@AUC_DPA – Ethiopian Business Review

Ethiopia, in partnership with the African Union, is set to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) from September 8–10, 2025, reaffirming its role in advancing continental climate leadership. Held under the theme “Green Talks and Green Actions,” the summit will spotlight Nature-Based Solutions as central to Africa’s climate adaptation and mitigation strategy, with a focus on re-greening the continent and reinforcing African solidarity.

The summit comes at a time when Ethiopia is accelerating its shift toward sustainable development. In a landmark policy shift, the government has enacted a full ban on single-use plastics—modernizing environmental regulations that had remained largely unchanged for nearly two decades. The administration has also introduced a draft proclamation on ecosystem services, proposing the introduction of a fee framework to support conservation and equitable resource management.

Ethiopia’s climate efforts are further anchored by its Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen the planting of more than 32 billion seedlings over the past five years, with an estimated 90% survival rate. The campaign, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has gained international recognition for its scale and emphasis on ecological restoration.

“As Ethiopia launches its Green Legacy season, its preparations reflect a deep commitment to practical climate solutions,” Prime Minister Abiy stated on social media. “The call is clear: invest in nature, scale proven solutions, and embrace a model where ecology drives the economy.”

Preparatory consultations for ACS2 are already underway. In April, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, and Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, held discussions with Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment. Commissioner Vilakati commended Ethiopia’s proactive stance and its readiness to lead the upcoming continental gathering.

The Africa Climate Summit, first launched in Nairobi in 2023, is becoming a key platform for African nations to articulate homegrown climate solutions, financing models, and regional cooperation frameworks. The first edition culminated in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, which called for reforming global climate finance, establishing a carbon tax, and unlocking green investments. Ethiopia’s hosting of the second edition is expected to build momentum around the continent’s climate diplomacy and green transformation agenda.

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Ethiopia has been selected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to host a bachelor’s degree program in nuclear science and technology for African member states.

The announcement was made by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology, which revealed that a strategic agreement has been signed between the IAEA, the Government of China, Tsinghua University, and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) to establish the continent’s first IAEA-backed undergraduate program in nuclear engineering based in Ethiopia.

The initiative is designed to build long-term capacity in nuclear science across the African continent—particularly in sectors such as health, agriculture, mining, environmental management, manufacturing, and energy. The program will also serve Ethiopia’s domestic needs by nurturing a new generation of nuclear engineers and technical experts.

Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Molla, described the agreement as a turning point in Ethiopia’s scientific advancement. “Ethiopia is emerging as a gateway to science and technology in Africa,” he said. “By hosting this program, we are not only accelerating our own development but offering access to a critical knowledge frontier for our African partners.”

He noted that Ethiopia’s selection followed an extensive negotiation process, during which its institutional readiness and regional relevance were emphasized. The program will support the country’s broader economic goals by integrating peaceful nuclear technology applications into national development strategies.

As part of the agreement, up to ten Ethiopian professionals will undergo a six-month specialized training at Tsinghua University in China—one of the world’s leading institutions in nuclear science. Upon their return, they will support the delivery of the degree program in collaboration with experts from China and the IAEA.

IAEA Deputy Director General for Technical Cooperation, Hua Liu, expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s capacity to lead the initiative. He emphasized the program’s broader economic implications, noting that the IAEA and the Chinese government will provide laboratory infrastructure and other essential resources to support implementation.

Ethiopia to Host Second Africa Climate Summit in 2025, Championing Nature-Based Solutions

Ethiopia to Launch Africa-Focused Nuclear Engineering Degree Program with IAEA Backing