Ethiopia Presses for Fair Climate Financing for Developing Nations at Vienna Forum

Addis Ababa, April 10, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has called for fair and scaled-up climate financing to support developing countries in overcoming structural barriers to clean energy transition.

Speaking at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum 2026, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos underscored the need for increased concessional finance, particularly for least developed and landlocked developing countries.

He highlighted Africa’s strong potential to leapfrog into low-carbon industrialization by harnessing its vast renewable energy resources and advancing value addition in critical minerals.

The minister stressed that persistent challenges — including limited energy access, infrastructure gaps, and restricted market access — continue to hinder progress across the continent.

Gedion also pointed to Ethiopia’s commitment to climate-resilient development, noting that the country generates about 95 percent of its energy from renewable sources. He added that Ethiopia is advancing green industrialization through investments in eco-friendly industrial parks.

On the sidelines of the forum, the foreign minister held talks with Austria’s Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and renewable energy.

He also met with South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Monday Semaya Kumba, where the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest.