The Africa Climate Summit (ACS) is returning to Addis Ababa from September 8 to 10, 2025. Hosted by Ethiopia and the African Union, this event is essential as Africa prepares for its role in upcoming global climate discussions, particularly COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
This summit is especially important given the current climate crisis. Africa is one of the regions hit hardest by climate change, with 2024 projected to be the hottest year on record. The urgency of ACS2 reflects the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable communities across the continent.
A New Focus on Solutions
The theme for this year’s summit is “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” This reflects Africa’s commitment to not just coping with climate challenges but actively seeking solutions. The first summit laid the groundwork, portraying Africa as a hub of creativity and innovation in climate response. ACS2 aims to enhance this vision, showcasing homegrown initiatives that address unique local challenges.
Since the inaugural summit in Nairobi, which resulted in the Nairobi Declaration, African nations have aimed to translate words into action. This declaration set an 11-point agenda to unify the continent’s approach to climate issues. At ACS2, leaders will evaluate their progress and highlight local solutions that can convert climate vulnerabilities into strengths.
A Critical Gathering
With over 45 heads of state expected, ACS2 isn’t just another conference; it’s seen as Africa’s moment to shape climate policy on the global stage. Topics will range from renewable energy expansion to sustainable farming practices. A pressing challenge that will be addressed is the financial gap—African nations spend about 5% of their GDP on climate impacts largely caused by others. Bridging this gap is crucial for enabling real change.
Recent data reflects the ongoing challenges, indicating that financial commitments to developing countries fall significantly short. For instance, a recent report by the United Nations found that developed nations are only delivering a fraction of the promised climate financing. This makes the discussions at ACS2 even more important, as African leaders will advocate for fair financing and investments that benefit both the continent and the planet.
The summit is a pivotal moment not only for Africa but for global climate action. By reframing Africa as a key player in the climate narrative, ACS2 emphasizes the importance of viewing investments in African solutions as investments in our shared future. The outcome of this summit could significantly influence how the world addresses climate change moving forward.
For more insights, check out this report by the United Nations on climate finance and plans for global cooperation.
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Africa,Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2)