Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday stressed that Africa’s development cannot be separated from global decarbonization, underscoring the continent’s heightened exposure to climate shocks despite its negligible emissions.

Speaking at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, President Mohamud said Somalia contributes only a tiny fraction of the world’s greenhouse gases but remains one of the hardest-hit countries by climate change. Prolonged droughts, devastating floods, and recurring displacement have already eroded livelihoods and weakened national resilience.

The President called for stronger international cooperation that links climate action with Africa’s development agenda. He emphasized that financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building must go hand in hand with global efforts to reduce emissions.

Somalia, he noted, is already investing in adaptation strategies, including renewable energy initiatives and sustainable land management, but these efforts require long-term global partnerships to succeed.

The ACS2 brings together heads of state, policymakers, and climate experts to shape a unified African position ahead of global negotiations. This year’s discussions are centered on financing adaptation, leveraging renewable energy potential, and ensuring Africa’s voice is stronger in climate diplomacy.

For Somalia, President Mohamud stressed, climate change is not a distant threat but an existential crisis demanding urgent, collective solutions.

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