The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), hosted and co-convened by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and the African Union Commission from 8–10 September 2025, was more than just a meeting—it was a continental declaration that highlighted Africa’s refusal to remain a victim of climate change, but rather, propounded the continent as architect of the solutions. Themed ” Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” The summit underscored bold declarations from three keynote speakers, notably, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the President of Kenya, and the Chair of the AU Commission.
The Prime Minister proclaimed in his keynote statement, “We are not here to negotiate our survival…” , calling for a new global perspective of Africa’s role and position in climate action. He emphasized on the continent’s need to build from its strengths, rather than overemphasizing its weaknesses; showcasing Africa’s power in its transformative and innovative youth force, forests and carbon vaults, renowned arable land capable of ensuring food security for the continent and beyond, rapid transforming solar power, its coastal sites, wetlands, and more. He went further to highlight Ethiopia’s commitments to climate action with the green Legacy Initiative where the country has planted 48 million trees across 7 years and more, including the Grand ethiopian Renaissance Dam set to generate 5000 MW of renewable energy.
He reimagined Africa’s role in climate negotiations and emphasized on a new stance for the continent, reiterating the continent’s position at the summit, to design the world’s next climate economy; proclaiming that when our lands heal, and our rivers run clean with our air fresh, Africa wins and the world breathes better.
He went further to announce the country’s aspiration to host COP32 as he handed in an official candidacy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia as one of the potential host countries for the world’s largest UN conference.
His Excellency, William Ruto of Kenya, host of the first-ever climate summit in Nairobi (ACS1), applauded the Prime Minister for the important and world-changing declarations and commitment to build further on the momentum from Nairobi, two years ago. He highlighted the importance of the first climate summit and the role it played in showcasing Africa’s strength, perspective, and position in climate negotiations. He went further to present the continent’s progress so far since Nairobi and cautioned against silo-movements, claiming that no country can combat the climate crisis alone. Emphasizing that “only bold, united, and sustained collaboration can avert climate catastrophe.”
The African Union Commission Chair, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in his opening statement, underscored the need for justice and equity in climate finance. Proclaiming on behlaf of the AUC that:
“The African Union Commission firmly believes that climate finance must be fair, significant, and predictable,” he said. “The vulnerability of our member countries—exacerbated by climate change, debt burdens, and structural inequalities in the global financial system— must be addressed through climate justice and genuine cooperation.”
‘’The aspirations of our countries for substantial and meaningful financing must be taken with seriousness and determination. This must be achieved through a genuine fund for loss and damage, endowed with sufficient financial resources. Carbon credits should not be managed by polluting states at their discretion but rather by an independent international body with supranational authority. The Green Fund must also be renewed and redirected towards financing projects that deliver regional and continental climate value.’’
Wfac represented by the Executive Director, Dr. Zoneziwoh M.W.; the Programs & Volunteers Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Ndabombi; and Volunteer & Admin Assistant, Ms. Joycie Membong, were present at the African Climate Summit 2, to highlight the continuously growing concerns of climate change impact on the lives of adolescent girls and young people, alongside grassroots women and girls in Cameroon and beyond.
They participated in numerous side events and took part in multiple panel discussions as panelists to debunk and raise awareness on the intersection between climate change and health, gender, indigenous, and grassroots participation and technology. Throughout the three-day summit, the active and meaningful participation of the team in the ongoing conversations highlighted the organization’s commitment to climate action and inclusive participation of marginalized and underprivileged populations.
Alongside the Wfac, Delegates were members of the Climate Finance Working Group in Cameroon, representing a multi-stakeholder engagement on climate finance, present and following the ongoing climate summit conversations to raise awareness and stakes on the growing concern facing climate financing in Africa.
