President William Ruto has called on African states to intensify their efforts in expanding renewable energy and accelerating the transition from fossil fuels. Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday, Ruto emphasized Africa’s growing role in global climate change solutions and urged leaders to align their efforts with the 2023 Nairobi Declaration.
Chairing the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Ruto highlighted the Nairobi Leaders’ Declaration’s significance in shaping Africa’s climate engagement. He stressed the need for African nations to capitalize on their renewable energy potential to drive industrial transformation. He also welcomed the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat’s decision to support the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative in collaboration with strategic partners.
“This will unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential to drive industrial transformation,” Ruto said, underscoring the importance of harnessing green energy for sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by notable leaders, including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and Ugandan Vice-President Jessica Alupo. Ruto commended Africa’s collective approach at COP29, where concerns regarding debt sustainability and the high cost of climate action financing were acknowledged. He noted that the conference fostered high-level engagements that bolstered African-led climate initiatives, such as the Measuring the Green Wealth of Africa event in Baku.
This initiative, spearheaded by Congo Brazzaville’s leadership in partnership with the African Development Bank, focuses on valuing Africa’s vast natural capital. Ruto noted that the upcoming COP30 in Brazil presents a crucial opportunity for Africa to push for ambitious climate action, rebuild trust, and enhance global cooperation.
However, the President acknowledged that international climate action faces growing challenges. He cited major geopolitical and economic shifts that have weakened global cooperation and solidarity. Policy changes in Western nations, including reductions in aid and declining support for multilateral institutions, pose significant obstacles. Additionally, he pointed out that the United States’ past withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the rise of far-right leadership in key economies could further hinder climate financing and collaboration.
During the session, Ruto congratulated Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on his election as the new chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). He also praised outgoing chairperson Moussa Faki and African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Sako, for their contributions in strengthening the committee’s work.
As Africa continues to position itself as a key player in climate solutions, Ruto’s call for renewable energy expansion serves as a reminder of the continent’s vast potential and responsibility in shaping a sustainable future.
