Addis Ababa Set to Welcome Delegates for the Second Africa Climate Summit
Ethiopian Delegation Participates in Ministerial Meeting of TICAD 9 Summit in Japan
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held an interview with an Ethiopian Media outlet on Wednesday (August 20) about his fourth and latest book on Medemer thought, titled “The Medemer State.”
PM Abiy visited Arba Minch and Wolaita Sodo from August 15–16, where he reviewed ongoing development projects. He also toured the Vietnam Toyo Solar facility at Hawassa Industrial Park, which manufactures solar panels.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium on Friday (August 22). As Ethiopia and Belgium approach the 120th anniversary of their bilateral relations, the two sides discussed the need to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.
At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held in Yokohama from August 20–22, Ethiopia’s delegation for the Conference, led by Industry Minister Melaku Alebel, underlined that sustainable peace and development in Africa require African-led solutions backed by international partners. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s support for the African Peace and Security Architecture, shared Ethiopia’s ongoing governance and reform efforts, and emphasized the need for stronger African representation in global decision-making, particularly at the UN Security Council. (See article)
Addis Ababa is set to welcome delegates for the second Africa Climate Summit from September 8 to 10, in collaboration with the African Union. The Summit will be held under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” A series of preparatory engagements have been taking place to ensure the success of the event. (See article)
The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) was held from August 20–22, in Yokohama, Japan. Ethiopia was represented by a delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, who participated in the ministerial segment convened as part of the preparatory session for the Summit.
Kenya
President William Ruto held a meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, ahead of the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, in Yokohama City on Wednesday (August 20).
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday (August 20) on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama. The discussions highlighted AU-Japan cooperation in peace and security, trade, technology, agriculture, and education. Both leaders welcomed the longstanding partnership between Africa and Japan and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening collaboration through TICAD.
Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu also joined the Head of States and Governments as well as International Organizations in Yokohama, Japan to participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development.
Addis Ababa Set to Welcome Delegates for the Second Africa Climate Summit
Addis Ababa is set to welcome delegates for the second Africa Climate Summit from September 8 to 10, in collaboration with the African Union. The Summit will be held under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” A series of preparatory engagements have been taking place to ensure the success of the event.
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie, Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa, and Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa held discussions with hotel and service providers ahead of major events to be hosted in the capital this September including ACS2 on Monday (August 18).
Mayor Adanech urged the hospitality sector to showcase Ethiopia’s culture of hospitality while meeting international standards. Minister Fitsum underscored Ethiopia’s climate actions, such as the Green Legacy Initiative, as fitting credentials for hosting the summits, while Minister Selamawit emphasized the importance of readiness in providing efficient services.
On Thursday (August 14), the Ministry of Planning and Development, led by Minister Fitsum, held bilateral consultations with Kenya and Morocco. Meetings with George M. Orina, Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Ambassador of Morocco to Ethiopia, focused on aligning strategies for the Summit and strengthening cooperation. It is to be recalled that the first Africa Climate Summit was held in Kenya.
Ethiopia’s federal institutions also held a pre-summit consultative meeting in Addis Ababa on Friday (August 8). State Minister of Planning and Development and Chair of the ACS2 National Organizing Committee, Seyoum Mekonnen, emphasized the importance of the Summit in showcasing Ethiopia’s climate initiatives and strengthening Africa’s voice in global climate discourse. Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, highlighted the Summit’s diplomatic significance and Addis Ababa’s readiness to host delegates.
Mensur Dessie, Climate Institutional Development Advisor at the Ministry of Planning and Development, provided a briefing on the Summit’s expected outcomes, including the Africa Leaders’ Addis Ababa Declaration, an Africa Flagship Climate Report, and partnership and investment commitments. The meeting was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), with participation from over 26 federal institutions.
The Government of Ethiopia convened a virtual briefing with more than 1,000 non-state actors from across Africa on the previous day. The dialogue highlighted the central role of civil society, youth, academia, community-based organizations, and the private sector in advancing Africa-led climate action. Yonas Gebru, Chair of the Non-State Actors and Inclusivity Committee for ACS2, stressed the importance of grassroots contributions and accountability.
In addition, the Ministry of Planning and Development held a high-level media briefing in Addis Ababa, following an earlier session organized in July with the African Union. Seyoum Mekonnen outlined the Summit’s thematic areas and expected deliverables, including the Addis Ababa Declaration and Africa’s Climate Flagship Report. Preparations are being coordinated through a Steering Committee chaired by the Office of the Prime Minister, a National Coordination Committee chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Development, and seven functional sub-committees involving government institutions, the African Union Commission, and other partners.
The Summit program will feature more than 50 official events, 330 side events, 24 thematic pavilions, and exhibitions showcasing innovation and partnerships. Media representatives have been called upon to play a central role in amplifying Africa’s climate voice, particularly in promoting African-led solutions, advancing adaptation and resilience, highlighting youth and women-led initiatives, and advocating for accessible climate finance.
The Summit is expected to bring together over 45 Heads of State and Government and more than 25,000 delegates.
Ethiopian Delegation Participates in Ministerial Meeting of TICAD 9 Summit in Japan
At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held in Yokohama from August 20–22, Ethiopia’s delegation for the Conference, led by Industry Minister Melaku Alebel, underlined that sustainable peace and development in Africa require African-led solutions backed by international partners.
He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s support for the African Peace and Security Architecture, shared Ethiopia’s ongoing governance and reform efforts, and emphasized the need for stronger African representation in global decision-making, particularly at the UN Security Council.
Ethiopia was also represented by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, who participated in the ministerial segment convened as part of the preparatory session for the Summit.
The conference brought together African leaders, Japan, and global partners to advance peace, security, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. Key discussions centered on youth and women’s empowerment, climate resilience, regional integration, and the role of public-private partnerships. Ethiopian Airlines and other national stakeholders also took part.
Alongside the Ministerial meeting, Ethiopia’s delegation held bilateral meetings with Japanese and other international partners to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities.
On the sidelines of TICAD 9, Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry of Ethiopia, held discussions with representatives of Sumitomo Corporation. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in economic development. Sumitomo representatives expressed appreciation for the Government of Ethiopia’s support in facilitating the company’s engagement in the country and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand their presence. Minister Melaku welcomed the partnership, encouraged Sumitomo to broaden investments beyond the telecommunications sector, and highlighted the wide-ranging opportunities available in Ethiopia’s industrial transformation. Sumitomo Corporation currently invests in Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector.
Ambassador Hadera also met with Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Their discussion focused on enhancing cooperation to address humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, including Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). Both sides expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration in humanitarian affairs. The ICRC has been working in Ethiopia since the 1930s, supporting government institutions and non-governmental organizations in promoting humanitarian principles and human rights.
Additionally, Ambassador Hadera had a meeting with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, FUJI Hisayuki, during TICAD-9 to discuss strengthening Ethiopia-Japan relations. The meeting underscored the importance of further deepening the long-standing partnership, founded on mutual respect and shared commitments to development, peace, and security.
The State Minister also conferred with Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka on the margins of the conference, discussing ways to strengthen ties between Ethiopia and the city, with a focus on cultural and educational exchange, technical cooperation, inter-parliamentary relations, and the prospect of a sister-city partnership with Addis Ababa.
Since its launch in 1993, TICAD has served as a vital platform for African-led cooperation, aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda.
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