The second Africa Climate Summit presents a new vision for the continent: one of agency, investment opportunities, and leadership in driving climate-positive growth. The European Union remains a key partner in Africa’s green economic development, yet its current focus on industrial competitiveness, energy security, and complex market access rules has created tensions in the partnership. While both Africa and Europe are committed to climate action, their priorities often diverge: the EU emphasises its internal green transition and mitigation, while Africa urgently calls for greater attention to adaptation and resilience, central themes of the Summit. This misalignment risks widening the gap between the EU’s partnership offer and Africa’s on-the-ground needs.

This high-level roundtable will explore how to close this disconnect by identifying concrete steps toward a more equitable and effective Africa–Europe climate partnership. Discussions will focus on co-creating green industrial value chains that leverage the strengths of both continents, and on investing in shared resilience by showcasing African solutions and unlocking innovative, scalable finance for adaptation. To ensure a frank and solutions-oriented exchange, the session will convene influential voices, including senior representatives of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), and high-level EU climate envoys. The objective is to chart actionable pathways that rebuild trust and align priorities ahead of the AU–EU Summit and COP30.

Speakers

• Tracy Kajumba, Director, LIFE-AR interim secretariat, IIED
• Charles Mwangi, Head of Programmes, Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)
• Mr Washington Zhakata, Chief Director, Climate Change Management Department, Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Zimbabwe
• Mr Gianluca Azzoni, Head of Policy and Cooperation, EU Delegation to the African Union 
• Joachim Beijmo, Head of Regional Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Addis Abeba, Africa

Moderator

• Dr Hanne Knaepen, Head of Climate Action and Green Transition, ECDPM