President William Ruto has called for unified climate finance to drive clean energy and industrialisation across Africa.

The appeal came as he chaired the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) meeting on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday, February 13, 2026.

“We must, therefore, unite behind climate-action solutions, including climate financing, to position Africa as the premier destination for clean energy, green industrialisation, and adaptation investment,” Ruto’s statement read in part.

Unity behind climate-action solutions

President Ruto chaired the CAHOSCC meeting on the sidelines of the summit. He emphasised the need for unity behind climate-action solutions, including climate financing, to position Africa as the premier destination for clean energy, green industrialisation, and adaptation investment.

This strategic alignment will strengthen economies while creating sustainable employment for the youthful population. As the global economy shifts towards climate-positive investment, Africa’s vast renewable resources provide reliable and affordable power, significantly bolstering the continent’s competitiveness.

Addis Ababa summit

President William Ruto arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday afternoon, February 13, 2026, ahead of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly scheduled for February 14-15, 2026.

The president departed Nairobi and shared the update via his official X account. He noted that the summit would focus on institutional reforms of the AU to enhance its effectiveness and financial sustainability.

Discussions would also advance Africa’s common position on climate action, adaptation, resilience, and climate finance, while accelerating deeper regional integration and expanding intra-African trade.

Through these engagements, Kenya aims to mobilise greater support for its national transformation agenda, particularly in infrastructure development, agro-industrial growth, expanded irrigation, and energy security.

Focus on Reforms and Partnerships

As AU Champion for Institutional Reform, President Ruto is expected to present a progress report on measures to enhance the Union’s effectiveness, credibility, and financial independence.

The reforms aim to reduce reliance on external funding and strengthen the AU’s capacity to respond independently to continental challenges. On climate matters, the president will table the CAHOSCC report, reinforcing Africa’s unified stance on climate action, adaptation, resilience, and securing adequate climate finance ahead of global negotiations.

The summit also includes the inaugural meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Committee, chaired by President Ruto. Kenya advocates for faster AfCFTA implementation to expand intra-African trade and regional economic integration.

Bilateral engagements with other African leaders will focus on trade, investment, health, and security partnerships.

These discussions support Kenya’s priorities, including major infrastructure projects, agro-industrial expansion through irrigation, and strengthened energy security. The 39th AU Assembly occurs as African nations consolidate gains in regional integration while addressing climate vulnerability and sustainable financing for development.