African leaders and climate activists have called for a radical shift in global climate financing, urging the world to treat Africa not as a victim of climate change but as a strategic partner for investment.
Meeting at the second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa on Monday, dozens of heads of state and government representatives underscored the urgency of mobilizing resources to fund adaptation and renewable energy projects across the continent.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed opened the summit with a call to replace “climate aid with climate investment,” emphasizing that Africa’s resilience and renewable energy potential offer immense opportunities.
Ethiopia showcased its progress through projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, set for inauguration on Tuesday, and its tree-planting campaign, which has already planted 48 billion seedlings over the past seven years.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf stressed the need for fairness in addressing the climate crisis: