Addis Ababa: Africa’s leaders have seized the global stage with renewed vigor, unveiling a bold vision for the continent to become a model of climate innovation and sustainable growth at the Second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia. Their call comes at a critical juncture, following the United States’ controversial withdrawal from the Paris Agreement a move that has rattled global confidence in collective climate action.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, opening the summit, underscored the urgency of African-led action. “We are not here to negotiate our survival. We are here to design the world’s next climate economy,” he declared, emphasizing that Africa would no longer remain a passive participant in global forums. His announcement of a continental climate innovation initiative aimed at generating 1,000 African-led solutions by 2030 drew applause, signaling the continent’s intent to set the pace for climate resilience rather than merely adapt to outside prescriptions.
The initiative envisions universities, startups, rural innovators, and research centers working hand in hand to tackle Africa’s unique climate challenges, from desertification to food insecurity. Ethiopia also expressed a strong interest in hosting COP32 in 2027, positioning itself as a diplomatic hub where Africa’s green transformation could be showcased on the world stage.
Yet the summit was not just about ambition it was also a reminder of the inequities that persist in the global climate finance system. Despite being among the hardest-hit regions by extreme weather events, Africa receives only about 1% of global climate finance annually. Leaders demanded urgent reforms to ensure fairer and more predictable funding flows, describing the current imbalance as both an environmental and moral injustice.
Kenyan President William Ruto captured the mood of frustration, warning against broken promises by developed nations. “Too often, commitments are broken and international solidarity is dismissed as weakness,” he said, urging African nations to stand united and self-reliant in building their green economies.
The U.S. pullback has cast a long shadow over global cooperation, but African leaders insisted that it had also created an opening: the chance to reposition Africa as a trailblazer in climate justice, innovation, and resilience. By shifting from dependency to leadership, the summit marked a decisive moment in Africa’s climate journey.
As the Addis Ababa summit closed, the collective message was clear Africa will not wait for others to lead. It will chart its own path, turning its vulnerabilities into opportunities and reshaping the climate discourse for the future.