Pretoria – South African Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr. Dion George is attending the second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
South Africa is expected to contribute towards strongly shaping Africa-led climate solutions and unlock climate finance.
The Summit, from 8 to 10 September 2025, is an opportunity to engage on African-led climate change solutions, rooted in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the principles of multilateralism.
The summit provides a platform for policymakers, practitioners, businesses, and civil society to advance Africa’s climate agenda and sustainable development priorities.
Co-convened by the African Union and the Ethiopian Government, this year’s theme is “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”.
The summit seeks to build on and implement the strong commitments agreed on in 2023 during the inaugural summit, which delivered the Nairobi Declaration, an eleven-point call to action that signified Africa’s unified stance on climate action.
Minister George expects that the Summit will spotlight Africa’s leadership and innovation in addressing the climate crisis and provide the continent’s formal position ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
“As one of the worst-affected regions by climate change, this Summit is an indication that African people are not complacent and ignorant of the climate crisis,” said Minister George.
“And, as we near the conclusion of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and anticipate COP30 in Brazil, the African voice will be critical in leading the movement from talk to action.”
The continent’s ambitious greening efforts will also come from a key part of the agenda, thus laying the necessary groundwork to effectively address the impacts of climate change, while ensuring greener, more sustainable development.
Climate solutions can only be tangible if they are supported by meaningful action, backed by political will and resourcing.
In South Africa, progress has been notable through the promulgation of the Climate Change Act earlier this year, which was soon followed by the launch of the country’s first sectoral climate change plan – the Climate Change Coastal Response Plan.
Following a robust stakeholder engagement process, including workshops and consultations with various stakeholders, South Africa also recently published the National Greenhouse Gas Carbon Budget and Mitigation Plan Regulations for public comment.
“By setting clear carbon budgets and mitigation plans, we are ensuring that our nation meets its climate commitments while fostering economic growth and social equity,” said Minister George.
“South Africa remains committed to building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, while also strengthening regional collaboration on climate action.”
Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, on Sunday, the eve of the Second Africa Climate Summit, Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopian Planning and Development Minister, the Nationally Designated Coordinator for the summit, told a media briefing in Addis Ababa, that this was a “defining moment for Africa”.
Speaking at the Addis International Convention Center, Minister Assefa said the summit would showcase Africa-led solutions in clean energy, adaptation, green growth, and nature-based resilience.
It would also unlock fair, predictable climate finance for Africa’s priorities.
More than 25 000 delegates have registered to attend.
All programs, including the high-level official opening session, were well-crafted and finalised.
At least 49 events have been mandated, plus 199 official side events.
There are 23 pavilions and 43 exhibitions ready at the Addis International Convention Center.
The key issues expected to be achieved include the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration, a unified African voice and common position that will guide COP30, a flagship report that will consist of about 130 climate initiatives, financial and other commitments, among others.
