African leaders issue urgent call for renewable energy revolution ahead of global climate summit

Just days before world leaders gathered in Brazil for the COP30 climate summit, African environmental advocates made their voices heard from Cotonou, Benin. The 6th Climate Chance Africa 2025 Summit brought together civil society groups, local governments, and community organizations on October 27-28 to chart Africa’s renewable energy future and demand greater international support for climate action.

The summit produced the Cotonou Declaration, a powerful statement positioning renewable energy as Africa’s pathway to climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and equitable development. Participants emphasized that clean energy isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s a lifeline for vulnerable communities, offering improved access to electricity, enhanced food security, and better public health outcomes. The declaration builds on commitments made by African heads of state in the Addis Ababa Declaration just weeks earlier.

However, the African delegates didn’t mince words about global inequality in climate finance. They sharply criticized wealthy nations for reducing development aid precisely when it’s needed most, calling for sustained public investment in Global South climate projects. The declaration proposes innovative solutions, including reinvesting carbon market profits into African climate initiatives that respect local community rights and using public funds to attract private investment while reducing the high borrowing costs that currently block renewable energy projects.

While welcoming initiatives like the Africa Climate Innovation Compact, summit participants stressed that success depends on meaningful inclusion of grassroots organizations and accessible funding for community-led renewable energy projects—ensuring Africa’s clean energy transition serves its people, not just global climate goals.