Abiy Calls for African-Led Climate Solutions and Green Industrialization at ACS2
Olasukanmi Mercy
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for African-led climate solutions and green industrialization at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa. Abiy proposed a continent-wide partnership to drive homegrown solutions to the climate crisis, aiming to produce 1,000 African-designed climate solutions by 2030 through the Africa Climate Innovation Compact. This compact will unite universities, research institutions, startups, and rural innovators.
Abiy emphasized the importance of Africa measuring and pricing its own ecosystems, moving from climate aid to climate investment. He described data as the “new currency of power” and highlighted the need for climate data sovereignty. The summit focuses on bridging Africa’s climate finance shortfall, advancing nature-based and technological solutions, and positioning Africa ahead of COP30.
Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 48 billion seedlings, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which generates over 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy. Despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, Africa faces severe climate impacts, and the summit aims to secure meaningful international commitments to support Africa’s transition to a greener and more resilient continent.
The summit seeks to present a unified African voice ahead of COP30 in Brazil, calling for global finance reform, increased grant-based funding, and investment commitments that accelerate Africa’s green transition. The ACS2 summit brings together over 25,000 delegates, including heads of state, government ministers, civil society, youth leaders, and private sector actors, to chart a collective path toward a greener and more resilient Africa.
