Envoy hails Ethiopia's green tie-up with China

Ethiopia's growing green partnership with China is emerging as a model for how international cooperation can accelerate Africa's climate transition, Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam said in a recent interview.

"China's philosophy of win-win cooperation, combined with concrete actions such as technology transfer and renewable energy investment, aligns perfectly with our development needs," Yimam noted. Under the framework of South-South cooperation, Ethiopia and China have already delivered "significant results in renewable energy infrastructure, climate-resilient farming systems and large-scale reforestation".

One standout achievement is Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative, championed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which Yimam described as "a model for mass environmental mobilization". In one record-setting day, the ambassador said that Ethiopians planted more than 700 million seedlings, "contributing to carbon sinks, biodiversity restoration and improved community livelihoods".

Chinese financing and expertise, he added, have supported Ethiopia's hydropower development, solar projects and agricultural modernization.

For Yimam, China's most valuable contribution extends beyond funding or technology to its concept of ecological civilization.

"Policy-wise, integrating environmental issues with economic planning, investing heavily in green technologies, and mobilizing the population are critical," he said, citing China's rapid progress in electric vehicle manufacturing as an example that Africa could adapt, given its vast untapped renewable resources.

As the global climate crisis deepens, Africa is preparing to cast itself not as a passive victim of climate change but as a source of solutions, he said.

Ethiopia, together with the African Union, will co-host the Second Africa Climate Summit from Sept 8 to Sept 10.

According to the ambassador, the summit will bring together 45 African heads of state and government ministers, international partners, private sector leaders, and climate innovators. It is designed to reframe the narrative around Africa's role in climate governance and spotlight the continent's green transformation.

Flagship initiatives

At the summit, Africa will present flagship initiatives including the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative, climate-smart agriculture programs, integrated carbon markets, and continent-wide ecosystem restoration campaigns.

Yimam emphasized that Africa's competitive edge lies in both its "natural and human capital". Ethiopia alone has abundant solar, geothermal and hydropower potential, he said, while across the continent, a youthful population is increasingly "engaged in clean innovation and entrepreneurship".

The ambassador expressed optimism about scaling up joint ventures in green manufacturing, expanding climate finance, and strengthening Africa's role in global carbon markets through deeper cooperation with China.

"We warmly invite the Chinese government officials and representatives, media, think tanks, research institutions and climate experts to participate (in the summit) and share their rich expertise in this area," he added.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn