Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Second Africa Climate Summit ended in Addis Ababa this Wednesday, with a strong call for an ambitious climate action and roadmap for the continent’s development.
African leaders wrapped up the three-day Summit which begun on Monday with the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration, pledging to turn the continent into a global hub for renewable energy and climate solutions while demanding fair and predictable financing from the international community.
The summit also served as a roadmap as Africa prepares to present a united front at United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) set for Brazil in November.
Host President, His Excellency Taye Atske Selassie, shared his hopes that Africa will not just be at the table but set the global agenda as a continent that is greener, prosperous and more united.
“Our vision is clear. We are committed to forging a prosperous, resilient, and green continent. It is an injustice that more than 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity. Our climate action must begin with massive investment in renewable energy and a call for climate justice. The declaration should not be a document to put in the archives but a plan for immediate and measurable action, monitored through an African Union dashboard to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.
Representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr Evelyn Ndlovu spoke on the need for a reformed global climate finance architecture.
“The commitments enshrined in the Addis Ababa Declaration are unconditional. We have the will, resources, and unity to realise our ambitions. Africa’s future is in Africa’s hands, and we are building it now. We have sent a clear and united message ahead of COP30, this year’s UN climate conference. Africa’s climate finance demands are not charity appeals. They are calls for equity, for justice, and for shared global responsibility. Africa is not a problem to be solved. Africa is a solution to be supported. May our actions match our ambitions. May our unity light the path forward.”
The Addis Ababa Declaration rests on three pillars including accelerating renewable energy development, forming a coalition of Africa’s critical mineral producers to ensure fair value in global supply chains, and protecting natural heritage through reforestation and restoration partnerships.
