African leaders have launched a push to position the continent as a global model for tackling the climate crisis through green investments.
Meeting at their second climate summit in Ethiopia ahead of COP30 in Brazil, leaders highlighted the urgent need for financing as Africa grapples with landslides, floods and droughts.
Development lenders and commercial banks, including the African Development Bank, Africa Export-Import Bank, Ecobank and KCB Group, signed a deal to mobilise up to $100 billion for renewable energy and “green industrialisation.” Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also proposed a continent-led innovation initiative to deliver 1,000 climate solutions by 2030, while reiterating his call for Ethiopia to host COP32 in 2027.
Despite Africa’s vast potential, leaders warned that the continent still receives just 1% of annual global climate financing.
They stressed that fair, predictable, and significant funding is critical, as African countries remain among the most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing little to global emissions.
Leaders also voiced concerns about weakening international cooperation, citing the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and clean energy partnerships as a blow to global climate solidarity.
With the summit, Africa seeks to unify its voice and secure stronger commitments for adaptation and resilience ahead of the global talks.
