As climate change continues to pose severe threats to ecosystems, livelihoods, and economic stability across Africa, a powerful and transformative movement is gaining momentum, led by young people, fuelled by innovation, and rooted in climate justice. From 1st - 8th September 2025, I had the distinct privilege of participating in three landmark climate events at the continental level that
showcased the emergence of a bold new era in African environmental leadership: the Nairobi Climate Summer School, the African Youth Climate Assembly, and the African Union Climate Summit.

These gatherings provided invaluable insights into how Africa is charting its own path in addressing the climate crisis. The message is unmistakable: Africa is no longer waiting for solutions from the global North; we are developing and driving our own.

Climate justice begins with education:

At the heart of my journey was the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, an intensive program designed to build capacity among young African climate leaders. Through a robust curriculum that blended theory with hands-on learning, we delved into issues of climate finance, sustainable development, and environmental governance, all through the lens of justice. One of the most pressing themes was the unequal burden of climate change. Those least responsible for climate change are often the most affected, from rural farmers battling drought to informal settlements suffering from flash floods. The summer school emphasised that climate action must center the voices and needs of these vulnerable communities.

Beyond the classroom, the program fostered a rich cultural exchange. Participants from across Africa shared stories, traditions, and local innovations, reinforcing that while our contexts may differ, our commitment to a livable planet is shared.

Youth Voice, Youth Power: The African youth climate assembly:

This spirit of unity and purpose carried over into the African Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA), a pan- African gathering of youth leaders determined to shape the future of climate governance. At the center of the assembly was the adaptation and presentation of the AYCA 2025 Youth Declaration, a ground-breaking document that outlines the aspirations, demands, and commitments of African youth in the fight against climate change.

The declaration is not symbolic; it is strategic. It calls on governments, multilateral agencies, and development partners to not only include young people in decision-making, but to invest in their solutions. From clean energy start-ups to agroecological farming collectives, young Africans are already doing the work, and doing it well. The assembly reinforced a key truth: Youth are not just stakeholders; we are rightsholders. Our inclusion is not charity; it is critical to achieving lasting, inclusive climate solutions.

Financing the Future: African Climate Summit 2.0

The final leg of this journey brought me to the African Climate Summit 2.0, where policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society convened under the banner: “Accelerating Global Climate
Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”

If the summer school focused on learning, and AYCA on youth voice, the summit was about action, particularly, how to fund it. With trillions of dollars in climate finance needed globally, and African countries often sidelined in funding allocations, the summit boldly positioned the continent not as a victim of the climate crisis, but as a leader in the global green transition.

A key outcome was the Nairobi Declaration, a unified African call for a new global financial architecture - one that is fair, accessible, and fit for purpose. From the halls of high-level plenaries to the vibrant pavilions showcasing innovation, the summit affirmed that Africa has the minerals, the energy potential, and the human capital to lead the next industrial revolution, a green one.

From Words to Action:

These experiences have left an indelible mark on me. I return more informed, more inspired, and more committed than ever. But more importantly, I return with a sense of collective momentum.

Whether through the development of community-led climate initiatives, the crafting of inclusive policy proposals, or the mobilisation of peers across borders, African youth are not waiting for the future - we are shaping it now.

The road ahead will not be easy. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and from Nairobi’s classrooms to continental assemblies, one thing is clear: Africa is rising, and its youth are
leading the way.

By: Sulemana Mohammed Jamaldeen is a Pharmacy student at UDS and a climate advocate passionate about environmental justice, sustainability, and youth-led innovation in Africa.