ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – September 15, 2025 – The curtains have closed on the 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, but the momentum it generated for Africa’s green transition is only beginning. Over three transformative days, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) stood at the heart of the Summit’s conversations—bringing together governments, development partners, private sector leaders, civil society and community representatives to chart a path toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.  

As an official delivery partner to the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission, GGGI played a pivotal role in shaping the Summit’s agenda through high-level dialogues, technical sessions, and dynamic pavilion events. From advancing institutional readiness to promoting inclusive climate planning, GGGI’s engagement reflected its unwavering commitment to Africa-led solutions.  

High-Level Engagement and Strategic Partnerships 

The Summit opened with a powerful message ‘Africa is not waiting; it is leading. GGGI’s Director General, Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim, joined Heads of State at the opening ceremony to reaffirm the Institute’s support for Africa’s climate ambitions. 

Throughout the Summit, Director-General Kim engaged in a series of strategic bilateral meetings with key partners from multilateral development banks, bilateral development agencies, philanthropic organizations, and diplomatic missions. These discussions focused on advancing collaboration in areas such as climate finance readiness, carbon markets, clean hydrogen, and circular economy solutions—critical pathways to accelerating Africa’s green growth agenda. 

“Africa is leading with ambition and solutions. Our focus at ACS2 was to pair that ambition with practical systems and partnerships so countries can deliver,” said Director-General Kim. “From MRV systems and inclusive NDCs to investment platforms like LIFT, we’re building the architecture that turns pledges into projects and impact.” 

One of the most significant milestones was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GGGI and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance. This agreement will strengthen collaboration with the Climate Resilient Green Economy Facility on climate finance readiness, enhancing access to climate finance, developing institutional capacity for carbon markets, renewable energy development and operationalization of the Green Legacy and Landscape Restoration special fund.  

Launching LIFT 

Together with Sida, GGGI launched the LIFT Initiative (Leveraging Investments and Finance for Green Transition)—a USD 2.6 million facility designed to unlock climate finance, build institutional capacity, and deliver bankable projects across 10 African countries. LIFT aims to blend public and private capital to accelerate pipelines aligned with national priorities. 

Driving Technical Excellence and Inclusive Climate Action 

GGGI’s technical leadership was evident in its co-organization of mandated and official sessions on Building Robust MRV & Data Systems and Raising Ambition in NDC 3.0 with Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). These sessions highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in climate planning. Participants explored innovative tools such as the Green Growth Index and GESI Index, and shared lessons from countries like Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and Mexico on mainstreaming gender and social inclusion into climate strategies. 

“Debt relief and climate finance are not separate agendas—they are mutually reinforcing pathways to resilience,” noted Dr. Malle Fofana, GGGI Deputy Director-General (OIC), during a high-level dialogue on accelerating climate finance and debt relief. “By pairing fiscal space with bankable, inclusive projects, countries can accelerate a just transition and deliver shared prosperity.” 

Showcasing Solutions and Empowering Youth 

At the GGGI Pavilion, the energy was palpable. Across nine official side events and multiple partner-led sessions, discussions spanned circular economy, clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and green urban design. A dedicated GESI exhibition showcased how inclusive approaches can drive systemic change. The Pavilion also hosted the launch of the World Food Forum (WFF) Ethiopia Youth National Chapter, underscoring GGGI’s commitment to empowering young people to lead climate-resilient agrifood systems. 

“Partnerships are how we move from pilots to scale. ACS2 showed how governments, communities, and investors can align around credible pipelines—with gender equality and youth leadership at the center,” said Katerina Syngellakis, GGGI Africa Regional Director. 

Looking Ahead 

Reflecting on the Summit, GGGI Director-General Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim stated:
“ACS2 has demonstrated the continent’s leadership in shaping the global climate agenda. GGGI is proud to have contributed to this historic moment by facilitating partnerships, mobilizing finance, and advancing solutions that align with national priorities for green growth and resilience.”  

The Summit concluded with the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration, which positions Africa as a leader in the global climate economy and calls for scaled-up climate finance, accelerated renewable energy investment, and stronger partnerships. GGGI reaffirmed its commitment to these priorities through active engagement and strategic collaborations throughout the Summit.  

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About Africa Climate Summit 2 

The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) is co-convened by the African Union Commission and hosted by the Government of Ethiopia. It will be held from September 8-10, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit’s theme is “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” The purpose of the event is to unify Africa’s position ahead of COP30, advocate for a more equitable global climate finance system, and showcase Africa-led climate solutions. The summit’s official website is https://africaclimatesummit2.et/. 

About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI): 

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty based inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting developing and emerging countries in their transition to a green growth economic model. GGGI does this by providing policy advice, technical support, and assistance in mobilizing green investments. GGGI has been a partner to the Government of Ethiopia since 2010, contributing to the nation’s ambitious green growth agenda. 

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Media Contact: 

Tesfagebriel Tekola, Ethiopia 

Email: Tesfagebriel.endale@gggi.org  

Phone: +251900080862   

Doyoon Kim, Côte D’Ivoire  

Email: doyoon.kim@gggi.org  

Website: www.gggi.org