The inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023 kicked off yesterday in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya. The summit is scheduled for 4th-6th September 2023 under the theme “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World”.
In the opening plenary of the Ministerial Segment of the summit, the Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Chair of the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation, Chair of AGRA, His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn delivered a keynote speech focusing on how Africa can transform food systems in the light of climate change. In his keynote address, he stated, ” A continental collaborative approach to transforming our Agriculture and Food Systems has never been more important, in light of the adverse impacts of Climate Change. Africa’s agri-food transformation demands unwavering commitment, innovation, and collaboration. Our Ethiopian experience demonstrates that with strategic investments and policies, agriculture can become a sustainable economic powerhouse.”
Further, he stressed that investments in rural roads, irrigation systems, and post-harvest storage facilities are crucial to transforming agriculture.
The summit provides an opportunity for an African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions, and for a Call to Action for African Union Member States and supporting partners to champion its delivery.