African leaders push for climate investment at Ethiopia summit

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — African leaders gathered in Addis Ababa for the second Africa Climate Summit, where they discussed innovative approaches to climate adaptation funding and emphasized the continent’s potential as an investment hub rather than a victim of climate change.

African nations, home to over one billion people, have been disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters like droughts and floods, leaving millions vulnerable. Despite ambitious renewable energy plans set during the previous summit, funding limitations have hindered progress.

The focus of this year’s summit is to secure climate financing and expedite locally-driven solutions for adaptation.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed the need to shift from climate aid to climate investment, urging taxing polluters and the wealthy to fund climate initiatives.

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union, proposed a “climate justice” framework to assist vulnerable countries facing climate change and debt challenges.

The summit’s declaration outlining Africa’s priorities and solutions will be finalized this week and presented at COP30 in November, with support from COP30 president Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago.

In conjunction with the summit, Ethiopia will inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project on the Blue Nile, set to significantly boost the country’s energy output and support neighboring nations.

As part of its conservation efforts, Ethiopia recently launched a campaign to plant billions of trees, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

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