African leaders and climate activists have issued a strong appeal for a radical rethink of global climate financing, urging the world to treat Africa as a partner in green investment rather than a victim of the crisis.
At the second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa on Monday, heads of state and officials stressed the need to mobilise fresh resources for adaptation projects and renewable energy expansion across the continent.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed opened the summit by calling for “climate aid to be replaced with climate investment,” pointing to Ethiopia’s vast renewable potential. He showcased flagship projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, due to be inaugurated on Tuesday, and the country’s tree-planting drive, which has delivered 48 billion seedlings in seven years.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf demanded fairness in tackling the crisis, citing the combined burden of climate shocks, debt and global financial inequalities. “We need genuine cooperation for our continent’s adaptation plan,” he said, urging access to finance, technology and expertise.
Kenyan President William Ruto pressed for unity, warning that “no nation can solve this crisis alone” and that isolation was “courting failure.”
The meeting takes place as climate disasters intensify across Africa, from droughts and floods to worsening food insecurity. While African governments pledged ambitious renewable energy targets at last year’s summit, progress has been slowed by limited financing.
Civil society groups demanded accountability and tougher measures on major polluters. Greenpeace Africa’s Amos Wemanya urged leaders to push for a tax on corporations and the wealthy to fund Africa’s climate action. Activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim warned against “too much talk and not enough action,” insisting communities must drive adaptation efforts.
Delegates are expected to agree a declaration this week, setting out Africa’s priorities for COP30 in November. COP30 President Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago attended the summit and pledged support for the continent’s vision.
Closing his address, Prime Minister Ahmed declared: “We ask our global partners not to fund us because we are impacted, but to invest with us because we are visionary.”
