The Addis Ababa Declaration, adopted at the second African Climate Summit, outlines a unified African stance on climate action, emphasizing renewable energy, critical minerals coalitions, and nature-based solutions. It calls for immediate action, equitable climate finance, transparency, climate justice, and the Africa Climate Innovation Compact.
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The second African Climate Summit (ACS2) concluded with the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration.
It is organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), and its membership is inclusive of all 55 AU member states.
It unites African heads of state, policymakers, scientists, civil society, and global partners to promote Africa-led climate solutions.
2nd ACS Hosted by the African Union (AU) and Ethiopia, in September 2025 at the Addis (Ethiopia) built on the 2023 Inaugural Nairobi Summit (Kenya).
It is a unified African stance on climate action, adopted at ACS2, to redefines Africa’s role from a climate victim to a solution provider.
Leaders demand immediate action, equitable climate finance, and transparency via an AU dashboard.
The declaration prioritizes renewable energy, critical minerals coalitions, and nature-based solutions like reforestation, aligning with Africa’s vision for a resilient, green future.
Renewable Energy Push
Leaders commit to investments in solar, wind, and hydropower to address energy poverty. For example, Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will generate 5,000 MW of clean energy.
Critical Minerals Coalition
Africa, rich in cobalt and lithium, will unite producers to secure fair prices in global supply chains, reducing exploitation by foreign markets.
Nature-Based Solutions
Declaration prioritizes reforestation and land restoration, scaling up initiatives like Ethiopia’s Green Legacy (48 billion trees planted) and the Great Green Wall (restoring 100 million hectares across 22 nations).
Climate Justice
It demands grants, not loans, to avoid adding to Africa’s $1.8 trillion debt burden, emphasizing that Africa contributes <4% of global emissions but suffers the most. (Source : UNCTAD)
Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC)
Launched to mobilize $50 billion annually for clean energy, green infrastructure, and African-led tech innovations by 2030.
Shared Climate Vulnerability
Like Africa, India faces severe climate impacts (e.g., floods, heatwaves) despite low per-capita emissions (2 tons vs. global 4.7 tons). Both advocate grants over loans.
Global South Solidarity
India’s push for climate justice in G20/QUAD aligns with Africa’s demands, strengthening their collective voice at COP30.
Economic Opportunities
India can partner with Africa on renewables (e.g., solar via International Solar Alliance) and critical minerals, boosting trade.
Technology Transfer
India’s expertise in low-cost green tech (e.g., UPI, solar pumps) can support ACIC’s innovation goals, fostering South-South cooperation.
Countering China
China’s dominance in African minerals and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects challenges India’s influence; the Declaration’s coalition offers India a strategic entry point.
Source: DOWNTOEARTH
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the key objectives and commitments of the Addis Ababa Declaration. 150 words |
The Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action is a resolution adopted by African leaders, policymakers, scientists, and partners at the second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2).
The Declaration focuses on accelerating renewable energy development, creating a coalition of critical mineral producers to ensure fair value, and protecting natural heritage through initiatives such as reforestation.
The Declaration was accompanied by the launch of the Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) and the African Climate Facility (ACF) to help mobilize catalytic finance for African-led climate solutions.
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