African Leaders Unite to Push Climate Action Ahead of Addis Summit
African leaders and global partners have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing climate action, emphasising that the continent’s renewable energy potential, youthful population and culture of innovation position Africa as a key driver of the global green transition.
Speaking ahead of the Second Africa Climate Summit, opening today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie said Africa’s wealth of critical minerals essential for clean technology places it at the forefront of climate-resilient development.
“With the right support, Africa’s aspirations can fortify global climate action,” he said, warning against a repeat of historic patterns of unfair competition and unlawful resource extraction that hindered the continent’s progress.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairman of the African Union Commission, stressed the urgency of unity and fairness in global negotiations. “Time for decisive action is fleeting. We call on the international community to ensure climate finance is fair, technology transfer effective, and capacity building prioritised,” he said.
Noura Hamladji, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, called for delivery on pledges to increase climate finance flows to developing countries to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. “It must become implementable, delivered faster and designed for purpose,” she said.
Youth delegates also urged leaders to act with a sense of moral duty. Adela Tuy, a Kaqchikel Mayan from Guatemala, reminded participants that indigenous communities have long safeguarded their territories, while youth advocate Leyla Hasanova called for promises to be honoured so that future generations inherit “hope rather than fear”.
Experts at the summit pointed to the paradox of Africa’s vast clean energy resources coexisting with widespread energy poverty. Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, noted that climate impacts are already costing the continent up to 9 percent of its GDP annually.
He said innovative financing and international support will be crucial to bridging the gap between potential and reality.
The Africa Climate Summit is expected to deliver actionable commitments, ensuring pledges translate into tangible benefits for communities across the continent.
