TrustAfrica joined policymakers, movements, and civil society actors at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS) under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” Convened by the African Union and the Government of Ethiopia, the summit provided a platform for African voices to influence global climate priorities and financing mechanisms.
TrustAfrica’s participation was guided by its Climate Justice Programme, which emphasizes advocacy, amplifying frontline voices, and providing thought leadership for justice-centered climate action. Since the first ACS in 2023, TrustAfrica has deepened its engagement with movements, youth, and women.
During the Summit, TrustAfrica called for reforming the global and continental climate finance architecture to prioritize equitable access and transparency.
We emphasized the need for fair benefit sharing through inclusive carbon market governance. Our discussions underscored that African philanthropy has a vital role to play in mobilizing climate finance that serves people—not profit—and in championing sovereignty over natural resources, especially critical minerals.
Just Transitions and Local-Led Adaptation– The highlight of TrustAfrica’s Participation
TrustAfrica co-hosted a side event with FANRPAN on “Local-Led Adaptation Action to Drive Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Food Systems.” The event was held at the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) Pavilion drawing in practitioner and grassroots leaders’ insights from Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA), CARE Zambia and Ethiopia International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) which reinforced that there can be no climate justice without social justice–echoing TrustAfrica’s call for Just Transitions that safeguard livelihoods, uphold women’s leadership, and ensure African ownership of development pathways. A Rural Women Assembly curated photo exhibition complemented the panel, celebrating the ingenuity of African farmers and women’s groups building resilience from the ground up.
From Addis Ababa, Gender Justice as a central pillar of climate action; Climate Reparations and Accountability from the Global North; Locally-Led Adaptation Finance that reaches communities directly and Sovereignty and Self-Determination in managing Africa’s natural capital were amplified and these remain priorities as we build momentum toward COP30, where TrustAfrica and partners will continue to advocate for reparative climate finance, gender-just transitions, and food sovereignty as the foundation for a livable African future.
From Left to Right- Ms. Sithembile Mwamakamba (FANRPAN); Beatrice Makwenda (TrustAfrica); Shigdaf Mekuriaw (ACIAR); Doreen Simoonga (CARE Zambia); Emily Phazi (RWA); Alice Kachere (Rural Women Assembly)
