EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
The Africa Day side event is expected to advance the discussion from Addis Ababa’s ACS2 to Belem’s COP30, which, amongst African leaders, would lead to binding commitments from Global North nations to redirect 30% of climate finance to African- led initiatives and a roadmap for AfCFTA-driven carbon trade. By centring African agency, this event will ensure that COP30 delivers tangible progress toward a just transition that fuels the continent’s resilience and prosperity, thereby supporting the implementation of Agenda 2063, the Africa we want, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The 2025 Africa Day builds on the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), held from
8th to 10th September 2025 in Addis Ababa, which culminated in the Africa Leaders Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, presenting a bold commitment to climate action for the continent with implications on the global climate change agenda. Africa is endowed with natural assets, including vast forests, peatlands, and regenerative agricultural systems that serve as critical carbon sinks. These ecosystems not only sequester billions of tons of CO2 but also underpin the resilience and livelihoods of millions by supporting agriculture, energy production, trade, and climate adaptation efforts. For instance, the Congo Basin, the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest after the Amazon, stores an estimated 60 billion tons of CO2, representing roughly 4% of global carbon stocks in tropical forests.
To achieve climate-resilient development goals and a just transition to low-carbon economies, Africa requires accessible, scalable, and diversified financing options that address adaptation, mitigation, and transformative economic growth. The continent’s large youth population, gender equity goals, and significant natural capital necessitate financing models that are inclusive, participatory, and sustainable. Africa Day at COP 30 will amplify Africa’s collective voice on climate finance as a key enabler of transformational climate action, economic diversification, and poverty reduction. Africa’s large youth population is poised to drive a new wave of circular economy enterprises, transforming the value of these ecological assets through clean technology and innovation.
Programme of event is available on: Watch live@ https://vimeo.com/1133914161 #AfricaCOP
Media Contact:
Molalet Tsedeke | Media and Communication Officer| Information and Communication Directorate| African Union Commission |
Email: MolaletT@africa-union.org; WhatsApp: +251-911-630 631
Sonia Borrini | Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist- Climate Investment Funds (CIF); African
Development Bank- www.afdb.org T +216 7110 1409 | M: +216 54385348 | WhatsApp : +393711132218 | X: soniaborrini
Ms. Zipporah Maubani | Head of Communication and Advocacy| Office of the CEO | African Union Development Agency-
NEPAD | Email: ZipporahM@nepad.org
Charles Muraya |Information Management Officer| United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
African Climate Policy Center (ACPC)| WhatsApp: +251 912 613747
T: +1 902 233 9364| e-mail: murayac@un.org
