The Second Africa Climate Summit closed Friday with a strong call for the continent to move beyond declarations and secure concrete investment in Africa-led climate solutions.

Held in Ethiopia’s capital, the summit brought together heads of state, ministers, and international partners to chart a path toward climate resilience and green growth. Speakers repeatedly stressed that Africa cannot afford another cycle of lofty pledges without delivery.

“Africa’s future depends on implementation, not rhetoric,” said one summit communiqué, urging global financiers to scale up adaptation funding while also highlighting the continent’s own capacity to lead.

The gathering showcased homegrown initiatives, from large-scale solar projects and sustainable agriculture to youth-driven innovation in clean technology. Leaders emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and private-sector investment to accelerate impact.

Observers noted a shift in tone compared with past meetings, with African leaders more assertively positioning the continent as a key actor — not just a victim — in the global climate agenda.

The summit’s outcomes are expected to feed into negotiations at the upcoming UN climate talks later this year, where Africa hopes to push for stronger commitments on adaptation finance and fairer climate governance.