At the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the Africa Climate Innovation Compact, an ambitious initiative aimed at mobilizing $50 billion annually to implement climate solutions across the continent. The goal is to develop 1,000 climate solutions by 2030, targeting sectors such as energy, agriculture, water, and transport. This initiative reflects Africa’s shift towards climate investment rather than reliance on aid, aligning with the continent’s commitment to sustainable development.
Abiy drew attention to Africa’s significant assets, including vast arable land, a youthful population, and abundant solar resources, which are vital for this transformation. He also proposed Ethiopia as the host for COP32 in 2027, signaling Addis Ababa’s aspiration to become Africa’s climate capital. In a notable commitment, African development banks and commercial lenders pledged $100 billion towards green energy investments, which will support initiatives like Ethiopia’s tree-planting campaign and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, projected to generate 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy.
The summit addressed crucial climate adaptation financing challenges, with Kenyan President William Ruto criticizing Western nations for failing to fulfill their commitments made at the 2021 Glasgow UN climate summit. He expressed concern over Africa’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters despite being the least polluting continent.
Overall, the Africa Climate Innovation Compact symbolizes a unified effort by African nations to tackle their climate issues proactively. By leveraging their unique strengths and fostering global partnerships, Africa seeks to create a resilient and sustainable future for its populace.
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