At a Glance
- Ethiopia to host the 2025 Africa Climate Summit focused on nature-based climate solutions.
- Summit to spotlight climate finance reform, green infrastructure, and ecological restoration.
- Addis Ababa advances climate diplomacy with bold environmental laws and Green Legacy Initiative.
Ethiopia will host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) from September 8–10, 2025, in partnership with the African Union, positioning itself as a continental leader in sustainable development and climate diplomacy.
Themed “Green Talks and Green Actions,” the summit will spotlight Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as a core strategy for climate adaptation and resilience in Africa.
The event builds on the momentum of the Africa Climate Summit (ACS), first launched in Nairobi in 2023, where leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration calling for reformed climate finance, a global carbon tax, and increased investment in green infrastructure.
Ethiopia accelerates green policy reform
The announcement comes amid Ethiopia’s aggressive climate shift. The government recently enacted a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, modernizing outdated environmental laws.
A draft proclamation on ecosystem services is also underway, aiming to establish a fee-based conservation framework to support biodiversity and equitable resource use.
These reforms align with Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 32 billion seedlings over the past five years.
With a reported 90 percent survival rate, the project—championed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed—has earned international acclaim for its large-scale approach to reforestation and climate resilience.
“As Ethiopia launches its Green Legacy season, its preparations reflect a deep commitment to practical climate solutions,” Prime Minister Abiy stated on social media. “The call is clear: invest in nature, scale proven solutions, and let ecology drive the economy.”
Africa’s climate diplomacy gains traction
Preparations for ACS2 are advancing, with high-level consultations between Ethiopia’s foreign and development ministries and AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati, who praised Ethiopia’s climate leadership.
The Africa Climate Summit is quickly emerging as a pivotal platform for African countries to advance homegrown climate solutions, regional cooperation, and green financing mechanisms tailored to the continent’s needs.
By hosting the second edition, Ethiopia is not only amplifying its green transformation agenda but also reinforcing the continent’s collective push for climate justice and equitable access to global finance.
