By Faridat Salifu
Civil society organisations have outlined their expectations for the second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), calling for urgent climate justice, debt relief, and a fossil fuel phase-out.
The summit will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 8–10, under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”
Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonnen, said the gathering represents “Africa’s moment to lead.”
He highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted more than 40 billion trees in six years, raising forest cover from 17.2 percent in 2019 to 23.6 percent in 2023.
Mekonnen also pointed to the country’s investment in renewable energy and cross-border interconnections with Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan, and Tanzania, as well as its emerging role in e-mobility.
The summit comes ahead of COP30 in Brazil and against the backdrop of Africa’s rising debt, energy shortages, and worsening hunger linked to climate change.
Nnimmo Bassey, executive director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation, said weak global mechanisms are allowing the crisis to escalate.
He urged leaders to move beyond voluntary commitments and false solutions, and to demand emissions cuts, payment of climate debt, and respect for indigenous wisdom.
Seble Samuel of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative called for governments to support a treaty to phase out fossil fuels and expand renewable energy access.
Mohamed Adow, executive director of Power Shift Africa, said the summit must renew Africa’s climate and development vision to address hunger, poverty, conflict, and energy poverty.
Patricia Bekoe of Odeibea Foundation urged that women and youth be recognised as equal partners driving climate solutions rather than passive beneficiaries.
Irene Mosha of HakiRasilimali said Africa’s minimal contribution to global emissions should strengthen its negotiating position on climate finance and a just transition.
Smith Nwokocha of Quest for Growth and Development Foundation said success will depend on commitments that empower youth, expand renewables, and ensure accountability.
CSOs warned that loans presented as climate finance risk deepening Africa’s debt crisis while failing to deliver real solutions.
Christian Aid’s Adrian Chikowore said climate finance must serve people and the planet rather than profits.
Thato Gabaitse of We The World criticised the limited involvement of African nationals in summit preparations but said youth and women remain committed to shaping climate-resilient and gender-responsive outcomes.
Bhekumuzi Dean Bhebhe of Power Shift Africa said Africa’s energy sovereignty will depend not just on the amount of capital raised but also on how it is governed and deployed.
CSOs expressed hope that their recommendations will be reflected in the summit’s final outcomes and advance Africa’s green growth agenda.
