The African Union has underscored the critical need for over $3 trillion in climate financing to enable Africa to meet its environmental targets, framing the issue not just as a developmental imperative but as a matter of survival for the continent.
This appeal comes as momentum builds for the second Africa Climate Summit, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 8 to 10.
The summit will convene under the theme, “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”, with a focus on mobilizing both regional and international support for climate action across Africa.
AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, pointed to financing gaps as one of the most pressing barriers to building climate resilience across the continent.
Despite being among the lowest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa remains disproportionately vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic exposure, weak adaptive infrastructure, and limited financial resources.
“Africa needs over $3 trillion to meet its climate goals, yet received only $30 billion between 2021 and 2022. We must create a conducive environment for efficiency, adequacy, and justice in climate financing,” said Vilakati.
He noted that only 18 percent of mitigation needs and 20 percent of adaptation needs across the continent are currently being met through available funding. Nevertheless, Vilakati acknowledged that some progress has been made since the inaugural summit, citing increased collaboration with regional institutions and improved coordination on climate policy.
One of the key targets set during the previous summit was to triple Africa’s renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030. Vilakati emphasized that realizing this goal will require a more active role from governments, the private sector, and global institutions.
“Africa holds the highest solar potential globally, with vast areas receiving over 2,000 kWh/m² annually,” he stated, stressing the need for a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy. “Climate change, and what we do about it, will define our era, our continent, and the global legacy we leave for future generations,” he added.
Vilakati said the upcoming summit would provide a vital forum to advance climate policy, promote green industrialization, and incorporate climate risk into national development planning. He also reaffirmed the AU’s intention to rotate the summit among member states to ensure wider participation and ownership across the continent.
Backing the summit’s mission, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonnen, called the event “Africa’s COP,” intended to amplify African leadership and demand equity in the global climate financing landscape.
“This summit is not just another event, it is Africa’s moment to lead. Africa is often portrayed as a victim of climate change, but we are also a continent of solutions,” said Mekonnen.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s own environmental efforts, Mekonnen pointed to the Green Legacy Initiative, which has led to the planting of over 40 billion seedlings in six years, raising national forest coverage from 17.2 percent in 2019 to 23.6 percent in 2023.
“We are not just hosting a summit—we are building a movement. And every movement needs voices that amplify, challenge and inform,” he said.
The second edition of the Africa Climate Summit is being organized in partnership with the African Union Commission, with the goal of positioning African voices and priorities at the heart of the global climate agenda.
