This summit has brought together African Heads of State, investors, climate advocates, researchers, and youth, all calling for Africa to be seen not as a continent of aid, but as a continent of climate investment opportunities. The key message is: “It is time to move from aid to investment in Africa’s climate response.”

The African Union is highlighting climate justice, a framework to ensure that the most vulnerable nations get the resources and fairness they need in facing the climate crisis. Kenya’s President William Ruto has urged wealthy nations to honor their commitments, stressing that Africa will lead by example in protecting global resources.

Key topics at the summit include:

• Expansion of solar energy and renewables
• Green economy and sustainable transport
• Nature-based solutions for resilience
• Technology for sustainable development

In the opening ceremony the Prime Minister of Ethipia Hon Abiy Ahmed said “It is time to replace climate aid with climate investment,” he declared calling for a new era where Africa is viewed as an investment destination, not a perpetual recipient of aid.

Hon. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

He then invited the world to Africa’s capital of diplomacy and climate ambition to witness African solutions and to help shape the future.

Before this event, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) with the support of AU, OXFAM,  GIZ held a pre-summit conference aimed at discussing the role of media as a catalyst to climate change, peace and security. The conference ended by a declaration urging African leaders to  consider media as a strong actor in climate change , peace and security discussion. The president of FAJ, Omar Faruk highlighted the role of investigative journalism in climate change especially in climate finance, peace and security.

Omar Faruk The president of FAJ

ACS-2 shows that Africa is not weak or helpless, it is a solution hub, a leader in climate resilience, and a global model for sustainable growth.

By Solange Ayanone/ Addis Ababa