By Joy Odor
The Africa Climate Change and Infrastructure Summit in Abuja this week brought together diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders who pledged stronger cooperation on gender inclusion, clean energy, and sustainable development, underscoring Africa’s urgent need for united climate action.
Held from August 11 to 12, 2025, the summit drew high-level participation from across the continent and beyond, including Ambassadors from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cuba, Russia, and Zambia, alongside senior Nigerian officials and private sector leaders.
Opening the event, the convener emphasized women’s central role in building resilient societies, describing them as “pillars of progress” and urging greater recognition of their contributions.
Diplomats Spotlight Climate Solutions
Paul Lombi, Zambia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, shared how climate change has strained his country’s energy security, citing 2023’s crippling power shortages. He highlighted the use of the Gawu (apple green) tree, sourced from Nigeria and Niger, as an organic fertiliser to promote climate-friendly farming.
Pascaline Yakubu, DRC’s Ambassador to Nigeria, showcased her nation’s vast environmental resources, noting it holds nearly half of Africa’s tropical rainforests and immense hydropower potential. She cited the ongoing rehabilitation of the Inga Dam, capable of generating 40,000 megawatts as a transformative project for sub-Saharan Africa’s energy needs, despite delays caused by conflict in eastern Congo.
Cuba’s Ambassador, Miriam Palmero, outlined her country’s “Life Task” state plan for coastal protection and renewable energy development, offering technology-sharing partnerships with African nations.
She commended Africa’s progress in clean energy and called for joint efforts toward “a fairer and more prosperous future.”
The Russian Ambassador, Andrey L. Podelyshe was also acknowledged for his country’s energy and mining collaborations with Africa, including initiatives under the Russia–Africa Forum.
Nigeria Reaffirms Climate Commitment
Chris Nkwonta, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, stressed the National Climate Change Commission’s pivotal role in implementing the Climate Change Act and meeting Nigeria’s international obligations.
“We will continue to dialogue, collaborate, and seek technical assistance to ensure climate change conversations grow stronger,” Nkwonta said, pledging close cooperation with summit organizers to form a committed international coalition on climate action.
Gas Expansion and Energy Transition
Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), detailed key gas infrastructure projects, including the Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline and the Nigeria LNG Train 7 expansion, set to add 7.6 million metric tons of annual capacity.
Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, and up to 45% with international support, positioning natural gas as a key transition fuel. He cited regional pipelines, including the Nigeria–Morocco project, as crucial for energy access and economic growth.
A Call for Action
The Summit convener Hon. Moses M. Owaru described Africa as being at a “defining moment,” with infrastructure gaps, climate threats, and economic uncertainty offering both challenges and opportunities for innovation and inclusive growth.
“We must use this summit as a springboard for actionable strategies, cross-border partnerships, and bold ideas,” he said.
Delegates left the event with a unified message: Africa’s climate, energy, and development challenges demand collective solutions, inclusive leadership, and sustained global partnerships.
