Africa-EU Energy Partnership at the Second Africa Climate Summit

Climate change is reshaping priorities across the world, and in Africa its impact is already deeply felt. The Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa brought these challenges to the forefront, creating a space where governments, regional organisations, development partners, and private sector actors could come together to shape solutions.

The Africa–European Union Energy Partnership (AEEP) stepped into this arena with purpose. “By facilitating strategic dialogues, engaging with partners, and supporting major energy initiatives, the Partnership strengthened Africa–Europe cooperation on climate and energy transition,” a participant noted, capturing the essence of AEEP’s role at the Summit.

One of AEEP’s key contributions was co-hosting a high-level session with the Africa Europe Foundation on “Enhancing Africa–Europe Cooperation on Energy Transition Minerals.” The discussions highlighted how resources such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements can power Africa’s industrialisation while also supporting Europe’s clean energy transition. These conversations built directly on the African Green Minerals Strategy and Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Act, demonstrating how both continents’ ambitions can align.

Beyond the discussions, AEEP is committed to keeping the momentum alive. On 22 October 2025, the Partnership will convene the 21st AEEP Energy Talks webinar to unpack the Addis Ababa Declaration and explore ways to turn the Summit’s outcomes into practical action.

The Summit also marked the launch of two flagship initiatives by the African Union, the European Union, and Germany: the Continental Energy Programme for Africa (CEPA) and Accelerating the Energy Transition in Africa (ENGAGE). Designed to expand energy access and ensure a just transition, these initiatives will rely on the expertise and convening power of actors like AEEP, whose role as a bridge-builder strengthens collaboration across borders.

By anchoring its efforts in dialogue, partnership, and follow-up action, AEEP has reinforced the idea that Africa and Europe’s clean energy futures are interconnected. Its engagement at the Second Africa Climate Summit reflects not only the urgency of climate challenges but also the shared commitment to creating a sustainable and just energy future.