vehicle technology. Looking ahead, electric vehicles will be distinguished by special green license plates and will benefit from various government incentives, Bareo confirmed, signaling the government's continued support for sustainable transportation solutions.

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2025 (ENA) - The launch of the AfrioCAT network in Addis Ababa is expected to assist the fight against land degradation and food insecurity in the continent, AUDA-NEPAD Programme Officer for Climate Change said. This was made public during an inaugural workshop convened in Addis Ababa today co-hosted by AUDA-NEPAD and the Water and Land Resource Centre of African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and other key partners, and the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT). AfrioCAT will serve as the official WOCAT Regional Cluster for Africa, is expected to significantly boost regional efforts in Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Edna Chidule Kalima, Programme Officer for Climate Change within the AUDA-NEPAD Directorate of Agriculture, Food Security, and Environmental Sustainability, underscored the critical role of AfrioCAT. AfrioCAT would focus on sustainable land management approaches and technologies--instrumental to supporting ongoing work with diverse stakeholders and partners, she affirmed. This collaborative effort is essential for Africa to attain food security and resilience while actively preventing further land degradation across the continent. The Programme Officer added that AUDA-NEPAD’s programmes and projects are designed to ensure that African states achieve self-reliance and food security, citing the success of restoring over 100 million hectares of land in various African nations, including Ethiopia, Gabon, Malawi, Rwanda, and Niger, representing five regional economic communities. The work also includes an emphasis on soil fertility and health, contributing to the overall goal that Africa feeds itself and enhances the livelihoods of its people. AfrioCAT's creation is a key strategic step in making Africa’s voice on land matters more prominent on the global stage, it was learnt. Nicole Harari, a research scientist from the WOCAT executive team, noted that the inaugural workshop in Addis Ababa, co-hosted by AUDA-NEPAD and the Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC), brought together practitioners, researchers, and government officials. The main objective, she pointed out, is to strategize and formally structure this new network to improve and promote sustainable land management. According to her, AfrioCAT is designed to enhance regional impact, foster South-South knowledge sharing, build local leadership, and integrate SLM and LDN into regional strategies by leveraging WOCAT's global knowledge and tools. Key functions include offering capacity building on WOCAT’s methodologies and promoting the exchange of best practices among African countries and local communities, she said. Gete Zeleke, Director of the Water & Land Resource Centre (WLRC), called for the establishment of AfrioCAT a "long overdue action." In the past, he highlighted a global platform was lacking to share useful conservation approaches and technologies, leading to the proposal for the WOCAT network. Gete stressed that Africa is the continent where different forms of land degradation are most severely affecting ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions. It was also learnt that the launch event was expected to allow participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of SLM practices, learn from diverse African experiences, and establish a robust network.

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2025 (ENA)---The Ministry of Planning and Development has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to advancing Africa’s leadership in international climate forums. An appreciation program organized by the ministry in Addis Ababa honored individuals and organizations that played key roles in the successful hosting of the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2). The event was attended by high-level officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timotheos, Minister of Justice Hanna Arayaselassie, and members of the diplomatic community. Speaking at the recognition ceremony, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa highlighted Ethiopia’s leadership and coordination in making the summit participatory, collaborative, and truly pan-African. “Africans have shown the world that we are not just victims of climate change, but leaders in implementing concrete solutions,” she stated. The minister also emphasized that the summit served to challenge prevailing narratives about Africa by showcasing the continent as a source of innovation, resilience, and opportunity in addressing climate challenges. “Hosting the summit was not merely a privilege, but a continental responsibility, to amplify a unified African voice on climate action, sustainable development, and green growth,” she added. She also stressed that the Ethiopian government is committed to building on the success of ACS2 by translating its outcomes into tangible actions. Ethiopia aims to sustain this momentum and further elevate Africa’s role in global climate platforms, including the upcoming COP30 and beyond. “In partnership with fellow African nations and the international community, we will continue working toward a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Africa,” she concluded.

Addis Ababa, October 15, 2025 (ENA) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, headquartered in Rome, Italy, has once again granted recognition to Ethiopia. The organization awarded Ethiopia under the category of “Sustainable Forest Management and Utilization.” Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa received the award on behalf of the Ethiopian government from the Director General of FAO in Rome. Previously, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had also honored Ethiopia by presenting the FAO Agricola Medal to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in recognition of his commitment to food security, balanced food supply, and accelerated wheat production. Minister Selamawit, on the occasion, extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire team of FAO for their 80th anniversary.   “We are very deeply grateful that Ethiopia's green legacy initiative, launched in 2019 by our prime minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, is being recognized internationally today as best practice in sustainable forest development and protection,” the minister noted. What began as a very bold vision has now grown into a national movement, the minister said pointing out that planting more than 48 billion seedlings and increasing the country’s forest coverage is a story about people coming together. “It's a story about taking roots” she emphasized inviting all to visit Ethiopia and to walk those forests and see for themselves what people coming together can do and what hope can actually bring into action.

Addis Ababa, October 10, 2025 (ENA) - The Addis Ababa Transport Bureau is preparing to implement a National Vehicle Emission Standard to help mitigate carbon emissions in the city, according to Bureau Head Yabebal Addis. A half-day discussion with pertinent bodies that focused on the implementation of air quality surveillance on transport infrastructure and raising awareness about the new standard was held today. During the discussion, Yabebal stated that the Bureau is working closely with relevant stakeholders to effectively enforce the National Vehicle Emission Standard ES6725/2022 and the related Emission Controls Directive No. 1051/2017.   The Head stated that the Emission Control Directive details the responsibilities and duties of pertinent bodies, including environmental protection and health institutions, as well as vehicle associations. He added that the National Vehicle Emission Standard and the Emission Controls Directive clearly outline the expected contributions from all parties involved in the enforcement effort. “In the implementation of the Vehicle Emission Standards, devices would be utilized to determine whether a vehicle meets emission Standards or not. If the vehicle does not meet the standard, it will be modified in utilizing emission mitigating devices,” the head underscored. Yabebal underscored the new standard's enforcement, stating clearly that any vehicle failing to meet the Emission Standards will not be allowed to operate on the road. He also noted complementary initiatives underway in the city, such as road infrastructure under corridor development, the adoption of electric vehicles, and the implementation of non-motorized transport. These efforts are key components of the national goal to achieve a 68.8% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. Teferi Abegaze, an Assistant Professor at the Addis Ababa University's School of Public Health and a consultant for the Partnership for Healthy Cities, asserted that the Emission Controls Directive will play a significant role in mitigating carbon emissions.   He noted that since vehicles are among the leading causes of carbon emissions, implementing the Emission Standards are paramount to reducing air pollution.

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) has announced that the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is yielding significant opportunities to advance food sovereignty, foster sustainable economic growth, and enhance biodiversity conservation. Director General of the EBI, Karta Kaske, told ENA that the institute is significantly stepping up its efforts to conserve biodiversity.   He emphasized the crucial role of GLI in maintaining soil fertility, bolstering food security, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. According to Karta, ongoing soil and water conservation activities are revitalizing ecosystems, which, in turn, is directly contributing to increased agricultural production and productivity. He further emphasized that the strategic use of improved crop varieties and modern agricultural technologies is essential for achieving long-term food sovereignty while simultaneously protecting the environment. Regional officials have also reinforced the positive assessment of the GLI. Director General of the Oromia Environment Protection Authority, Seyfedin Mahadi, noted the program's success in restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting food security through widespread tree planting.   Similarly, Mengesha Awraris, Head of the Amhara Regional State Environment and Forest Protection Authority, commended the initiative's positive impact on biodiversity and land restoration.   Abraham Mecha, Head of the Central Ethiopia Regional State Forest and Environmental Protection Development Bureau, also praised the program, stating that the GLI has created crucial opportunities to enhance productivity by improving ecosystems and biodiversity.  

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2025 (ENA)—The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue opened at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, bringing together over 400 participants from more than 43 countries. The three-day event, hosted by Ethiopia, is being held under the theme: “GCF.10: 10 Years of Climate Impact – Towards a Resilient Africa: Advancing Regional Solutions for Climate Action, Sustainable Growth, and Inclusive Development.” Seyoum Mekonen, State Minister of Planning and Development, officially launched the Dialogue, stressing that Ethiopia’s climate ambition is deeply embedded in its development priorities. He highlighted the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam delivering 5,150 MW of clean energy and the 48 billion trees planted under the Green Legacy Initiative as proof of Ethiopia’s practical commitment to sustainable growth. Seyoum also urged delegates to build on the outcomes of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), including the launch of the African Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) and the Africa Climate Facility (ACF), which showcase Africa as a provider of homegrown climate solutions. Catherine Koffman, GCF Director for Africa, reaffirmed the Fund’s support for aligning reforms with African priorities, while James Murombedzi of UNECA emphasized the need to shift from “aid” to “investment” in global climate finance. Ethiopia also formally proposed Addis Ababa as the host of the planned GCF Africa Regional Office, citing the city’s status as the diplomatic capital of the continent, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By Mahder Nesibu Addis Ababa, September 28, 2025 (ENA) -- The Second African Climate Summit, held in Addis Ababa from 8–10 September 2025, marked a defining moment in Africa’s approach to climate change. Traditionally framed as a region vulnerable to global emissions yet lacking bargaining leverage, Africa has increasingly asserted itself as a source of practical solutions, innovative finance, and policy leadership. The summit, convened under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” sought to reposition the continent from a passive recipient of climate commitments to a proactive architect of its climate future. By producing the Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, launching the Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) and the African Climate Facility (ACF), initiated by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, ACS2 combined political unity, operational ambition, and strategic financing to chart a pathway for Africa’s influence in global climate forums, particularly the upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil. At its core, the summit reflected recognition that Africa’s climate challenges cannot be addressed piecemeal. Fragmented national positions and uneven institutional capacities had long weakened the continent’s negotiating influence and limited its access to both public and private finance. ACS2 addressed this through a combination of political consensus and operational instruments. The Addis Ababa Declaration, unanimously endorsed by participating Heads of State and Government, crystallized continental priorities: adaptation and resilience as financing imperatives, renewable energy expansion and green industrialization as growth engines, and a commitment to Africa-led mechanisms for project delivery and finance mobilization. By translating strategic goals into a shared document, the summit established both a narrative and a framework for collective action, strengthening Africa’s bargaining position on the global stage. The Africa Climate Innovation Compact represents the summit’s operational linchpin. Designed to identify, incubate, and scale climate solutions developed on the continent, ACIC sets an ambitious target of delivering 1,000 bankable solutions by 2030, spanning energy, agriculture, water, transport, and urban resilience. Complementing this, the African Climate Facility functions as a financing instrument intended to mobilize approximately US$50 billion per year in catalytic capital, blending public, private, and multilateral resources to bridge the persistent gap between pilot initiatives and scalable projects. Together, these mechanisms constitute a “pipeline-plus-capital” model, which directly addresses the historical challenge of Africa possessing innovative solutions yet lacking the financial infrastructure to deploy them at scale. By linking solution identification with robust financing, ACIC and ACF embody a credible, results-oriented approach that transforms political commitments into actionable projects.   The significance of these instruments extends beyond their immediate financial or technological scope. They demonstrate Africa’s ability to self-organize at continental scale, coordinating innovation ecosystems, diaspora engagement, and regional financiers to generate tangible climate outcomes. ACIC emphasizes local ownership, drawing upon universities, research centres, and indigenous knowledge systems, ensuring that interventions are contextually appropriate, socially inclusive, and operationally sustainable. Similarly, the ACF’s catalytic design signals to global investors that African projects are structured for impact, with mechanisms for risk mitigation, blended finance, and transparent governance. This combination strengthens Africa’s credibility in international negotiations, transforming the continent from a perceived climate recipient into a credible climate partner. The summit also produced a series of financing breakthroughs that enhance Africa’s capacity to act independently. A cooperation framework among African development finance institutions and commercial banks, collectively targeting US$100 billion in mobilization, illustrates the continent’s readiness to deploy capital for green industrialization and renewable infrastructure. Additional commitments, including partnership arrangements led by the European Investment Bank to unlock up to €100 billion in investment by 2027, and bilateral pledges from Denmark and Italy, reinforce the signal that Africa can coordinate domestic and international finance to operationalize climate priorities. These flows, while supplementary, provide the critical early-stage funding needed to establish proof-of-concept projects and catalyse private investment. Beyond financing, ACS2 underscored the importance of programmatic coherence. The summit endorsed the second phase of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP 2.0), aiming to mobilize US$50 billion by 2030 to climate-proof food systems, infrastructure, and urban areas. Simultaneously, sectoral initiatives such as Mission 300, targeting energy access for 300 million people by 2030, and regional clean cooking programs, demonstrate Africa’s ability to design interventions with measurable social, economic, and environmental co-benefits. By aligning these programs with ACIC and ACF, the summit creates a pipeline of bankable, high-impact projects that both domestic governments and international partners can support.   Ethiopia, as host, highlighted the role of national leadership in demonstrating ambition and feasibility. The country showcased large-scale climate and infrastructure interventions, including ongoing tree-planting campaigns under its Green Legacy initiative and the political and operational milestones surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia’s simultaneous announcement of its bid to host COP32 in 2027 signals a broader strategic intent: Africa is not merely a venue for discussion but an architect of the global climate agenda. By integrating domestic action, diplomatic engagement, and continental facilitation, Ethiopia exemplifies the potential for African states to merge national achievement with collective leadership. The broader significance of ACS2 lies in its contribution to a unified African voice at COP30 and subsequent climate forums. Historically, fragmented positions and varying national capacities limited the continent’s influence, particularly in negotiations over adaptation finance, debt sustainability, and energy transition. By consolidating priorities into the Addis Ababa Declaration, linking them to operational mechanisms, and signalling robust finance mobilization, Africa now presents a coherent package: a set of pragmatic asks underpinned by delivery mechanisms. This clarity strengthens both political leverage and credibility, while aligning continental demands with global financing targets, such as the UNFCCC’s “Baku to Belém Roadmap” for scaling climate finance to US$1.3 trillion annually by 2035. At the same time, ACS2 demonstrates the strategic role of diaspora engagement and innovation ecosystems in extending Africa’s climate reach. ACIC’s design explicitly incorporates partnerships with universities, SMEs, and research institutions, while leveraging diaspora networks to amplify solutions internationally. These linkages create both technical capacity and narrative influence: Africa is not only a recipient of climate finance but a generator of scalable, bankable, and replicable solutions. By creating platforms for knowledge transfer and investment mobilization, ACS2 embodies a model in which innovation, finance, and political unity converge to strengthen continental agency.   Nevertheless, the summit also highlighted the challenges inherent in ambition. Operationalizing ACIC and ACF requires the rapid establishment of governance structures, capital mobilization, and monitoring mechanisms. Delivering US$50 billion annually, alongside 1,000 bankable solutions by 2030, remains aspirational, dependent on domestic policy alignment, regulatory reform, and sustained international cooperation. Ensuring that adaptation finance remains largely grant-based and non-debt-creating is essential to prevent exacerbating sovereign vulnerabilities, while investor confidence will hinge upon regulatory clarity, transparent reporting, and predictable policy frameworks. These risks, however, are mitigated by the deliberate integration of political consensus, operational instruments, and finance mobilization evident at ACS2. Comparative reflection on these outcomes illustrates several lessons. ACS2 demonstrates that political unity, operational design, and finance mobilization are mutually reinforcing. The Addis Ababa Declaration consolidates Africa’s priorities and narrative, ACIC and ACF translate ambition into implementable projects, and continental finance frameworks signal capability and readiness to both domestic and international partners. Just as Africa’s cultural and creative industries have leveraged diaspora networks, technological ecosystems, and state support to project influence, ACS2 demonstrates that climate leadership can similarly be structured, scalable, and credible. Finally, the summit emphasizes the strategic and symbolic dimension of African climate leadership. By projecting a unified voice, operational capacity, and financing ambition, ACS2 positions the continent not only as a claimant to climate resources but as a credible partner capable of delivering tangible outcomes. This reframing is critical: Africa moves from a narrative of vulnerability to one of agency, from a perceived recipient to a source of deployable solutions. If the operational frameworks and financing mechanisms established at Addis Ababa are implemented effectively, ACS2 may mark a turning point—where Africa’s climate ambitions are no longer aspirational rhetoric but tangible, measurable, and globally recognized. The Summit exemplifies the intersection of political cohesion, operational innovation, and strategic financing as instruments of continental agency. Through the Addis Ababa Declaration, the Africa Climate Innovation Compact, and the African Climate Facility, Africa has crafted a framework capable of shaping its climate trajectory while strengthening its negotiating position internationally. By linking ambition to implementable projects, mobilizing domestic and international capital, and fostering continental unity, ACS2 offers a blueprint for Africa to transform climate vulnerability into opportunity, influence, and leadership on the global stage.

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2025 (ENA) -- An ocean agreement to govern the high seas was struck at the end of this week when Morocco became the 60th nation to sign on. The high seas treaty is the first legal framework aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in international waters, which account for nearly two-thirds of the ocean and nearly half of Earth’s surface. These areas, which lie beyond the jurisdiction of any single country, are vulnerable to threats including overfishing, climate change and deep-sea mining. “The high seas are the world’s largest crime scene,” said Johan Bergenas, senior vice president of Oceans at the World Wildlife Fund. Still, the pact’s strength is uncertain as some of the world’s biggest players — the US, China, Russia and Japan — have yet to ratify. The US and China have signed, signaling intent to align with the treaty’s objectives without creating legal obligations, while Japan and Russia have been active in preparatory talks. Ratification triggers a 120-day countdown for the treaty to take effect. But much more work remains to flesh out how it will be implemented, financed and enforced. Lisa Speer, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's international oceans program, said the treaty fills a gap for protecting waters that, because they belong to no one, are “the responsibility of all of us and none of us at the same time.” And failing to protect those waters could mean damage for any individual nation's waters, she added. “Marine life doesn’t respect political boundaries. So fish migrate across the ocean. ... Same with turtles, with seabirds, and a whole host of other marine life,” Speer said. “And so what happens in the high sea can really affect the health and resilience of the ocean within national jurisdiction, within our coastal waters.” The high seas are home to a vast array of marine life and play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate — they absorb heat and carbon dioxide, and generate half the oxygen we breathe. The treaty is also essential to achieving what’s known as the global “30x30” target — an international pledge to protect 30 percent of the planet’s land and sea by 2030. The treaty creates a legal process for countries to establish marine protected areas in those waters, including rules for potentially destructive activities like deep-sea mining and geoengineering schemes. It also establishes a framework for technology-sharing, funding mechanisms and scientific collaboration among countries. Crucially, decisions under the treaty will be made multilaterally through what are known as conferences of parties (COPs) rather than by individual countries acting alone. Within one year of the treaty taking effect, countries will meet to work out the foundational questions of implementation, financing and oversight at that first COP. Only countries that ratify before COP1 will have voting rights at COP1. Some experts warn the treaty’s impact could be blunted if the most powerful players on the high seas remain outside it. The treaty does not create a punitive enforcement body of its own. Instead, it largely relies on individual countries to regulate their own ships and companies, according to the African News.

Addis Ababa, September 20, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ministry of Water and Energy announced that the volume of water in rivers and lakes is increasing annually as a result of the Green Legacy and watershed development initiatives in Ethiopia. The Space Science and Geospatial Institute, for its part, confirmed that its study on six selected lakes showed a significant increase in their water levels. Debebe Deferso, Lead Executive of Integrated Water Resource Management at the Ministry of Water and Energy, said that in recent years, water bodies have been restored by integrating the Green Legacy Initiative with watershed development programs.   He added that the planted seedlings have prevented soil erosion, allowing for better water infiltration and increasing groundwater levels. He also noted a significant improvement in the water levels of lakes and rivers. Lakes that had previously experienced a decline in water volume or even dried up are now recovering due to the Green Legacy and watershed development efforts. Tesfaye Dagne, Lead Executive of Digital Image Processing at the Space Science and Geospatial Institute, said the institute studied the water volume and annual changes of six selected lakes over the past 30 years. The study was conducted on Lake Haramaya, Abijata, Tana, Ziway, Chelekleka, and Adele. He stated that data on Lake Haramaya and Adele from 30 years ago indicated they had a high water volume. However, they were at risk of disappearing in recent years.   Tesfaye added that scientific data confirms that their water levels have increased since the start of the Green Legacy and green development initiatives. He said that the geospatial study shows this change is a result of the expansion of green development and the rehabilitation of degraded lands. Tesfaye also mentioned that the institute is working to collect data on areas affected by land degradation to align with the Green Legacy Initiatives. By identifying these areas, the institute provides professional guidance on where to plant seedlings each year.

Addis Ababa, September 20, 2025 (ENA) -- Journalists from various African countries who toured Ethiopia have been amazed by the tremendous infrastructure growth in Addis Ababa, terming the city a model for Africa. Jackson Okata, a Kenyan journalist who was visiting Addis Ababa for the first time, added that he was struck by the good planning of the city.   "Addis Ababa is a smart city that all other African cities should emulate, with its wide roads for vehicles, pedestrian paths, motorbike paths, and advanced freeways," he clarified. "There is not much traffic jam compared to our place of origin. Automobiles respect road rules, there is no over-speeding, and roads are not jammed. It's so well-planned," he added further. Okata urged other African capitals adopt Addis Ababa's model for urban planning. "I like Addis, and I wish I could return. I would like to visit every other African capital city and tell them to come to Addis and see how a capital is planned," he said. Far from the confusing image he had envisioned, he experienced the city to be calm and organized, mentioning how much he wishes to return and visit again, including touring the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Journalist Catherine Tembo from Malawi also speaks about her impressions.   She called Addis Ababa's change "amazing." She added, "Addis Ababa is much more developed than the capital cities of other African countries”. Tembo added that the roads are very impressive, and even state institutions like museums are larger and better equipped than those in Malawi." Another Kenyan journalist, John Riaga was also expressed his amazement, especially with the city scenery at night.   " I was struck by the good lighting in the city, something lacking elsewhere in Africa. The traffic is great, with wide roads and a lot of space for pedestrians," he noted. He also praised Ethiopians for their warmth, describing them as friendly and warm people. Another journalist, Agatha Ngotho of Kenya, noted many differences from the last time she visited three years ago.   She underscored the use of climate-conscious design in road construction and complimented the city's traffic management. "The urbanization is impressive and much improved compared to what I had viewed in the past. The infrastructure is not only modern but also built with an eye to the environment, which is something to applaud," she said. Michael Kuzizam, a Rwandan journalist, on his part, also appealed to Africans to visit Addis Ababa and see the city's development.   "Africans should learn from one another so that they can develop the whole continent," he stated. The journalists all agreed that Addis Ababa's infrastructure, the well-planned road network, urban planning, ecological concern, and friendly hospitality made the city a model for African cities aiming at sustainable development and growth.

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia has demonstrated a leading role in its climate action at the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2), successfully translating promises and commitments into tangible results, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said. Recall that the ACS2 took place in Addis Ababa from September 8-10, 2025, concluded by adopting the Addis Ababa Declaration, positioning the continent as a driver of climate solutions. The summit brought together over 25,000 delegates from across the world, including Heads of State, ministers, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society. Briefing the media today, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa affirmed that hosting the ACS2 in Addis Ababa also created a massive opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase its leading role in climate action, commending all stakeholders including all government institutions, the African Union, among others for their contribution to the success of the summit. The country showcased the achievements of the Green Legacy Initiative, which was launched in 2019 and thus far planted over 48 billion seedlings. As a result, Ethiopia's green legacy initiative was recognized as an African model by the Addis Ababa declaration, Fitsum revealed. The country had also announced its candidacy to host the COP32 in 2027, positioning itself as a global leader in climate ambition, the Minister further recalled. Similarly, Ethiopia also successfully presented GERD as a source of clean energy-- one of the climate solutions through African-led solutions. Regarding the overall outcomes of the summit, the minister stated that ACS2 emphasized African-led solutions, green economy, renewable energy, and climate finance, while also advocating for a more unified African voice in global climate negotiations. The summit registered key outcomes and achievements, citing, among others, the Addis Ababa declaration and promoting Africa-led solutions. According to the Minister, the Addis Ababa Declaration, which was adopted by African leaders, signaled a historic shift to place Africa at the forefront of global climate action. By promoting Africa-led solutions, the summit championed homegrown and African-led climate solutions, such as the Great Green Wall Initiative and the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative, promoting nature-based solutions and green development. The summit also stressed portraying Africa not just as a victim of climate change but as a powerful driver of solutions and the future global climate economy. The central theme at the summit was securing bold financial commitments to fund Africa's resilient and green development efforts.

Addis Ababa, September 17, 2025 (ENA) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has commended Ethiopia for its proactive approach to climate action, noting the country's potential to be a leader in the field. In an exclusive interview with ENA, UNECA Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division Coordinator of African Climate Policy Centre, James C. Murombedzi, hailed the nation's potential to lead the way in this critical field. Noting the need for African-rooted climate adaptation solutions to combat the impacts of climate change, Murombedzi further emphasized that the Green Legacy Initiative as a standout example with the potential for wider implementation across the continent. He also noted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is pivotal, serving as a significant source of clean energy and promoting sustainable industrial growth. According to Murombedzi, Ethiopia has emerged as a global leader in climate action by effectively committing to reducing carbon emissions. Ethiopia's green growth strategy has been in place for several terms, supported by concrete actions, including ecosystem rehabilitation, the construction of GERD, and initiatives to shift toward electric mobility that can reduce carbon emissions while fostering a greener and more renewable development process, he stated. “Ethiopia is actually a global leader in climate change strategies, he said, adding, "Ethiopia not only has a strategy but also specific programs that have been implemented to ensure that the strategy becomes a reality". Those specific actions include ecosystem rehabilitation, which has been ongoing for many years, the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and changes in vehicle importation policies, as well as the shift towards electric mobility, which is a clean form of mobility, he elaborated. Murombedzi further emphasized the potential of Ethiopia to lead the way in climate action across Africa. “Ethiopia's strategic location and Addis Ababa as the capital of Africa enhances its ability to collaborate with other African nations to scale up innovative solutions, he noted, indicating that hosting the African Union further positions Ethiopia as a hub for climate policy and strategy in the region,” he underscored. Recalling the long-standing partnership between UNECA and Ethiopia, Murombedzi stated that his institution has been actively involved in climate financing and capacity building. He noted that UNECA has collaborated with various Ethiopian departments to enhance climate resilience. For instance, it has engaged in initiatives to improve weather and climate observation systems and support the Green Legacy Initiative at both policy and operational levels.

Addis Ababa, September 13, 2025 (ENA) - Ethiopia has taken concrete steps for climate action, including its ambitious Green Legacy Initiative and investments in climate action and weather monitoring systems. Assistant Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Thomas Asare commended. Ethiopia hosted the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in cooperation with the African Union in Addis Ababa from September 8 to 10, 2025. The country that has planted over 48 billion trees over the last seven years through its Green Legacy Initiative was highly commended. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Assistant Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Asare urged countries in the Global South to work together on climate adaptation. He added that the South-South Cooperation has a bigger role to play in climate adaptation, stating, “We all in the Global South face a common phenomenon and our circumstances are probably the same." He further said, “Therefore, solutions that have emanated from other countries in the Global South become more appropriate to our needs than the Global North based on the environment, the circumstances that we are exposed to, and critical, so sub-cooperation plays a key role.” I think Ethiopia's commitment to climate action is undisputed, the Assistant Secretary General emphasized, noting that it has a very top-level commitment from the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and you can see it in action, not by words. Ethiopia is always willing to share its experiences, he underlined. He further elaborated that Ethiopia has taken concrete steps for climate action, including its ambitious Green Legacy Initiative, investments in climate action and weather monitoring systems, and a regional school focused on climate science training. The nation is one of the countries that is really dedicated to watching climate and weather, and it has invested a lot of resources into that, Asare noted, adding this shows how much the country depends on climate science to help make policies and take real action. Relating to access to climate finance and development undertakings in this regard, he urged developed nations to extend fair support to the Global South, especially countries that are dealing with debt. Asare stated that for Africa, which contributed less to the climate crisis, it's unfair to say we alone must respond, urging the developed nations to extend support. He stressed the need for the international community to dedicate finance to debt challenges and climate resilience. Enhancing South-South cooperation and learning from Ethiopia’s experience in a manner suitable to adjust their own needs, the assistant secretary general emphasized that Ethiopia is open to sharing its knowledge and providing leadership. "As a continent, we can team up, learn, and show commitment among ourselves, then ask partners to support us. We contributed less but are highly exposed. Through international cooperation and solidarity, we can tackle this as a global problem because the climate doesn’t recognize borders, "Asare stated. The African Leaders Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call To Action was also officially adopted at the close of ACS2, heralding a historic moment that puts Africa at the forefront of global climate action.

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2025 (ENA) -- AUC Climate Service Application (AUC-ClimSA) Program Coordinator at the African Union Commission commended Ethiopia for its notable progress in climate adaptation initiatives. In an exclusive interview with ENA, AUC-ClimSA Programme Coordinator, Jolly Wasambo, said the African Union is actively engaged in multiple initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing challenges, including the impacts of climate change across the continent. One of the focuses has been on developing strategic frameworks related to climate change adaptation and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, he added; expressing dedication to providing climate information services across various sectors, thereby enhancing the socioeconomic development resilience of Africa. In this regard, Wasambo commended Ethiopia for its notable progress in climate adaptation initiatives, such as the Green Legacy Initiative and the government’s policy to restrict the importation of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. “The extensive tree-planting campaign aimed at carbon mitigation, along with the government’s policy to restrict the importation of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, serves as a model for other nations. These policies are essential as we work collectively to reduce pollution and promote clean energy,” he stated. Recall that Agenda 2063 of the AU aspires to achieve environmental sustainability and climate resilience so that our economies and communities are robust and capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change. The Coordinator is optimistic about the continent’s ability to meet the goals of Agenda 2063, despite challenges that remain ahead, where he emphasized the need for securing access to finance, fostering partnerships, and creating enabling environments.the challenges that lie ahead, and emphasized the need to secure access to finance, foster partnerships, and create Noting that many member states have already begun to incorporate Agenda 2063 into their national frameworks, he said that it demonstrates a unified commitment to achieving the objectives that have been set. While Africa faces numerous challenges, including climate change and securing full funding for climate adaptation initiatives, he expressed hope that the AU strategies can effectively address such issues. Relating to access to finance for climate initiatives, he emphasized for diverse funding sources, including through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Moreover, he stated that developed nations need to honor their commitments to assist the developing nations in their climate adaptation efforts. “First and foremost, they (developed nations) must fulfill these commitments and recognize that during their own development, they are responsible for considerable greenhouse gas emissions, while Africa's contributions have been relatively low,” he underscored.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2025 (ENA) -- The panelists at the second Africa Climate Summit being held in Addis Ababa underscored the critical need to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for enhancing resilience in agriculture and energy sectors in Africa. They highlighted the importance of collaboration among regional leaders, financial institutions, and researchers to develop innovative financing mechanisms and effective data governance strategies deemed crucial for harnessing AI's potential to Africa's agriculture and energy sectors. African Center of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD) Director General, Ousmane Ndiaye said that AI can significantly improve people's understanding of climate patterns and forecasting capabilities. He pointed out that traditional observation methods can be augmented by AI to predict outcomes based on historical data. However, he highlighted that high-quality data is essential for effective AI modeling, reinforcing the adage "garbage in, garbage out." The discussion also addressed the importance of technological access and modern computing resources, which are vital for AI training and application. The panelists called for greater collaboration among African nations to share data and best practices, avoiding duplication of efforts. Valuable lessons could be learned from successful models implemented in Europe and North America, advocating for collective action within the African community to optimize AI's potential in climate science, the panelists noted. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Director for Africa, Emmanuel Manasseh on his part articulated the pressing need for effective leadership and governance as Africa prepares for urbanization, where the projected population of urban areas account 70 percent by 2050. Smart cities must integrate various services, including utilities like electricity and clean water, to ensure effective urban planning, he stressed. The director general also explored the potential of AI in optimizing energy usage from production to distribution, highlighting renewable energy techniques, recalling experiences from 2013 on Zero Net Energy Buildings. Manasseh envisioned a future where homes could generate electricity during sunny days, allowing owners to sell excess power back to the grid while drawing from it at night, potentially resulting in zero net payment due to energy production. As demand for energy continues to rise, particularly with the growing energy consumption associated with AI, he reiterated the necessity of incorporating renewable energy and green technologies, alongside effective policies and governance, to meet the growing demand. Namukolo COVIC, ILRI Director General Representative to Ethiopia, emphasized AI's ability to accelerate learning; pointing out the critical issue of data governance, which raises concerns about data usage and potential misuse. Establishing clear guidelines for shared data is essential to build trust and maximize AI's effectiveness, she noted. She identified financing as a significant challenge, urging policymakers to prioritize investment in AI initiatives tailored to agriculture, calling for multilateral organizations to contribute to funding research and AI projects, citing the emergence of innovative solutions, such as a virtual agronomist platform that enables farmers to seek timely advice.