It was the renowned poet Maya Angelou who said you can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.
A Pivotal Moment for the Continent
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) was a watershed moment – not just for Africa, but for global climate leadership. This pivotal gathering transcended traditional dialogues, introducing a revolutionary perspective that challenges the false dichotomy between development and environmental sustainability.
At its core, the summit proclaimed a radical truth: No nation should ever be forced to choose between economic progress and climate responsibility. The Nairobi Declaration emerged as a powerful manifesto, establishing Africa’s unified stance in the global climate change dialogue.
This is why JLA has decided to create a strategic bridge between climate summit commitments and practical implementation by hosting ‘ACS@ONE’, a post-reflection conference marking one year since the ACS, and the first of its kind. Our goal is simple yet critical: to assess progress, amplify successes, address gaps, and ensure that Africa’s youth remain at the centre of the climate agenda.
- Turning Commitments into Action
The Africa Climate Summit presented a vision of a sustainable and prosperous Africa. It brought forth financial pledges, policy frameworks, and innovative ideas for addressing the climate crisis while unlocking economic opportunities. However, without follow-through, even the most promising commitments risk fading into rhetoric.
At JLA, we recognize that taking stock of progress is essential to ensuring these commitments translate into action. ‘ACS@ONE’ will provide a platform to evaluate how far we’ve come, identify barriers to implementation, and propose solutions that keep Africa’s climate ambitions on track. Our mission is bold yet clear: to activate 30 million jobs in the green economy by 2033, with a focus on preparing Africa’s youth for a resilient future.
- Keeping Africa’s Youth at the Centre
Africa’s greatest resource is its young people, who account for over 60% of the continent’s population. The global green economy presents immense opportunities for this demographic—but only if they are equipped with the skills and support to seize them.
At the heart of our mission is a belief that Africa’s youth are not just beneficiaries of climate action but its drivers. By hosting ‘ACS@ONE,’ we aim to:
- Highlight youth contributions to achieving ACS goals.
- Showcase initiatives that have successfully created green jobs and upskilled young people.
- Advocate for greater investment in green education, workforce preparation, and entrepreneurship tailored to Africa’s needs.
We want to ensure that one year later, the promises made at the ACS are creating real opportunities for the next generation.
- Accountability for a Green and Just Transition
Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the global transition to a green economy. With more than half of the world’s critical minerals and immense renewable energy potential, the continent is essential to the global sustainability agenda. Yet, without careful planning and accountability, the benefits of this transition could bypass the very people who need them most.
By leading ‘ACS@ONE,’ JLA seeks to ensure that:
- Climate finance commitments are reaching the people and communities they are meant to serve.
- Policies are inclusive and prioritize social equity alongside environmental goals.
- Investments in green industries lead to meaningful job creation and economic empowerment.
- Amplifying Africa’s Leadership on the Global Stage
The Africa Climate Summit demonstrated the continent’s ability to present a united front in addressing the climate crisis. Reflecting on its outcomes through ‘ACS@ONE’ allows us to maintain this momentum and reinforce Africa’s leadership in global climate negotiations.
As a leader in practically advocating for youth-focused green skilling and workforce preparation, JLA is uniquely positioned to convene governments, businesses, and civil society to assess progress and chart a forward path. This conference will not only hold stakeholders accountable but also celebrate Africa’s successes, inspiring confidence in the continent’s ability to drive transformative change.
- Aligning with Our Vision for Africa
At Jacob’s Ladder Africa, we view climate action not just as an environmental imperative but as an opportunity to unlock Africa’s economic potential. A prosperous, green future for Africa means:
- Millions of green jobs in sectors like renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and waste management.
- Empowered young people equipped with the skills to lead and innovate.
- A continent thriving through equitable and sustainable growth.
Hosting ‘ACS@ONE’ is a natural extension of this vision. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that climate action drives inclusive economic development and empowers Africa’s youth to shape their future.
A Call to Action: Join Us at ‘ACS@ONE’
The journey from commitment to impact is not linear—it requires reflection, collaboration, and relentless focus. By hosting ‘ACS@ONE,’ Jacob’s Ladder Africa is stepping up to ensure that the momentum generated by the inaugural Africa Climate Summit does not wane but instead accelerates meaningful progress.
We invite governments, private sector leaders, civil society, and young people to join us in Nairobi next year to take stock, share insights, and renew our collective commitment to a sustainable and prosperous Africa. Together, we can ensure that the promises of ACS become a legacy of action and impact.
This is why we are leading the way—because the future of Africa’s youth, economy, and environment depends on it.
