The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) wrapped up on September 11, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a pivotal moment for the continent’s role in global climate action.
Hosted by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in partnership with the African Union, the summit operated under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”.
This event shifted the narrative from Africa as a victim of climate change to a proactive leader in solutions, with multi-billion-dollar commitments aimed at funding locally led initiatives.
The Addis Ababa Declaration: A Historic Call to Action
At the heart of ACS2’s achievements was the adoption of the African Leaders Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.
This declaration positions Africa at the forefront of global climate efforts, emphasising the need for sustained support to scale up African-led initiatives.
Key highlights include:
- Strengthening programmes like the Great Green Wall Initiative, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, and Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative.
- A demand for adaptation finance as a legal obligation from developed nations, delivered as grants rather than loans to avoid exacerbating debt burdens.
- Urgent reforms to multilateral development banks to reduce borrowing costs and increase African representation in global financial governance.
This declaration signals Africa’s push for equity in climate finance, addressing the historical imbalance where the continent receives disproportionately little support despite bearing significant climate impacts.
Major Financial Commitments and Initiatives Launched at ACS2
ACS2 saw pledges totalling billions of dollars for climate solutions. Leaders and international partners committed to innovative financing mechanisms tailored to Africa’s needs:
- Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) and African Climate Facility (ACF): Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, targeting $50 billion annually to deliver 1,000 African solutions by 2030.
- African Climate Change Fund: Backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), using green bonds and Africa-specific instruments.
- Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII): Backed by $100 billion from AfDB, Afreximbank, Africa50, and AFC to transform renewables, resources, and industries into a climate-smart growth engine.
- Government Pledges:
- Denmark: $79 million for agricultural transformation.
- Italy: $4.2 billion via its Climate Fund, with 70% directed to Africa.
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- Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) 2.0: Calls for $50 billion by 2030 to climate-proof food, infrastructure, and cities.
- EIB Global Agreements: Supporting €100 billion in investments by 2027 through Ethiopian banks.
- Mission 300 & Clean Cooking Initiative: Targeting modern energy access for 300 million Africans and clean cooking for 900 million by 2035.
- Green Minerals Strategy: Harnessing cobalt, lithium, copper, and rare earths for value addition and job creation.
- Climate Justice Impact Fund for Africa (CJIFA): Already distributing 64 grants across 17 countries.
These commitments highlight a strong shift toward adaptation, innovation, and green industrialisation.
Unprecedented Participation and Collaborative Spirit
Over 25,000 delegates attended ACS2, including heads of state, civil society, the private sector, farmers, youth, and indigenous leaders.
The summit featured:
- 23 Pavilions for debates and showcases.
- 43 Exhibitions presenting private-sector innovations.
- 240 Side Events exploring African-led solutions.
This collaborative spirit stood in contrast to the deadlock often seen at global climate summits, proving Africa’s ability to convene and lead effectively.
Paving the Way to COP30 and Beyond
ACS2 laid the foundation for Africa’s negotiating stance at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Leaders united in pushing for climate justice, financing reforms, and a bigger role for Africa in global decision-making.
The Government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission will spearhead the implementation of the Addis Ababa Declaration, ensuring the summit’s momentum carries forward into COP30, the G20, and the UN General Assembly.
Why ACS2 Matters for Global Climate Action
For businesses, investors, and policymakers, ACS2 opens opportunities in renewable energy, green industrialisation, and climate-resilient development.
Africa is no longer waiting on the sidelines. By uniting under the Addis Ababa Declaration, the continent has positioned itself as a solution provider, driving equity, innovation, and investment at the heart of global climate action.
As we look toward COP30, ACS2 has set a clear message: Africa’s green future is here.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
