UNECA Praises Ethiopia's Proactive Climate Action

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.