NAIROBI, Sept 7 (NNN-KBC) — Kenyan President William Ruto departs Sunday for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the second Africa Climate Summit, a significant gathering of African Heads of State and Government focused on advancing the continent’s leadership in climate action and green growth.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the visit builds on the 2023 Nairobi Declaration, which established Africa’s ambitious climate agenda.
“President Ruto will launch the report ‘From Nairobi to Addis Ababa: Africa’s Journey of Climate Action and Partnership.’ The report reviews progress since the inaugural summit in Nairobi, assesses current realities, and charts future pathways for the continent,” Hussein explained.
The President will also witness the signing of the Cooperation Framework for the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII), which aims to unite African governments, financiers, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and private sector stakeholders.
“The framework will coordinate financial and technical support, mobilize investment, and align with key priorities such as the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa and the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa. A Joint Project Preparation Facility, backed by financial institutions, will fast-track bankable green projects,” the Spokesperson added.
As chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Ruto is expected to advocate for fair resource valuation, equitable carbon pricing, and financial reforms to alleviate Africa’s debt burden and address climate risks. Hussein noted that the President will also participate in climate finance discussions to unlock new investments and enhance Africa’s influence in shaping global reforms.
In addition to the summit, the Head of State will address the Africa–CARICOM Summit, focusing on reparatory justice, debt sustainability, and transcontinental cooperation. He will also hold bilateral meetings to strengthen trade ties and promote joint action on global challenges.
Ruto will serve as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is celebrated as a symbol of Africa’s self-reliance and a milestone for Ethiopia.
“For Kenya, the Ethiopia–Kenya power interconnector is already supplying clean, affordable electricity that strengthens energy security, stabilizes supply during droughts, and fuels industrial growth,” Hussein remarked.
He added that, along with the Kenya–Tanzania interconnector, these regional links are improving power trade, stabilising the grid, and advancing East Africa’s integration through shared renewable energy.
“With peak demand in Kenya now above 2,392MW, the added capacity is vital for powering special economic zones, industrial parks, ICT hubs, and agro-processing. This partnership directly supports Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by expanding renewable energy, boosting competitiveness, empowering communities, and deepening regional integration,” he said. — NNN-KBC
