Minister Dion George attends second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, 8 to 10 Sept

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, will attend the second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 8 to 10 September 2025, where South Africa is expected to contribute towards strongly shaping Africa-led climate solutions and unlock climate finance.

The Summit, which provides a platform for policymakers, practitioners, businesses and civil society to advance Africa’s climate agenda and sustainable development priorities, is an opportunity to engage on African-led climate change solutions, rooted in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the principles of multilateralism.

Co-convened by the African Union and the Ethiopian Government under this year’s theme, Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development, the Summit seeks to build on and implement the strong commitments agreed on in 2023 during the inaugural summit, which delivered the Nairobi Declaration, an eleven-point call to action that signified Africa’s unified stance on climate action.

Minister George expects that the Summit will spotlight Africa’s leadership and innovation in addressing the climate crisis and provide the continent’s formal position ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

“As one of the worst affected regions by climate change, this Summit is an indication that African people are not complacent and ignorant to the climate crisis,” said Minister George. “And, as we near the conclusion of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and anticipate COP30 in Brazil, the African voice will be critical in leading the movement from talk to action.”

The continent’s ambitious greening efforts will also form a key part of the agenda, thus laying the necessary groundwork to effectively address the impacts of climate change, while ensuring greener, more sustainable development.

Climate solutions can only be tangible if they are supported by meaningful action, backed by political will and resourcing. In South Africa, progress has been notable through the promulgation of the Climate Change Act earlier this year, which was soon followed by the launch of the country’s first sectoral climate change plan – the Climate Change Coastal Response Plan.

Following a robust stakeholder engagement process, including workshops and consultations with various stakeholders, South Africa also recently published the National Greenhouse Gas Carbon Budget and Mitigation Plan Regulations for public comment. By setting clear carbon budgets and mitigation plans, we are ensuring that our nation meets its climate commitments while fostering economic growth and social equity.

“South Africa remains committed to building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, while also strengthening regional collaboration on climate action,” said Minister George.

Enquiries:
Thobile Zulu-Molobi
Cell: 082 513 7154
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za

Chelsey Wilken
Cell: 074 470 5996
E-mail: cwilken@dffe.gov.za

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