Private sector urged to take active role in climate change mitigation

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s State Minister of Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonnen, has called on the private sector to play an active role in efforts to mitigate climate change, highlighting its critical contribution to Africa’s sustainable development.

Ethiopia, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), will host the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2) from 8 to 10 September 2025 at the Addis International Convention Center. The summit will convene policymakers, practitioners, businesses, and civil society under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”

State Minister Seyoum Mekonnen said extensive preparations are underway for the summit, with discussions currently ongoing with private sector leaders and financial institutions in Addis Ababa. He emphasized that the conference will provide a major platform for advancing Africa’s climate agenda, generating solutions to mitigate climate impacts, and strengthening continental capacities to address climate change.

Highlighting the role of the private sector, the State Minister stressed that businesses should actively contribute to the summit professionally, financially, and intellectually, and that Ethiopia’s own climate best practices will be showcased as part of the continental effort.

“ACS2 will enable Africans not only to make their voices heard globally but also to demonstrate that the continent is at the forefront of innovative climate solutions,” he said.

The summit aims to unify Africa’s voice in global climate action, accelerate climate adaptation, mitigation, and green growth, and catalyze bold financial and political commitments. ACS2 will also empower communities—particularly youth and indigenous groups—while promoting equitable partnerships and multilateral cooperation. The initiative positions Africa not just as a frontline region facing climate impacts but as a powerhouse of global climate solutions.