By Michelle Ndaga
President William Ruto has said Africa is reframing the climate agenda from being seen as a burden to being embraced as an opportunity for growth, jobs, and transformation.
Speaking at the 2nd Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, the Head of State highlighted the continent’s progress from the Nairobi Declaration of 2023 to the current summit, where Africa has adopted a model of Climate Positive Growth.
He emphasized that the continent is not merely a victim of climate change but a global source of solutions.
President Ruto noted that African entrepreneurs and local communities are already spearheading transformation through green industrialization, renewable energy, climate smart agriculture, and carbon markets.
He stressed that this progress demonstrates Africa’s ability to lead in sustainable development.
To achieve these ambitions, the President underscored the importance of global partnerships, including reforms in international finance to lower capital costs, expansion of concessional funding, mobilization of private investments, and measures to address debt and currency risks. He also urged the opening of global markets to Africa’s green solutions.
During the summit, President Ruto launched the report “Africa’s Journey of Climate Action and Partnership,” which tracks the continent’s milestones in climate leadership.
He affirmed that climate summits are not stand-alone events but milestones on a shared path to a climate-safe and prosperous future.
“Africa is redefining climate action, not as a constraint, but as a catalyst for opportunity,” President Ruto said, calling on the international community to recognize the continent’s leadership and potential.
