By Abbas Nazil
The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) has opened in Addis Ababa with African leaders, civil society, and development partners uniting behind a strong demand for a fully resourced African Development Fund (ADF-17) to drive the continent’s climate resilience, sustainable development, and economic transformation.
Hosted by Ethiopia, in collaboration with the African Union, the summit, taking place from September 8 to 10, 2025, is being described as a defining moment for Africa’s climate and development agenda.
As part of the summit, the ONE Campaign, Open Society, and the African Centre for Economic Transformation co-hosted a side event titled From Risk to Resilience: How the ADF Delivers Climate Solutions Across Africa, highlighting how strategic financing can deliver Africa-led solutions.
Since its creation, the ADF has invested more than $45 billion in 37 low-income African countries, nearly half of which are fragile states.
These funds have been directed toward climate-smart agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and regional integration projects, helping communities adapt to climate change and boosting local economies.
Notable projects include Senegal’s rice production initiative, which has improved food security and reduced dependence on imports, and Liberia’s Yookudi Clinic, which strengthens healthcare access and community resilience.
However, experts warn that without a fully resourced ADF-17 replenishment in December 2025, these achievements could stall, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to climate shocks.
Kerezhi Sebany of the ONE Campaign emphasized that the ADF is a vital engine for Africa’s climate resilience, urging donors to back an ambitious and fully supported replenishment.
She stressed that the fund empowers farmers, supports youth opportunities, and drives sustainable economic growth, making it essential for Africa’s green future.
With just three months before the final pledging session, the summit is seen as a critical opportunity to position Africa’s climate resilience and development at the center of global action.
Sebany opined that a fully resourced ADF is not optional but necessary to advance climate-smart policies and ensure African communities thrive despite the challenges of a changing climate.
