Africa-Press – Eswatini. African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development (ARBE), Moses Vilakati, has called on the international community to unlock trillions in climate finance for Africa—delivered as grants, not loans—to drive green growth and climate resilience.
Speaking on Friday, 5 September 2025, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Vilakati issued the appeal while inviting global leaders to attend the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), scheduled for 8–10 September. The summit is expected to draw over 40 Heads of State and Government and more than 25,000 delegates from across the world.
Africa’s Moment on the Global Stage
Vilakati described the summit as a defining moment for the continent to reposition itself as a key architect of global climate solutions. “This is Africa’s opportunity to chart a course for resilient prosperity,” he said.
He outlined three key objectives for the gathering:
Climate Finance Justice: A demand for reforms to unlock trillions in climate funds through grants, not loans, enabling adaptation and green growth.
Showcasing Ingenuity: Highlighting African innovations, such as Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, alongside nature-based solutions from across the continent.
Forging Alliances: Strengthening Africa’s collective voice ahead of COP30 and the G20, ensuring that the continent’s priorities shape the global agenda.
Climate Justice as Reparations
Linking the summit to the AU’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, Vilakati underscored the moral dimension of climate justice. He argued that centuries of exploitation had fuelled a crisis that now disproportionately affects Africa.
“Climate justice is reparatory justice,” he declared. “Our calls are not for charity, but for accountability.”
He urged the international community to commit to restitution through equitable finance systems, debt relief, and technology transfer. By aligning these efforts with Agenda 2063, Vilakati said Africa could turn reparations into action by investing in renewable energy, food sovereignty, and the continent’s youth.
A Call for Unity
The Commissioner also emphasised the importance of a united African stance at the summit. He said delegates would speak with “one voice” to demand speedy implementation of resolutions from the first Africa Climate Summit, held in Nairobi in 2023.
“This is the time for Africa to demand not only a seat at the table, but a decisive role in shaping climate action,” he insisted. “We must work together—for the Africa we want.”
Looking Ahead
With climate change threatening agriculture, biodiversity, and livelihoods across the continent, Vilakati framed ACS2 as both urgent and historic. By insisting on fair financing and reparatory justice, Africa hopes to transform vulnerability into opportunity, ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
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