Preparations are Well Underway to Host the Second Africa Climate Summit
Ethiopia and Kenya Host Trade and Investment Forum in Nairobi to Boost Bilateral Business Ties
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Preparations are well underway for Addis Ababa to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development” from September 8 to 10. Organized by Ethiopia and the African Union, the summit will bring together over 45 Heads of State and Government, more than 25,000 delegates, and over 100 speakers. It presents a vital opportunity to redefine Africa’s aspirations for a climate-resilient and prosperous future. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held a phone conversation on Monday (August 11) with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe. They discussed bilateral, regional, and continental matters of mutual interest.
FM Gedion also held a phone conversation with Burundi’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, Edouard Bizimana, congratulating him on his appointment.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Danish Ambassador to Ethiopia Sune Krogstrup on Thursday (August 14) , commending Denmark’s support in various development sectors and encouraging Danish investment in Ethiopia.
On the same day, Ambassador Hadera met with Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Mulimba John, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing economic cooperation, and promoting regional peace and security.
Ambassador Hadera also received Avraham Neguise, Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia, at his office on Friday (August 15). The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in innovation, technology, agriculture, water management, health, and peace and security.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye convened the National Organizing Committee on Wednesday (August 13) to review progress as Ethiopia prepares to host the 2nd African Climate Summit and the African-CARICOM Summit.
Ethiopian Airlines appointed the African Development Bank on Monday (August 11) to lead $8 billion in financing for the new Bishoftu International Airport, set to become Africa’s largest airport and a global aviation hub. The signing ceremony in Addis Ababa was attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.
Kenya
The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), conducted a breakfast meeting entitled “Business and Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia” at the embassy premises on Wednesday (August 6). Erick Ruto, President of KNCCI, CEOs, Regional Directors, and representatives of 150 companies from different sectors attended the forum. (See article)
President William Ruto received a delegation of California State Secretaries and private sector leaders, led by Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin, on Monday (August 11). They discussed advancing clean energy, smart agriculture, research, AI, trade, and clean transportation.
South Sudan
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba met in Juba on Sunday (August 10) to discuss ways to strengthen regional stability and deepen peace and security cooperation.
The Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, Ambassador Hirut Zemene, participated in the AU PSC field mission conducted to South Sudan on Tuesday (August 12) to assess the current situation in the country, including the national election anticipated for December 2026. It also conducted an in-depth dialogue with the South Sudanese stakeholders to get the latest on the security situation in the country.
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the importance of inclusive policy-making and fair resource-sharing to empower Africa’s indigenous communities. In a Statement released by the Commission on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Saturday (August 9), he underscored the vital role of indigenous peoples in preserving cultural diversity, protecting the environment, and advancing sustainable development aligned with Agenda 2063.
Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, received Jean Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, on Saturday (August 9), where they held discussions on areas of common interest.
Preparations are Well Underway to Host the Second Africa Climate Summit
Preparations are well underway for Addis Ababa to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development” from September 8 to 10. Organized by Ethiopia and the African Union, the summit will bring together over 45 Heads of State and Government, more than 25,000 delegates, and over 100 speakers. It presents a vital opportunity to redefine Africa’s aspirations for a climate-resilient and prosperous future.
Regarding the summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended a message to participants, saying, “Guided by Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and rooted in the principles of multilateralism, ACS2 will highlight proven Africa-led climate solutions and the continent’s bold efforts to re-green its landscapes—laying the groundwork to effectively address the impacts of climate change and promote greener development. With African leadership at the forefront, we can shape fair, practical, and global climate actions.” He added, “Together, we strive to foster a harmonized, interconnected, united, climate-resilient, prosperous, and greener Africa. We once again look forward to warmly welcoming you to Addis Ababa.”
Some of the pre-summit preparations include the Ministry of Planning and Development holding discussions with private finance institutions ahead of the 2nd African Climate Summit, urging the private sector to actively contribute. During a pre-summit briefing, State Minister Seyoum Mekonnen called on sector ministries to showcase Ethiopia’s homegrown climate actions and Africa’s leadership in climate solutions, while Ambassador Hirut Zemene highlighted Africa’s role in securing equitable global partnerships. Over 1,000 Non-State Actors from across Africa also joined a virtual briefing with State Minister Seyoum, emphasizing their vital role in driving inclusive, African-led climate solutions.
The three-day summit, taking place at the Addis International Convention Center, will follow a focused agenda for each day. The first day will cover Nature-Based Solutions, including technology, energy, and resilient infrastructure, spotlighting the power of Africa’s natural ecosystems and its vast renewable energy potential. The second day will focus on climate adaptation and resilience, exploring the interconnected systems shaping Africa’s sustainable future. The third day will concentrate on climate finance and African-led solutions, emphasizing mobilizing climate finance and amplifying African initiatives. The summit will conclude with a closing plenary to adopt declarations and statements.
ACS2 builds on the momentum of the First African Climate Summit held in September 2023 in Kenya, which brought together African leaders, global financiers, and climate experts to advance Africa’s leadership in climate action. Key achievements from that summit included the launch of the African Climate Momentum initiative, the mobilization of over $20 billion in pledges for green growth and climate adaptation, and the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, calling for increased investment in Africa’s renewable energy and carbon markets, among other priorities.
The upcoming summit in Addis Ababa is expected to deliver high-level outcomes. It is a pivotal moment for Africa to reshape its role in the global climate finance landscape, not only for the continent but for the world. The summit offers an opportunity for African leaders to issue the Addis Ababa Declaration on Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development. Among its goals are positioning Africa as a unified force to influence the outcomes of COP30, the G20, and the UN General Assembly; driving reforms to scale up grant-based climate finance; showcasing African-led climate solutions with global potential; strengthening national and local systems to manage and deliver climate finance; and building strategic partnerships to support a just transition and climate justice across the continent.
These goals will be reflected through key outputs, including the adoption of the African Leaders Addis Ababa Declaration on Accelerating Climate Action and Finance for Africa’s Green Future and a Call to Action; the launch of a flagship report on initiatives and strategic partnerships at national, regional, continental, and global levels; mobilization of green investment commitments, with multi-billion-dollar projects showcased across various sectors; announcements on progress regarding major ongoing continental and international climate initiatives; and a clear roadmap for implementing the summit’s declarations, announcements, and investment commitments.
Ethiopia and Kenya Host Trade and Investment Forum in Nairobi to Boost Bilateral Business Ties
The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), conducted a breakfast meeting entitled “Business and Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia” at the embassy premises on Wednesday (August 6). Erick Ruto, President of KNCCI, CEOs, Regional Directors, and representatives of 150 companies from different sectors attended the forum.
Ambassador Demeke Atnafu, Deputy Head of Mission, made a presentation on business and investment opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, ICT, tourism, trade, energy, transport and logistics, and health care. He highlighted the macroeconomic reforms being implemented and progress achieved by the government of Ethiopia in the telecom sector, the market-based forex regime, and the opening of the banking, import/export trade, and financial sectors to foreign investors.
Demeke further elaborated on reasons to invest and do business in Ethiopia, including its strategic location, strong and resilient economy, dynamic policy environment, and committed government, as well as competitive production factors, extensive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and favorable market conditions. He stated that the enduring Ethio-Kenya partnership enhances cooperation in trade, investment, training and capacity building, energy, infrastructure development, and peace and stability in the region. He particularly referenced Ethiopia’s supply of 200 MW of electricity to Kenya worth USD 86.3 million in 2024, as well as Ethiopia’s use of Lamu Port.
Following the presentation, an interactive session was held with participants mainly from priority and emerging sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, ICT, tourism, trade, energy, transport and logistics, and health care.
Fatma Bashir, Department Head of Trade at KNCCI, briefed participants during her remarks on the status of both import and export between the two countries, emphasizing specific sectors where Kenyan businesses could thrive. She stated that in 2024, trade between the two countries totaled USD 200 million, with Kenya enjoying a USD 12 million surplus. Kenya exports medicines, pesticides, cleaning products, and fertilizers to Ethiopia, while Ethiopia exports electricity, dried legumes, vehicles, and machinery to Kenya. She further noted that Ethiopia accounts for only 1.3% of Kenya’s exports, and Kenya for just 2.9% of Ethiopia’s exports, highlighting enormous untapped potential.
Erick Ruto, President of KNCCI, in his remarks appreciated the measures taken by the Ethiopian government to open up its economy. He singled out KNCCI’s commitment, inter alia, to facilitate regular business delegations and sector-specific roundtables, to champion joint trade desks, MOUs, and follow-up missions that deliver contracts, not just conversations. He invited Ethiopian investors to Kenya’s strategic corridors and encouraged Kenyan enterprises to explore Ethiopia’s fast-growing sectors.
In closing his call to action, the President stated, “Let this breakfast be a starting point for measurable outcomes and shared prosperity,” and reaffirmed KNCCI’s readiness to walk this journey towards inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable trade. Together, let’s write the next chapter of the Kenya–Ethiopia success story. He also invited participants to a trade and investment mission to Ethiopia in October 2025.
In conclusion, both Ambassador Demeke and President Ruto identified opportunities that must be seized, including simplifying cross-border trade through faster customs and better logistics; empowering SMEs through joint training, technology transfer, and incubation hubs; investing in industrial and special economic zones (such as LAPSSET and Ethiopian Industrial Parks); boosting agriculture and food security using climate-smart farming and agri-tech; and growing tourism and cultural exchange with stronger people-to-people links. The session concluded with a Q&A, allowing attendees to explore further avenues for partnership and meaningful collaboration.
Leave Your Comments Here