Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, has urged deeper partnerships between Africa and Europe to tackle the climate crisis and unlock green growth opportunities.
Speaking at the Second Africa–EU Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ribera emphasised that Africa and Europe must work together to accelerate climate action under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”
“Working together on the great challenges is the best way to strengthen knowledge and response capacity, to identify effective measures, to learn from our neighbours, and to join forces,” Ribera said.
She highlighted that Africa and Europe share not only history and geography but also a common future. “Together, Africa and Europe represent 40 per cent of the global population. We gather amid interconnected crises and inequalities that affect both continents. This demands not just development for Africa, but fair development and equal opportunities for African peoples,” she added.
Ribera warned that climate change is already reshaping lives and livelihoods across Africa and Europe. She stressed that climate adaptation, resilience, and fair financing must remain central to Africa–EU cooperation.
The EU’s Team Europe Initiative on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, currently supported by seven member states, is channeling investments into disaster preparedness, community support for displacement, and access to Copernicus satellite data. Ribera said initiatives such as the Global Shield and regional climate security programmes aim to save lives, strengthen peace, and attract investment.
She also pointed to global developments such as the International Maritime Organisation’s Net Zero Framework, which will introduce emissions limits and greenhouse gas pricing in shipping. Ribera said the framework would balance ambitious decarbonisation with inclusive benefits, opening opportunities in green fuels, clean shipping, and sustainable infrastructure development.
On finance, Ribera reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to global climate funding, citing the $1.3 trillion climate finance roadmap adopted in Baku. She called for urgent reform of the international financial system to reduce high borrowing costs, debt burdens, and investment risks faced by African nations.
Ribera stressed that Africa holds vast untapped potential, with 60% of the world’s best solar resources, 30% of critical minerals, and a young, innovative population. Yet, nearly 600 million Africans still lack electricity access. “Closing this gap is urgent — and possible,” she said.
She reminded participants that the EU is Africa’s largest trading partner and investor, urging both regions to scale up collaboration in clean energy, green jobs, and sustainable industries.
Ribera also pointed to the upcoming Africa–EU Summit in Luanda as an opportunity to renew commitments under Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and strengthen climate cooperation. “We can use our path to Luanda’s summit as a chance to reaffirm our willingness to move forward together,” she concluded.
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