President William Ruto has called on African States to scale up renewable energy expansion, accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, and align with the 2023 Nairobi Declaration.
Ruto made the remarks when he chaired the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday February 16, 2025.
The Kenyan President noted that the Nairobi Leaders’ Declaration, adopted by the African Union Assembly, has effectively guided Africa’s engagement on climate change.
At the same time, he welcomed the decision by the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to support the implementation of the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative in collaboration with strategic partners.
“This will unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential to drive industrial transformation,” he said.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and Ugandan Vice-President Jessica Alupo, among others, were present.
The President commended Africa’s unity at COP29, where the continent’s concerns over debt sustainability and the high cost of capital for climate action were acknowledged.
“COP29 also generated critical momentum through high-level events and strategic partnerships for African-led climate initiatives, including the Measuring the Green Wealth of Africa event in Baku,” he said.
This initiative, led by the Presidents of Congo Brazzaville and the African Development Bank, emphasised the urgent need to properly value Africa’s abundant natural capital.
President Ruto noted that COP30 in Brazil would be a pivotal moment to push for ambitious global climate action, rebuild trust and enhance international cooperation.
The President pointed out that global climate action faces setbacks following major geopolitical and economic shifts.
“The global climate for cooperation and solidarity is weakening in the face of multiple policy changes in the West, including cuts in aid and diminishing support for multilateral institutions,” he said.
He said the United States withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the rise of far-right leadership in key economies could present a major obstacle to climate cooperation and financing.
At the same time, President Ruto congratulated Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on his election as the new chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
He also commended Mr Moussa Faki, the outgoing chairperson, and Ms Josefa Sako, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, for their leadership in strengthening this committee’s work.
