Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed has urged the international community to invest in Africa’s green transformation, calling for a new African Climate Innovation Compact to deliver 1,000 climate solutions by 2030. His remarks came during a virtual address at the opening of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, which runs from 8–10 September 2025.
The summit, convened under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”, brings together heads of state, ministers, investors, youth, and civil society to highlight Africa’s role in shaping climate solutions and attracting large-scale financing for adaptation and mitigation projects across energy, agriculture, transport, and water systems.
Africa as a Continent of Solutions
Dr Ahmed insisted that Africa must stop being framed as a victim of climate change and instead be recognised as a hub of innovation. He argued that ahead of COP30, the continent should present itself not as a negotiating bloc but as a “continent of solutions”, aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a resilient and prosperous Africa.
Outlining his flagship proposal, Ahmed said the African Climate Innovation Compact would bring together universities, start-ups, research institutions, and rural communities to generate locally driven projects, supported by international partners but funded and owned by Africans. “The returns will be measured in avoided emissions, millions of jobs, enhanced food security, stabilised regions, and a more resilient global climate,” he declared.
From Climate Aid to Climate Investment
The Ethiopian leader sharply rejected the “outdated” model of climate aid, instead calling for climate investment. He stressed that Africa is prepared to power growth beyond its borders, citing opportunities in renewable energy, reforestation, climate-smart agriculture, and carbon capture.
Ahmed also emphasised the importance of climate data sovereignty, pledging that African nations would map their own forests, measure carbon independently, and set the value of their ecosystems. “Climate data is not just science—it is the new currency of power,” he noted.
Ethiopia’s Green Commitments
Ethiopia used the summit to showcase its domestic efforts, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is expected to double national electricity supply, and the Green Legacy initiative, which targets the planting of 50 billion trees by 2026. These projects position the country as a leader in Africa’s renewable energy and land restoration drive.
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Wider African Response
Kenyan President William Ruto, addressing delegates in Addis Ababa, accused Western nations of breaking a “climate blood pact” by failing to meet financial pledges, warning that dwindling global solidarity risks undermining Africa’s transition. Meanwhile, African governments highlighted a surge in solar imports, with several countries experiencing record installation of photovoltaic panels in 2024, though the continent still contributes just 4% of global solar capacity.
Summit Outlook
According to Dr Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development and national coordinator for ACS2, the summit is designed as an inclusive platform where “policymakers, youth, and community leaders co-create solutions” at speed and scale. She added that the forum is not only about shaping Africa’s resilience but also about positioning the continent as a driver of global climate leadership.
The Ethiopian government hopes that ACS2 will attract billions of dollars in green financing and strengthen Africa’s position ahead of COP30. By prioritising innovation and investment over dependency, leaders argue Africa can emerge as both a testing ground and a champion for global climate action.
