The inaugural China-Ghana Climate Summit held in Accra on September 17, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in the deepening of bilateral cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable development. Bringing together over 250 participants from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector, the summit served as a dynamic platform for advancing green finance, renewable energy, and environmental innovation. It reflected a shared commitment to translating high-level pledges into practical partnerships that address the urgent challenges of climate change across Africa.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, underscored China’s dedication to South-South climate collaboration, highlighting the country’s extensive global engagement. He noted that China had signed 53 climate cooperation agreements with 42 developing nations and implemented nearly 100 mitigation and adaptation projects. In a bold announcement, he revealed plans to roll out 30 clean energy initiatives across Africa, alongside the development of a meteorological early warning platform. These efforts aim to strengthen disaster prevention, biodiversity protection, and green infrastructure, positioning China as a key partner in Africa’s climate future.
Ghana’s Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Issifu Seidu, emphasized the summit’s role in fostering inclusive and transformative cooperation. He proposed the establishment of a Ghana-China Climate Business Summit to showcase innovations, youth-led enterprises, and investment opportunities. His vision positions Ghana not only as a beneficiary of climate support but as a gateway for China’s broader green engagement with the continent. The minister’s remarks reflected a strategic shift toward empowering local actors and integrating climate action into national development priorities.
Organized by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory and supported by the African Climate Foundation, the summit signaled a new era of climate diplomacy rooted in mutual respect and shared goals. It moved beyond symbolic gestures to focus on tangible outcomes, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building climate resilience. As Ghana and China chart a path forward, their partnership offers a compelling model for how nations can work together to confront environmental challenges and unlock sustainable growth. The summit’s success lies not only in its declarations but in its potential to inspire action, innovation, and long-term impact across Africa.