President William Ruto has challenged African nations to lead in shaping global climate action, urging the continent to embrace homegrown solutions that deliver growth, jobs, and transformation.

Speaking at the 2nd Africa Climate Smart and Inclusive Industrialisation (ACSII) Summit on September 8, 2025, in Addis Ababa, the Head of State said Africa is ready to redefine its role in the global arena by driving a modern, inclusive, and low-carbon economy.

“Africa is redefining climate action, not as a burden, but as an opportunity for growth, jobs, and transformation,” Ruto noted.

Tracing Africa’s journey from the Nairobi Declaration to the Addis Ababa gathering, Ruto underscored the continent’s steady shift towards climate-positive growth.

“From the Nairobi Declaration to the 2nd Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, we’ve embraced Climate Positive Growth, positioning Africa as a global source of solutions. Entrepreneurs and communities are already driving change through green industrialisation, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and carbon markets.”

He highlighted the role of communities and entrepreneurs advancing renewable energy, green infrastructure, carbon markets, and climate-smart agriculture. He cited initiatives such as the AfCFTA Green Industrialisation Strategy and the Africa Prosperity and Resilience Agenda (APRA) as key frameworks linking energy to industry while generating employment and attracting sustainable investment.

The summit also saw the launch of the report “Africa’s Journey of Climate Action and Partnership,” which documented progress made since the first climate summit in Nairobi. Ruto said the report reinforced Africa’s position as not just a participant in climate talks but a global source of practical solutions.

Call for global partnership

Even as he celebrated Africa’s progress, Ruto stressed that realizing this vision will require strong international collaboration. He called for reforms in global financing systems to reduce the high cost of capital in Africa, expand concessional finance, and mobilize private sector investment. He also pressed for measures to address currency and debt risks while opening global markets to Africa’s green innovations.

“Africa is building a modern, inclusive, low-carbon economy, but realising this vision requires global partnership,” he told delegates, urging development partners to align with Africa’s ambitions by offering financial support, policy backing, and accountability.

Africa-Caribbean unity and reparations

The summit coincided with the fifth anniversary of the AU-CARICOM partnership, where Ruto called for stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean rooted in shared histories and aspirations. He pushed for more resources for the Africa-CARICOM Reparations Working Group, echoing leaders such as Angola’s João Lourenço in demanding global reparatory justice.

Ruto’s address framed Africa as a continent stepping into a leadership role in climate action—driven by its own solutions, bolstered by partnerships, and united in a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.