Africa Climate Summit 2: A Transformative Blueprint for Climate Action

Following the historic launch of the African climate summit in Nairobi in 2023, which yielded the Nairobi Declaration, the government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission hosted the second round of the summit, which once again provided another chance for African countries to collectively redefine their stance on climate action as they refreshed their commitments and strengthened their unity ahead of COP 30 in a few months to come, to be held in Brazil. The Second Africa Climate Summit, dubbed #ACS 2, held in Addis Ababa from September 8–10, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in Africa's climate leadership. The summit brought together heads of state and government, partners, financiers, policymakers, civil societies, and activists to forge a collective path and practical Climate Action Plan for the continent for the next two years.

The conclusion of the summit was marked with a significant document, the Addis Ababa Declaration. The declaration symbolizes the agreements and commitments on speeding up the global climate solutions and financing for the green energy transition. It importantly details the continent’s climate priorities, focusing on climate adaptation, mitigation, and Green Development.

 Here are the key specific highlights from the Addis Ababa Declaration:

 

Green Energy: The continent's leaders consensus was that Africa should be positioned more for a full-scale transition to green energy, and the process has to be just. With great economic and green energy potential Africa needs to be steered into being the hub for global renewable energy. The declaration aims to increase Africa’s contribution to global renewable energy from a low of 2% to at least 20% by 2030.

 

Adaptation and Resilience: Climate adaptation is one of the best strategies to respond to the ongoing climate crisis that led to a significant reduction of agricultural productivity in the horn of Africa. The declaration aims to prioritize adaptation efforts and operationalize the Loss and Damage funds to strengthen resilience across economies and communities in the continent.

Nature-Based Solutions: The declaration also seeks to further nature-based remedies to curtail the climate crisis. For instance, Ethiopia and Kenya are currently implementing an ambitious national tree planting of 50B and 15 trees by 2026 and 2032, respectively. This is a national effort to reduce the level of carbon gas from the air. This is reflected in the continental aim to harness the region's natural assets for sustainable development, including $191 billion in annual land restoration.

These commitments underscore Africa's determination to transition from being a climate victim to a proactive solutions provider.

 

Renewable Energy and Energy Access: A significant outcome from the summit was the reaffirmation of Africa's ambition to expand renewable energy capacity from 56 GW to 300 GW by 2030. This goal, known as Mission 300, aims to electrify 300 million Africans, addressing the energy access deficit affecting over 600 million people. The initiative is backed by the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and philanthropic actors, with 12 million people already reached. On top of that, Ethiopia commissioned the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in the presence of African leaders during the summit. The Mega Water project not only will be providing water to millions of Ethiopians but is also set to generate 5,000 MW of renewable energy, reflecting Africa’s capacity for large-scale climate projects.

 

Climate Finance: In response to the sheer need for local climate policies for developing countries, as championed by the Paris Agreement 2015, the continent seeks to mobilize $ 50B yearly to catalyse climate initiatives.The African Climate Facility and Africa Climate Innovation are set to play as key sources for climate financing for African economies.Furthermore, a $100 billion green energy investment pledge was announced by African development banks and commercial lenders, highlighting the continent's dedication to sustainable growth through projects like Ethiopia’s tree-planting campaign and a new hydroelectric dam.

Nature-Based Solutions and Land Restoration

 

In sum, African leaders and partners left Addis fully aware that stakes are high, but most importantly, strongly positioned for the upcoming COP 30 set to be happen in Brazil this November. And reminded of need to reform the global financing system to catalyse financing of climate mitigation, adaptation and accelerating green development.  Through the Addis Ababa Declaration, Africa has articulated a clear and unified climate agenda, positioning itself as a global climate leader and establishing a strong path to COP 30. The new commitments added to reaffirmed ones, if realized, have tremendous potential to place Africa at a good climate trajectory, enabling the continent to contribute significantly to sustainable Development Goals climate aims.  As the world approaches COP30, Africa's voice is poised to be a powerful force in shaping the future of global climate policy.