Ethiopia’s Prime Minister opens Africa Climate Summit with bold bid to host COP32
Date: 2025-09-08
The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) has officially commenced today in the Ethiopian capital, with His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, delivering the inaugural keynote address and declaring the summit open.
Under the theme
“Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and
Green Development,” the summit brings together regional and global leaders to
address pressing climate challenges and opportunities.
His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Abiy positioned Ethiopia and Africa not as victims seeking aid, but as continents of solutions. He highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as flagship projects demonstrating the nation’s commitment to a sustainable future. “Ethiopia’s Green Legacy has cooled our land and restored our soil; the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is powering a clean, shared future and driving Pan-African regional integration for a greener future,” he stated.
A central and
defining moment of the address was the formal announcement of Ethiopia’s bid to
host the 32nd session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32)
in 2027. “As COP30 approaches, Africa must stand not as a bloc of
negotiators but as a continent of solutions. We call for real investment, not
charity, and proudly present Ethiopia’s bid to host COP32 in 2027,” the
Prime Minister declared, reaffirming Africa’s collective resolve.
Further
outlining a visionary path for the continent, Dr. Abiy proposed the
establishment of an “Africa Climate Innovation Compact.” The initiative aims to
cultivate 1,000 climate innovators by 2030, to be financed and owned by
Africans and implemented in partnership with international allies.
Hosted by the Government of Ethiopia in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the Second Africa Climate Summit is being held at the Addis International Convention Center from September 8–10, 2025. The gathering serves as a critical platform to forge actionable strategies for financing a resilient and green development future for Africa.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
