By: Goshu Melisew

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on Africa to shift from being a victim of climate change to becoming the driver of the world’s next climate economy.

Speaking at the Second African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Abiy rejected the repeated framing of Africa in terms of what it lacks. Instead, he spotlighted its vast resources, the youngest population in the world, the fastest-growing solar belt, immense arable land, critical minerals, and untapped renewable energy.

“We are not here to negotiate our survival. We are here to design the world’s next climate economy,” Abiy told fellow leaders, stressing that Africa can be the first continent to industrialize without destroying its ecosystems.

The Prime Minister showcased Ethiopia’s green achievements, including the planting of 48 billion seedlings under the Green Legacy Initiative, the Climate-Resilient Wheat Program, and the upcoming inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which will generate over 5,000 MW of renewable energy. He also emphasized the Clean Cooking Roadmap and the Smart Cities Initiative aimed at reducing emissions and creating healthier urban spaces.

Abiy announced the launch of an African Climate Innovation Compact to deliver 1,000 African-led climate solutions by 2030 across energy, agriculture, transport, and resilience. He insisted that such efforts must be funded and owned by Africans, with international partners investing not out of pity but in recognition of Africa’s vision.

“It is time to replace climate aid with climate investment,” Abiy said. “This is not charity. It is the most strategic investment humanity can make.”

The Prime Minister also announced Ethiopia’s candidacy to host COP32 in 2027, inviting the world to Addis Ababa, “Africa’s capital of diplomacy and climate ambition.”

Africa did not cause this crisis, yet Africa can lead in solving it, the premier noted.