Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s minister of planning and development and national coordinator of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), has expressed optimism for stronger outcomes in tackling climate change across the continent.

Ms Assefa expressed her views during a virtual briefing on Sunday, detailing Ethiopia’s preparations to host ACS2 under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”

She described the summit as a defining moment for Africa, a continent contributing less than 4 per cent of global emissions but suffering some of the worst impacts of climate change.

“Africa is home to extraordinary potential, the world’s youngest population, abundant renewable energy resources, and innovative communities driving locally rooted solutions,” Ms Assefa said.

She noted that ACS2 would spotlight Africa-led solutions in renewable energy, climate adaptation, green growth, and nature-based resilience, while also pushing for fair, predictable, and scaled-up climate finance.

The summit aims to present a unified African voice ahead of COP30 in Brazil, calling for global finance reform, increased grant-based funding, and investment commitments that accelerate Africa’s green transition.

It also seeks to foster stronger partnerships between African innovators and global investors to ensure local solutions receive the support they deserve.

“ACS2 forms a bridge from ambition to implementation. It is where ambition meets action.

“Africa is not just a victim of climate change; it is a provider of solutions. But we cannot do this alone,” Ms Assefa said.

She called for global solidarity, fair financing, and genuine partnerships to ensure that Africa’s resilience contributed to global climate stability.

According to the organisers, more than 25,000 leaders and delegates have registered to attend ACS2, which will take place from Monday, Sept. 8 to Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at the Addis International Convention Centre (AICC), Ethiopia.

(NAN)