Addis Ababa, September 8, 2025 (FMC) — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for climate finance that is fair, significant, and predictable to strengthen Africa’s adaptation and resilience efforts.
The Second Africa Climate Summit officially opened today in Addis Ababa, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, African heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations, and other high-level officials in attendance. The Summit focuses on leveraging climate financing strategies that not only address the impacts of climate change but also promote both adaptation and mitigation, while supporting green development across the continent.
Speaking at the opening, Chairperson Youssouf emphasized Africa’s position on climate finance. “Let us witness a distinct final movement to reaffirm our continent’s unequivocal position regarding our global obligations, while still recognizing our differentiated responsibilities,” he said.
He highlighted the heightened vulnerability of African countries, worsened by climate change, heavy debt burdens, and structural inequalities in the global financial system, stressing that these challenges must be addressed through climate justice. He further urged genuine cooperation to implement Africa’s adaptation plan, calling for financial support, technology transfer, and expertise.
The three-day Summit aims to unite Africa’s voice ahead of global platforms such as COP30, the G20, and the UN General Assembly. It will promote reforms to scale up grant-based climate finance and investment mechanisms, showcase African-led climate solutions with global potential, and foster strategic partnerships for resilient and green development.
Participants are also expected to adopt the African Leaders’ Addis Ababa Declaration and launch a flagship report highlighting initiatives and partnerships at national, regional, continental, and global levels.
Hosting the Summit underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to African-led climate action and leadership, reflecting the country’s dedication to bold, continent-wide solutions. Leaders, innovators, and change-makers have gathered in Addis Ababa to shape Africa’s climate future.