Second Africa Climate Summit Aims to Spur Bold Climate Financing, Accelerate Action: Planning & Dev’t Ministry

Addis Ababa, July 15, 2025 (POA)—Ethiopia, in partnership with the African Union, is preparing to host the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2) this September, the Ministry of Planning and Development announced today.

Speaking to the media, Planning and Development State Minister Seyoum Mekonnen said the pre-summit session will take place from September 5-7, followed by a high-level segment on September 8 and 9, 2025.

The summit is expected to bring together around 25,000 participants from across the continent and beyond, it was learned.

In a consultative forum with representatives from international foundations, donor agencies, and civil society organizations, acute climate challenges facing Africa, including droughts, floods, wild fires, and disease outbreaks, will be discussed.

The State Minister noted that Africa bears the brunt of climate change and most severe impacts, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions.

And despite the pledges made by developed nations, financial support for climate adaptation and mitigation in Africa has fallen short over the past decade, he added.

The Second African Climate Summit aims to catalyze bold financial commitments and accelerate climate action across the continent.

According to Seyoum, the summit is both a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective resolve and a venue where all voices, particularly those of marginalized communities, will be heard.

He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to climate action, underscoring the government’s policy, strategy, and legal frameworks aimed at building a green and climate-resilient economy.

The Green Legacy Initiative, which promotes bio-diversity conservation and the cultivation of edible plants as well as Ethiopia’s advancements in renewable energy and green transportation, as examples of national climate initiatives.

On his part, African Climate Foundation Energy Access and Transition Program Manager, Sahele Tamiru, stated that the (Green Legacy) initiative against climate change, led by Ethiopia, has called on Africans to make their own mark in ensuring the sustainable development of the continent, rather than seeking solutions from elsewhere, and that they will work together to ensure the success of the conference.

NABU Ethiopia (a German non-governmental organization) Executive Director, Sisay Asfaw, stated that the NGO looks forward to hosting the conference in Ethiopia and is ready to share local experiences in climate change prevention with others and to learn from others.

As Africa looks ahead to global forums such as COP30, ACS2 is expected to help shape the continent’s climate agenda and transform its narrative from a climate change victim to a leader in innovative and sustainable solutions.