Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Federal Government of Ethiopia has begun active engagements with foreign diplomats and development partners as the country prepares to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), scheduled to hold from September 8 to 10, 2025, at the Addis International Convention Centre. The summit, themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” is expected to be a major platform for reshaping Africa’s place in the global climate finance dialogue.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, in a statement released on Monday, said it hosted a “crucial consultation” session with members of the diplomatic corps and development delegations based in Addis Ababa. The consultation focused on how the international community can offer financial and technical assistance to ensure the summit produces actionable outcomes.
The high-level discussion was opened by Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Gedion Timothewos, who reportedly “set a collaborative tone” for the meeting. The session was moderated by the Minister of Planning and Development, Dr Fitsum Assefa. The two ministers highlighted the urgent need for global partners to support Africa’s climate resilience efforts, particularly through fair access to climate finance.
Participants at the event noted that African countries are among the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Ethiopia’s own “Green Legacy” initiative, which focuses on reforestation and environmental conservation, was cited as one of several homegrown efforts that need sustained external support to deliver on their long-term impact.
Abas Mohammed, CEO at the Ministry of Planning and Development, presented a detailed concept note outlining the vision, objectives, and structure of the ACS2. He explained that the summit is more than just a gathering of heads of state; it is a platform to push for urgent action in unlocking grant-based climate finance and strengthening sustainable investment across Africa.
According to the Ministry, strong partnerships and inclusive dialogue will be essential to ensure that ACS2 provides practical and transformative solutions. It stressed that international donors, development banks, and private sector players must work closely with African governments to co-create solutions that match the scale of the climate challenge.
In a move to boost transparency and public engagement, the Ethiopian government and the African Union have launched the official ACS2 website. The portal will serve as a hub for information, registration, and updates on summit activities, including side events, speakers, and documents.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a special message to summit participants, said Ethiopia was proud to host such an important continental event. He noted that the summit would serve as a platform for Africans to present bold, homegrown climate solutions.
“In line with Agenda 2063 and the principles of multilateralism, ACS2 will highlight Africa’s contribution to climate solutions and demonstrate our commitment to a climate-resilient and greener future,” Prime Minister Abiy stated.
He added, “We believe Africa has what it takes to drive fair and practical global climate actions. With our collective efforts, we will shape a future that is harmonised, united, prosperous, and greener for all.”
The first Africa Climate Summit (ACS1), which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4 to 6, 2023, recorded major achievements. These included the launch of the African Climate Momentum initiative, more than $20 billion in pledges for climate adaptation and green growth, and the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, which pushed for stronger investment in renewable energy and carbon markets across Africa.
Now, attention is turning to ACS2, where organisers hope to build on the momentum. The summit is expected to produce a high-level “Addis Ababa Declaration” from African leaders. This declaration will focus on advancing Africa’s voice on climate action ahead of key international meetings, including COP30, the G20, and the United Nations General Assembly.
Other expected outcomes of the summit include reforming the global climate finance system to favour more grant-based funding, strengthening national systems to manage climate finance effectively, and promoting African-led climate innovations that can be scaled globally.
Ethiopia’s effort to use diplomacy, digital tools, and local leadership ahead of ACS2 signals a renewed push by African nations to demand fair treatment in the global climate finance architecture. As the summit draws near, stakeholders from across the world are expected to converge in Addis Ababa with one agenda — to accelerate funding for a green, just, and climate-resilient Africa.
