African leaders to discuss funding gap for climate actions at ACS2

By Chuks Oyema-Aziken

More than 45 African Heads of States are expected to discuss at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) billed for Addis Ababa in September, how to tackle inadequate finance to adapt and build resilience to the climate crisis facing the continent.

This is contained in a communique released after an exclusive Virtual Media Briefing on preparations for ACS2.

The communique said the ACS2 jointly convened by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission (AUC), under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development” seeks to build on and implement the strong commitments agreed on in 2023 during the inaugural summit, which delivered the Nairobi Declaration, an eleven-point call to action that signified Africa’s unified stance on climate action.

It said “The two strategic pillars of the ACS2 would be showcasing the Africa led Climate Solutions and unlocking climate Finance.

“The summit seeks to centre Africa’s ambition and homegrown solutions — positioning the continent as a driving force in the global climate response. The climate crisis is escalating – 2024 is on record as the hottest year, and 2025 is on course to surpass it. African countries remain highly vulnerable to these impacts, despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“Climate finance at a scale to adequately address adaptation and Africa’s development imperative rooted in green industrialization is one of the core agenda for ACS2.

The communique noted that African countries remain grossly disadvantaged in accessing the climate finance necessary to adapt and build resilience to the climate crisis.

“This forces them to spend more than 5% of their GDP responding to climate change, diverting national resources from other development priorities like health and education.

“Conversely, Africa is building unstoppable momentum for a just energy transition anchored in its right to development. ACS2 will seek to reaffirm Africa’s desire to scale renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030 to enable universal energy access and green industrialisation. By utilising its vast renewable resources and critical minerals, Africa will be signalling its commitment to shift energy-intensive manufacturing and value-addition back to the continent to drive the creation of jobs and grow our economies.

“The ACS2, which is expected to bring together 45+ African heads of State, will seek to spotlight Africa’s leadership and innovation in addressing the climate crisis and provide the continent’s formal position ahead of COP30.

According to ACS2 Conveners
H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission;
“Recognizing that Africa leads the world in solar energy potential, with vast areas receiving over 2,000 kWh/m² annually, the ACS2 aims to accelerate climate solutions and financing for Africa’s green development, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy as a transformative force. Africa faces a significant climate finance gap. Only 18% of annual mitigation needs are funded, just 20% of adaptation needs are covered, and only 18% of total climate finance is sourced from private sources far below global averages. While Africa needs $3 trillion for climate goals; only $30 billion was received between 2021-2022. ACS2 is our moment to lead, innovate, and deliver. United by our common interests in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, we must promote inclusive Climate Governance that leaves no one behind for the Africa We Want.”

Seyoum Mekonen, State Minister of Planning and Development, Ethiopia said the Africa Climate Summit is not just another event—it is Africa’s moment to lead.

“This is our COP. ACS2 is where bold ideas meet climate justice, and where collective momentum becomes a movement. Africa is too often seen only as a victim of climate change, but that story is incomplete. We are a continent of solutions—scaling climate-smart agriculture, protecting forests with digital tools, deploying solar-powered irrigation and early warning systems, advancing indigenous knowledge, creating green jobs for youth and women, and mobilizing political will at the highest levels. ACS2 is our chance to show the world that Africa is not waiting, we are leading.

“More than 45 official events are programmed around the Summit’s themes; Over 400 side events registered; 74 pavilion spaces are also registered; More than 25 formal consultations conducted with AU Member States, UN agencies, the diplomatic communities, development partners, private sectors, CSOs, and faith-based organizations, among others”
Abas Mohammed, Co-chair of the Content and Program Committee of ACS2 and CEO, Environment and Climate Change Policy, Strategy Analysis and Mainstreaming, Ministry of Planning and Development, Ethiopia;
“The Second Africa Climate Summit is built on scalable climate finance as its foundation and will spotlight homegrown, African-led solutions—especially in adaptation and resilience—that are already delivering real impact. A key outcome of ACS2 is to elevate these initiatives with global relevance—from large-scale reforestation and drought-resilient farming to renewable energy expansion—demonstrating that Africa is not only adapting but leading, and that investing in African solutions benefits the entire planet. ACS2 moves beyond declarations to delivery, carrying political weight and reinforcing Africa’s unified call to reform global climate finance architecture. The Summit will interrogate whether current finance mechanisms are fit for purpose, push for more accessible grant funding, and expand highly concessional financing for adaptation projects that drive social and economic benefits.”

“The Flagship Report of African-led initiatives and programmes will also be a key output of the ACS2 showcasing the action on the ground.”
Mr. Harsan Nyambe, Director, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, African Union Commission said that Africa is facing increasingly frequent and prolonged extreme weather events, from multi year droughts in East Africa to floods and cold snaps that threaten lives and livelihoods.

“These climate shocks affect every sector, particularly agriculture and fisheries, making locally tailored, multi-hazard early warning systems critical for preparedness and adaptation. Such systems must integrate meteorological data, disaster and health monitoring, and indigenous knowledge to help communities protect crops, livestock, and livelihoods. The African Union is supporting member states and regional communities with equipment, training, and coordinated early warning initiatives, which will be highlighted at the Summit, including the launch of a new AU project on early warning and adaptation.”

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