Climate change is affecting lives, livelihoods, and investments across the African continent. The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), on September 8-10, highlighted global solutions to address this multidimensional issue and tailor them to local contexts. EfD participated, among others, by hosting two side events.
The conference, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was titled Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa's Resilient and Green Development. It united African leaders, policymakers, youth, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to shape a unified African stance on the global climate agenda.
Unites the continent
“This summit is strategically important for Africa as it advances African-led innovations in renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and sustainable agriculture,” says Hailu Elias, EfD Ethiopia's Center Director.
“It also helps unite the continent in a common position for COP30, which will ensure that African priorities are integrated in the global climate action.”
EfD Ethiopia hosts side event
EfD Ethiopia hosted a side event on Energy efficiency, electricity tariff reforms, and gender in Africa with implications for climate change. This side event highlighted energy efficiency, electricity price reform, and gender, based on rigorous empirical studies in African countries. It will provide policy recommendations that are useful for stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental institutions. EfD Ethiopia’s Center Director, Hailu Elias, led this event.
IGE Fellows participated
A high-level policy panel chaired by Haileselassie Medhin, IKEA Foundation’s Programmes Director, was also part of this side event. It brought together current and former IGE Fellows from across the continent. They are civil servants actively involved in implementing a sustainable energy transition in their respective countries.
EfD presents research agenda
Another side event, hosted by EfD and led by EfD’s Director, Gunnar Köhlin, was titled An Actionable Research Agenda for Low-Carbon Transition in Africa. It built on a research agenda developed by the EfD network and commissioned by IDRC. This event underscored the need for capacity development, inclusive research, and action while fostering economic growth and social equity. The session laid out the key research priorities of an actional research agenda for the Global South.
Finally, Gunnar Köhlin participated in a high-level panel discussion session led by the Ethiopian Ministry of Planning and Development on the topic Strengthening Institutional Readiness for Climate Action. The Global Green Growth Institute and the World Bank coordinate it.
This conference is vital for the EfD network. The fact that it takes place in Ethiopia also has significance, according to Hailu Elias.
“With our ambitious climate-related initiatives like the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy and Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia was positioned to make a strong statement at this summit. It offered a great opportunity to showcase practical achievements in renewable energy, green technology, and sustainable transportation, secure essential climate finance, and solidify the country's position as a leader in the global climate fight.”
By: Petra Hansson
About the Event
The Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2) is hosted by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) in collaboration with the African Union (AU). The GoE and AU are committed to advancing Africa’s climate agenda and sustainable development priorities.
Climate change is putting communities, economies, and investments at risk across the African continent. Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS-2) is a critical milestone on the road to COP30 for Africa to articulate its priorities and commitments – championing home-grown solutions that are driving adaptation and systems-level shifts.
Source: The event website