Jacob’s Ladder Africa to host final pre-convenings for ACS@ONE Climate Conference

These sessions will pave the way for the Civil Society Organisation (CSO)-led Africa Climate Summit At One: Kenya’s First Post-Summit Reflection Conference (ACS@ONE), scheduled for February 2025.

Following two initial in-person sessions on Climate Adaptation and Resilience and Youth and Children Inclusion in Climate Action held in Nairobi on November 4–5, 2024, this series of six thematic discussions aims to assess progress on the commitments made at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi in 2023. The goal is to ensure Kenya’s climate actions align with the Nairobi Declaration and translate into measurable outcomes.

The convenings will bring together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and youth representatives, to evaluate progress, share insights, and collaboratively define actionable strategies for Africa’s green and low-carbon development agenda.

Themes of the Convenings

1. Natural Capital and Asset Utilization (December 3)

This session will emphasize the value and sustainable management of Africa's natural resources and ecosystems for both local and global benefits. Discussions will reflect on actions taken since the 2023 ACS and propose resolutions to ensure tangible impacts.

2. Energy Transitions (December 4)

With Africa holding vast renewable energy potential yet receiving only 2% of global renewable investments over the last decade, this session will focus on:

• Creating a conducive environment for clean energy investments.
• Advancing clean cooking technologies and gender-responsive energy policies.
• Strengthening regional cooperation to boost Africa’s renewable energy capacity to 300GW by 2030.

The goal is to accelerate Kenya’s clean energy transition while contributing to global decarbonization.

3. Green Transitions and Industrialization (December 5)

This session will explore how Kenya can align industrialization efforts with its climate goals, focusing on:

• Innovations in green manufacturing and circular economy models.
• De-risking private sector investments in climate-resilient industries.
• Leveraging technology to support low-carbon industrialization.

Participants will outline strategies to foster sustainable economic growth, create green jobs, and enhance climate resilience.

4. Capital and Finance for Climate Action (December 6)

• Recognizing that finance is crucial for achieving Africa’s climate ambitions, this session will address:
• Progress toward mobilizing the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge.
• Reforms in multilateral financial systems to meet Africa’s unique needs.

Innovative financing mechanisms to de-risk investments and scale climate-positive projects.

Discussions will aim to reshape financial systems to secure equitable and impactful climate financing for Kenya and Africa.

Building Momentum for Africa’s Green Transition

The Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in 2023 underscored Africa’s essential role in the global climate agenda. However, achieving the commitments made requires sustained action and accountability. The ACS@ONE Reflection Conference in February 2025 will consolidate insights from these thematic convenings, celebrating milestones while addressing gaps and refining strategies.

“As stewards of the next generation, Jacob’s Ladder Africa is dedicated to transforming Africa’s climate commitments into actionable, measurable outcomes,” said Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO of JLA. “These pre-convenings provide a platform for candid reflection, strategic planning, and impactful collaboration.”

The ACS@ONE Reflection Conference is not just about evaluating progress—it’s about shaping the future. “Africa holds the key to a global green transition,” added Sellah. “Through inclusive and collaborative efforts, we can unlock the continent’s full potential for sustainable development and climate resilience.”