Ethiopia to Host Africa’s “COP” as Continent Pushes for Climate Finance Reform
Ethiopia will host the second edition of the Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) from September 8 to 10 in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC).
Themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” the summit will bring together African leaders, policymakers, development partners, and climate experts to chart a bold path toward climate resilience and sustainable development.
Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Friday, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonnen, said ACS2 is envisioned as “Africa’s COP,” with a strong focus on climate justice, innovative financing, and homegrown solutions.
“This summit is not just another event, it is Africa’s moment to lead,” Mekonnen declared. “Africa is often portrayed as a victim of climate change, but we are also a continent of solutions.”
He cited Ethiopia’s “Green Legacy” initiative, which has planted over 40 billion seedlings over six years and increased national forest cover from 17.2% in 2019 to 23.6% in 2023, as an example of what African-led climate action can achieve.
Mekonnen said ACS2 would advocate for structural reforms in global climate finance, spotlight new financial instruments, and promote multilateral cooperation to unlock climate capital for the continent.
Moses Vilakati, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, stressed the urgency of addressing Africa’s climate finance deficit.
“Africa needs over $3 trillion to meet its climate goals, yet received only $30 billion between 2021 and 2022,” he said. “Bridging this gap is an existential necessity.”
Vilakati highlighted Africa’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate impacts despite contributing the least to global emissions. He underscored the need for a just and equitable energy transition, citing Africa’s massive solar energy potential and the goal, set during ACS1, of tripling renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030.
“Only 18% of Africa’s mitigation needs are currently funded, and just 20% of adaptation financing is covered,” he warned.
The commissioner emphasized that Africa’s resilience depends on leveraging public-private partnerships, integrating climate risks into national planning, and accelerating sustainable industrialization. He also reaffirmed the AUC’s commitment to rotational hosting of the summit to ensure inclusivity and continental ownership.
More than a policy forum, Ethiopian officials say ACS2 is designed to inspire a movement for climate leadership in Africa.
“We are not just hosting a summit, we are building a movement,” Mekonnen said. “And every movement needs voices that amplify, challenge, and inform.”
With just weeks to go before the summit, momentum is building around Africa’s call for fair climate finance, stronger governance, and the political will to turn promises into action.
