Ethiopia extended its heartfelt gratitude to the African Group of Negotiators for their unanimous endorsement of Ethiopia’s bid to host COP 32 in Addis Ababa in 2027. Africa has spoken with one voice at the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil and the world has listened, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wrote on his social media post. “We are grateful for the opportunity that the Conference of the Parties is giving us to spearhead the collective effort to tackle one of the most daunting challenges faced by humanity. We are honored to be entrusted by the global community with such an important responsibility,” Prime Minister Abiy elaborated. Abiy added that this recognition reflects confidence in Ethiopia’s leadership in climate action and its capacity to host major global events. Ethiopia remains fully committed to delivering a robust and meaningful outcome and inclusive COP 32 that advances collective action against climate change. Building on the momentum of the Second Africa Climate Summit, the Prime Minister stated that Ethiopia will continue to champion Africa as a continent of solutions and a committed partner in the global effort for a sustainable future.

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia reaffirmed its steadfast climate leadership on the sideline of COP30 high-level event titled “From Baku to Belém: Ethiopia’s Progress on Climate Resilience and Green Growth (Stocktake),” co-organized by the Government of Ethiopia and UNDP at the Ethiopian Pavilion in Brazil. State Minister of Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonen highlighted Ethiopia’s progress made in a year. He elaborated some of the key progresses through a low-emission and climate-resilient economy, driven by major initiatives such as the launch of NDC 3.0 and the Long-Term Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), according to Ministry of Planning and Development. Concrete actions included the Green Legacy Initiative, which planted over 48 billion trees since 2019, the transition to e-mobility and clean energy including the GERD, corridor development initiative and the expansion of climate-smart agriculture through programs like YeLemat Tirufat and rural corridor development. Ethiopia’s regional and continental leadership was also commended, particularly its able stewardship in hosting the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), which united African nations under a shared vision for sustainable growth and equitable climate finance while guiding the region at COP30. Toward hosting COP32 in 2027 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vision remains clear—accelerating transformative action at home while championing Africa’s collective voice on the global stage. High-level participants, among others, from UNDP, Denmark, AGN Chair (Tanzania), and global institutions such as NDCP, Fletcher School based in Washington DC and Woodwell, applauded Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing both national resilience and international cooperation for a greener, more inclusive future.

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia has achieved a significant diplomatic success, securing the official endorsement of the Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN) to host the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) in Addis Ababa in 2027. This decision, formally communicated to the UNFCCC Secretariat today, positioning Ethiopia at the forefront of global climate diplomacy, according to Ministry of Planning and Development. Recall the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) hosted in Ethiopia in September 2025 , attracting over 26,000 participants, adopting the Addis Ababa Declaration that Becomes a Unified African Stance. Ethiopia's envoy to Brazil, Ambassador Leulseged, emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to advancing African-led climate solutions. The success of ACS2 shifted Africa's narrative "from being portrayed as a victim of climate change to being recognized as a leader, innovator, and provider of climate solutions," the ambassador added. The Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call for Action, which emerged from ACS2, was cited as the unified continental position now guiding Africa's engagement in global climate talks. Further reinforcing the continent's proactive approach, the Ambassador detailed new structural outcomes championed by Ethiopia's Prime Minister: the Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) and the African Climate Facility (ACF). These initiatives are designed to mobilize USD 50 billion annually by 2030 to scale up Africa-led climate solutions and accelerate green investments across the continent, it was learnt. Ambassador Leulseged commended the African Union Commission's leadership and reaffirming Ethiopia’s dedication to translating the ACS2 outcomes into tangible results. This commitment aims to strengthen Africa’s global climate leadership in the lead-up to, and during, COP32 in Addis Ababa.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia is setting the pace in terms of ensuring that Africa begins greening the environment and contributing toward addressing climate change, AUC Rural Development Division Head Janet Edeme said. Recall that the Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative, which was launched in 2019, recently won the FAO Award for Sustainable Forest Management and Use by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The award recognizes Ethiopia's efforts in reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management. In an exclusive interview with ENA, AUC Rural Development Division Head Edeme said preserving the environment is pivotal for Africa as the continent’s land has also undergone a lot of degradation. Looking at the issues around the land reform, she stressed the need to bring in the issues in terms of how to address some of the environmental degradation. According to her, the African Union has been able to come up with a 10-year strategic action plan on how the continent wants to begin to address the issues of land degradation within the context of climate change. Member states play a critical role in addressing land degradation and climate change impacts by implementing continental frameworks, developing national policies, and executing specific on-the-ground initiatives. Stating that land is central in terms of being able to contribute in addressing issues around climate change on the continent, the Head pointed out that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is commendable. “Ethiopia is setting the pace in terms of ensuring that we begin to green our environment, and also the issues in terms of how we are contributing to ensure that we can address climate change.” Noting that Ethiopia has actually taken the leadership in terms of the greening policies, she further said there are several countries that are also coming up with their own policies in terms of how they want to address the issues of climate change. For Edeme, the initiatives are instrumental in terms of greening, reforestation, planting trees as well the issues in terms of conserving soil. “I think what Ethiopia is doing is quite commendable,” she said. Ethiopia has planted over 48 billion trees since the launch of the Green Legacy Initiative seven years ago. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has led to a remarkable increase of forest coverage from 17.2 percent to over 23.6 percent. The initiative involves large-scale annual tree planting campaigns that have significantly boosted forest coverage and contributed to environmental rehabilitation and climate resilience.

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is exemplary for countries in the region and globally; and UNDP remains committed to working closely with the government, UNDP Ecosystems and Biodiversity Principal Technical Advisor Doley Tshering said. The Green Legacy initiative (GLI), which was launched in 2019, has received significant international recognition from various actors, including the United Nations, as a model for climate action and sustainable development. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the UNDP Ecosystems and Biodiversity Principal Technical Advisor said the Government of Ethiopia is not only responding to the challenges of conserving the rich biodiversity for the future generation but also making sure that the nature, ecosystems, and wildlife benefit the population. “I believe Ethiopia is a leader in the Green Legacy Initiative. It is the right step. The country is well endowed with rich ecosystems.” The government's action to preserve this for the future generation, while also making sure that the country's economy and present population benefit from it, is extremely important, he elaborated. For the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Advisor, Ethiopia is an example for countries in the region, and globally. “I believe Ethiopia is a leader in this respect”, he added. According to him, UNDP remains committed to working with the Ethiopian government and governments here in the region. “We are here to work very closely alongside the government, helping the government in implementing their important strategies, including those that the government has documented and developed in the Ethiopian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.” UNDP has been working very closely and directly with the Ethiopian government, the civil society and other stakeholders in helping protect the ecosystems and biodiversity here and in the region, it was learned. Ethiopia has planted over 48 billion trees since the launch of the Green Legacy Initiative seven years ago. The initiative is yielding tangible results in environmental restoration, economic development, and community resilience. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has led to a remarkable increase of forest coverage from 17.2 percent to over 23.6 percent. GLI involves large-scale annual tree planting campaigns that have significantly boosted forest coverage and contributed to environmental rehabilitation and climate resilience.

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2025 (ENA)— Professor Makane Mbengue, the African Union’s External Counsel at the International Court of Justice, underscored that African states’ rights and duties in the fight against global warming can no longer be treated as mere political aspirations. In his view, the responsibilities to address climate-driven challenges are binding obligations, indispensable to safeguarding the continent’s sovereign right to sustainable development. Speaking at the Post-Advisory Opinion Workshop on the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling regarding states’ obligations on climate change, Professor Mbengue on Monday underscored the rights and duties of states in confronting global warming. The discussions focused on interpreting the ICJ opinion through an African lens and identifying pathways for its implementation across national and regional frameworks. He stressed the need to differentiate countries’ capabilities, interpretation and application of climate obligation are vital principles for intergenerational equity to benefit the recent and future generations. Legal counsel of the African Union, Professor Hajer Gueldich stressed that states have legal obligations, not just political commitments, to protect the climate system for current and future generations as the implications are profound on the continent which only contributes 3.8% to the global emissions. The professor further stated that the continent has been the center of chaos resulting from drought, food insecurity, displacement and loss of biodiversity, requiring states to abide by legal principles on fighting climate change. “The court's opinion reinforces Africa's long-standing position that climate action must be prompted in justice, equity and sharing responsibility,” she added. The workshop brought together representatives from AU member states, legal counsels, and climate law experts, it was learnt.

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting biodiversity, preserving cultural heritages, and fostering resilient livelihoods, State Minister of Tourism Sileshi Girma said. Opening the 25th annual conference of the Global Wildlife Program (GWP) today, Sileshi noted that Ethiopia is a land of profound heritage and ecological wonder which ranges from ancient civilization, including its own unique alphabets to vibrant cultures and languages. Ethiopia is The Land of Origins-the cradle of humankind, the source of the Abbay River (Blue Nile), the birthplace of coffee, boasts of 13th months of sunshine, and a country of rich in history, and spectacular landscapes, he further stated. Today, Ethiopia is undergoing multifaceted transformations, he said, adding "through strategic investments in infrastructure, nature-based tourism, and the green legacy initiative, we are charting a path toward ecological sustainability and inclusive development.” The protected areas are evolving into engines of conservation and community empowerment, he said. As one of the 38 member countries of the GWP network, Ethiopia remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting biodiversity, preserving cultural heritages, and fostering resilient livelihoods, he reaffirmed. Ethiopia’s milestones, including full operation of GERD, riverside and corridor development undertakings, among others, demonstrate the country’s resolve to safeguard nature while advancing sustainable tourism and community well-being. Senior Researcher at the Ethiopian Wildlife Authority, Fanuel Kebede for his part affirmed that Ethiopia is a land of extraordinary diversity, and a country where nature, culture, and history converge in the most remarkable ways. Ethiopia’s altitude ranges from majestic highlands that soar above 4,000 meters to the arid lowlands that dip up to 150 meters below sea level, he pointed out. Ethiopia encompasses one of the most diversified ecological systems in Africa, the senior researcher pointed out. Towards preserving Ethiopia’s wildlife conservation, “we are contributing to achieve the primary goals of the country’s green legacy initiatives in and around protected areas, promoting nature-based tourism as a pillar of sustainable development, among others,” he elaborated. The main objectives GWP annual conference seek to facilitate knowledge sharing, promote collaboration and networking among project teams, including with government representatives, and partners, and showcase best practices and lessons learned to enhance the program's impact, it was learnt.

Addis Ababa, November 1, 2025 (ENA) – In October 2025, the Prime Minister undertook a series of national and international engagements focused on infrastructure development, rural transformation, governance reform, and diplomatic cooperation. Here is a brief recap of the past month: 𝙊𝙣 𝙐𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 A defining highlight of the month was the laying of the foundation stone for the urea fertilizer plant, a landmark project developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group. With an annual production capacity of three million tons, the plant will utilize natural gas from the Calub gas fields, transported through a 108-kilometer pipeline. This project is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s strategy to achieve fertilizer self-sufficiency and enhance agricultural productivity. In the Somali Region, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Gode Oil Refinery, developed by Golden Concord Group Limited (GCL). The refinery, designed to process 3.5 million tons of crude oil and condensate per year from the Hilala oil field, represents a significant step in Ethiopia’s path toward energy independence. Complementing these milestones, the Prime Minister inaugurated the first phase of the Ogaden Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Calub. The facility, with an annual production capacity of 111 million litres and the ability to generate 1,000 megawatts of energy, strengthens Ethiopia’s industrial base while contributing critical inputs to fertilizer production and energy generation. During his visit to Jigjiga in the Somali Region, the Prime Minister observed the city’s rapid transformation since his last visit in January 2025. Thousands of new housing units are under construction, and corridor development projects are visibly enhancing urban well-being. He lauded the Dine for Generations Project, nearing completion in the Somali Region, for unlocking new opportunities in tourism and stimulating regional economic growth. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by members of the Prosperity Party Executive Committee, visited the corridor development project extending from Sar Bet to German Square, encompassing the Garment Factory and the Furi area. Spanning 589 hectares, it is the second-largest urban corridor after Kazanchis. The project features 16.5 kilometers of asphalt roads, 33 kilometers of pedestrian walkways, plazas, sports and recreation facilities, riverbank development, and over 1,100 commercial shops. The initiative embodies Ethiopia’s broader vision of creating modern, livable, and economically vibrant cities. 𝙊𝙣 𝙍𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Advancing his government’s rural development agenda, the Prime Minister presided over the handover of model rural villages constructed through the Rainy Season Voluntary Scheme in the Halaba, Kembatta, Hadiya, and Silte zones. Each home in these Rural Corridor Villages is equipped with solar power, biogas systems, sanitation facilities, and animal shelters, significantly improving hygiene, comfort, and productivity for rural families. These model villages mark a new chapter in Ethiopia’s mission to raise rural living standards and promote sustainable livelihoods. The Prime Minister encouraged regional leaders to expand these initiatives, setting a target of 100 new houses per zone by next year. During his visit to the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, the Prime Minister also reviewed the rainy season wheat harvest and launched summer wheat production activities. He assessed progress in banana, papaya, and fish farming clusters, emphasizing the growing adoption of mechanized agriculture as a major driver of productivity and self-reliance. He also inaugurated the Welmel River Irrigation Development Project in Delo-Mena Woreda, Bale Zone. Once fully operational, the project will irrigate 9,687 hectares of farmland, benefiting 20,000 farming households and enhancing drought resilience, food sovereignty, and rural employment. 𝙊𝙣 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 At the Koysha Project site, the Prime Minister convened a strategic review session with the Council of Ministers to assess the macroeconomic performance of the first 100 days of the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The review examined achievements, challenges, and strategic priorities, highlighting Ethiopia’s sustained economic resilience amid global uncertainty. The nation’s GDP growth rate stood at 9.2 percent for the 2017 fiscal year, underscoring the success of reforms aimed at fostering inclusive and diversified growth. 𝙊𝙣 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Building on the success of the Digital 2025 Strategy, the Prime Minister announced the forthcoming Digital 2030 Strategy, focused on advancing automation and improving public service delivery. He commended the Federal Supreme Court for implementing a Smart Court System featuring automated transcription, virtual hearings, and an Integrated Case Management System that enables litigants to track cases online. Covering 24 federal branches to date, this innovation marks an important step toward transparent and accessible justice across Ethiopia. 𝙊𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖, 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the launch of the pan-African media outlet Pulse of Africa, a platform he first proposed during the 35th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in 2022. The initiative seeks to amplify African perspectives, counter negative portrayals of the continent, and strengthen African unity through shared narratives. In his remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pulse of Africa marks a significant step toward ensuring that Africans tell their own stories and shape their global image. Accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation of former and current leaders, the Prime Minister also visited the Bale Zone to assess key development projects that integrate natural heritage with national progress. The delegation toured the Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most ecologically diverse and economically significant natural areas. The Prime Minister observed ongoing tourism developments, including the nearly completed Dinsho Lodge at the heart of the park and the Sof Omer Luxury Lodge near the Sof Omer Cave. Both projects are designed to advance Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan by positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic transformation. The Sof Omer Cave Development Project complements these initiatives by improving access and visitor facilities around one of the country’s most celebrated natural landmarks. The delegation also inspected the Robe–Goro–Sof Omer–GinirJunction Road Upgrading Project, a dual asphalt roadway featuring five bridges that connect the productive agricultural zones of East Bale and Bale with central Ethiopia. The upgraded route enhances regional mobility, strengthens economic integration, and improves access to major tourist destinations such as the Bale Mountains National Park and Sof Omer Cave. In addition, the Prime Minister reviewed the Weib River Flood Control Project, which regulates water flow through the cave system to ensure year-round accessibility and protect its ecosystem. He also examined tourism development efforts in the Harenna cluster, including the construction of the Rira Eco Lodge, new viewpoints, restaurants, and coffee facilities along the routes leading to Tulu Dimtu, the park’s highest peak. These initiatives aim to expand sustainable tourism, create local employment, and showcase the natural and cultural richness of the Bale region. The visit concluded at the Fincha Habera Waterfall, where the delegation explored the surrounding landscape, home to the Ethiopian Red Fox, diverse birdlife, and striking geological formations such as the Rafu rock pinnacles. The area, which recently revealed a newly discovered cave system, will soon feature a glamping site designed to promote eco-friendly tourism. Reflecting on the visit, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted Ethiopia as a land of abundance and opportunity, urging citizens to safeguard and build upon the nation’s natural and human wealth for future generations. The delegation collectively reaffirmed the importance of stewardship, unity, and visionary development in shaping Ethiopia’s sustainable and prosperous future. 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his recent address to Ethiopia’s Parliament, highlighted the country’s substantial progress in economic reform, diversification, and infrastructure development. He noted that Ethiopia’s shift from an agriculture-dependent economy toward industrial and service growth has yielded impressive results, citing rapid agricultural expansion, record-high export revenues, and increased foreign reserves. Major investments in green initiatives, transport infrastructure, and energy projects are transforming productivity and sustainability, while prudent debt management and targeted subsidies have stabilized inflation. He emphasized the government’s focus on strengthening institutional capacity, expanding digitalization, training millions of youth in coding, and modernizing service delivery through nationwide one-stop centers. On peace and governance, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to stability, dialogue, and national unity, warning against both internal and external actors seeking to destabilize the country. He stressed that the only viable path for Ethiopia is peaceful political transition and democratic consolidation. Looking ahead to the upcoming national election, he assured Parliament of the government’s readiness to ensure a fair and inclusive process. On foreign relations, he reiterated Ethiopia’s right to equitable use of the Nile waters and called for cooperative engagement with neighboring countries. Addressing the Red Sea question, he described it as a legitimate historical and economic concern that Ethiopia intends to pursue through dialogue and mutual development, underscoring that the nation’s growth is intertwined with regional prosperity and peace. 𝙊𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 On the international stage, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led Ethiopia’s delegation to the 24th Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, Kenya, held under the theme “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” Addressing the Summit, he underscored that Africa’s digital transformation offers a unique opportunity to rewrite its economic narrative and strengthen continental integration. He affirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to collaborate with regional partners to advance a shared digital future. In separate diplomatic meetings, the Prime Minister held discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, and with Dr. Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, to strengthen political and economic cooperation between their two nations. 𝙊𝙣 𝙏𝙖𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 Governance 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 At the 7th Annual Loyal Taxpayers Recognition Ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed celebrated outstanding taxpayers for their contributions to Ethiopia’s development. He reaffirmed that tax revenues are being invested in vital public goods and infrastructure projects and urged all citizens to uphold transparency and reject corruption. The Prime Minister emphasized that collective integrity and accountability are essential to building a just and prosperous nation. Throughout October 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s decisive leadership and forward-looking initiatives across industry, agriculture, urban renewal, justice, and diplomacy demonstrated Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and national progress.

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.