Addis Ababa is set to welcome delegates for the second Africa Climate Summit from September 8 to 10, in collaboration with the African Union. The Summit will be held under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” A series of preparatory engagements have been taking place to ensure the success of the event.
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie, Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa, and Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa held discussions with hotel and service providers ahead of major events to be hosted in the capital this September including ACS2 on Monday (August 18).
Mayor Adanech urged the hospitality sector to showcase Ethiopia’s culture of hospitality while meeting international standards. Minister Fitsum underscored Ethiopia’s climate actions, such as the Green Legacy Initiative, as fitting credentials for hosting the summits, while Minister Selamawit emphasized the importance of readiness in providing efficient services.
On Thursday (August 14), the Ministry of Planning and Development, led by Minister Fitsum, held bilateral consultations with Kenya and Morocco. Meetings with George M. Orina, Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Ambassador of Morocco to Ethiopia, focused on aligning strategies for the Summit and strengthening cooperation. It is to be recalled that the first Africa Climate Summit was held in Kenya.
Ethiopia’s federal institutions also held a pre-summit consultative meeting in Addis Ababa on Friday (August 8). State Minister of Planning and Development and Chair of the ACS2 National Organizing Committee, Seyoum Mekonnen, emphasized the importance of the Summit in showcasing Ethiopia’s climate initiatives and strengthening Africa’s voice in global climate discourse. Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, highlighted the Summit’s diplomatic significance and Addis Ababa’s readiness to host delegates.
Mensur Dessie, Climate Institutional Development Advisor at the Ministry of Planning and Development, provided a briefing on the Summit’s expected outcomes, including the Africa Leaders’ Addis Ababa Declaration, an Africa Flagship Climate Report, and partnership and investment commitments. The meeting was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), with participation from over 26 federal institutions.
The Government of Ethiopia convened a virtual briefing with more than 1,000 non-state actors from across Africa on the previous day. The dialogue highlighted the central role of civil society, youth, academia, community-based organizations, and the private sector in advancing Africa-led climate action. Yonas Gebru, Chair of the Non-State Actors and Inclusivity Committee for ACS2, stressed the importance of grassroots contributions and accountability.
In addition, the Ministry of Planning and Development held a high-level media briefing in Addis Ababa, following an earlier session organized in July with the African Union. Seyoum Mekonnen outlined the Summit’s thematic areas and expected deliverables, including the Addis Ababa Declaration and Africa’s Climate Flagship Report. Preparations are being coordinated through a Steering Committee chaired by the Office of the Prime Minister, a National Coordination Committee chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Development, and seven functional sub-committees involving government institutions, the African Union Commission, and other partners.
The Summit program will feature more than 50 official events, 330 side events, 24 thematic pavilions, and exhibitions showcasing innovation and partnerships. Media representatives have been called upon to play a central role in amplifying Africa’s climate voice, particularly in promoting African-led solutions, advancing adaptation and resilience, highlighting youth and women-led initiatives, and advocating for accessible climate finance.
The Summit is expected to bring together over 45 Heads of State and Government and more than 25,000 delegates.