African cities lead the way in climate innovation ahead of ACS2 summit

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) – Across the African continent, cities are transforming climate change challenges into innovative opportunities that promote sustainable urban development. These efforts will be spotlighted at the upcoming Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from September 8–10, 2025.

Hosted by the Government of Ethiopia in partnership with the African Union Commission, the summit will bring together over 20,000 participants, including more than 45 African heads of state and government, alongside policymakers, youth representatives, technical experts, and climate practitioners.

Urban centers across Africa are adopting a range of climate-smart solutions. In Dakar, Senegal, a solar-powered Bus Rapid Transit system is helping reduce emissions while improving urban mobility. Kigali, Rwanda, is advancing green building codes to guide resilient and climate-adapted urban growth. Meanwhile, Addis Ababa is integrating corridor development projects with waste-to-energy and reuse programs to create cleaner, more livable, and inclusive cities.

ACS2 will provide a platform to share these and other African-led climate innovations, foster partnerships, and mobilize investments to scale sustainable solutions continent-wide. The summit’s timing—between major global forums such as the G20 Summit, UN General Assembly, and COP30 Climate Conference—positions Africa to shape international climate finance and policy agendas effectively.

Organizers say the event will feature plenaries, ministerial roundtables, youth forums, regional pavilions, side events, and exhibitions, all aimed at accelerating green growth, climate resilience, and just transitions across the continent.