Africa vows to advance green switch via renewable energy

African leaders have called for homegrown solutions to tackle climate change as the Second Africa Climate Summit concluded on Wednesday, highlighting renewable energy growth and nature-based strategies as key to a resilient, sustainable future.

At the summit's closing ceremony in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, delegates adopted the Addis Ababa Declaration on Accelerating Global Climate Solutions and unveiled a flagship report on continental initiatives — signaling a new chapter in Africa-led climate action.

The declaration laid out a framework based on three pillars: advancing renewable energy to achieve sustainable and reliable power, ensuring African countries fully benefit from their natural resources, and protecting ecosystems while collaborating with global partners on terms that respect African priorities.

In the declaration, the leaders vowed to accelerate the continent's transition to green and resilient development by investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, urban resilience and land restoration. They emphasized the role of nature-based solutions and disaster risk reduction, while pledging to strengthen the implementation of various African Union frameworks on climate resilience.

The declaration also urged developed countries to honor their commitments by scaling up accessible and predictable climate finance, particularly for adaptation, and by delivering support primarily in the form of grants rather than loans.

Leaders further pressed for fair debt-relief mechanisms, technology transfer and the creation of climate-health strategies to strengthen public systems. They insisted on just and equitable global transitions that recognize Africa's circumstances, while calling for unity ahead of this year's 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil to amplify the continent's voice in shaping global climate decisions.

In his closing remarks, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie described Africa as a continent capable of providing solutions rather than waiting for external aid.

He emphasized the transformative potential of renewable energy to power communities, drive industrial growth and create livelihoods.

"Africa is not a victim of a crisis it never created, but a global center for climate solutions and green growth," he said, underscoring the continent's ambition to lead by example.

Selassie highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions, citing Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative as a model for afforestation, watershed rehabilitation and land restoration.

The summit reaffirmed support for continental programs such as the African Union Great Green Wall Initiative, demonstrating a shared commitment to turning Africa's vulnerabilities into leadership and reinforcing its role in shaping global climate policy, he said.

The declaration, he added, is not a symbolic document but a plan for immediate and measurable action, with the AU's continental dashboard providing oversight to ensure accountability and transparency.

Equity and justice

Bankole Adeoye, AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said Africa's climate finance approach is grounded in equity and justice.

He called for investment that strengthens African communities and aligns with local priorities, rather than imposing external agendas.

The climate summit showcased initiatives across the continent — from urban flood management to community renewable energy projects — demonstrating how local innovation, collaboration and determination are shaping practical climate solutions.

Looking ahead to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference, Adeoye said Africa has sent a clear message: It is not simply a recipient of climate aid but a partner and innovator capable of driving global solutions.

The Addis Ababa Declaration represents both a road map and a commitment to action, positioning Africa as a hub for renewable energy, sustainable development and climate innovation, he said.

Moses Vilakati, AU commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment, said the declaration provides a blueprint to unlock climate finance, expand renewable energy access and strengthen resilience against climate shocks.

The document, he said, underscores Africa's demand for more than $3 trillion by 2030 to achieve its climate goals, while urging developed countries to honor their pledges with grants and concessional loans rather than debt-creating instruments.

He called for continued collaboration with international partners, while emphasizing that homegrown solutions, responsible resource stewardship and collective action will be central to building a greener, more prosperous, and resilient future for Africa and the world.