Clean Air Task Force at Africa Climate Week: Advancing African-led climate and development solutions
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Clean Air Task Force (CATF) will bring its global expertise and on-the-ground perspective to Africa Climate Week in Addis Ababa, September 1–6, 2025, making the case for pragmatic, African-led climate and energy solutions that advance both development and decarbonization.
“Global development and climate policy are at an inflection point,” said Lily Odarno, Director of the Africa Program at CATF. “Cuts in development aid, along with disappointing outcomes from COP29 and Bonn climate finance talks, make it clear that Africa must lead in shaping its own energy future, supported by domestic capital, resilient financial systems, and practical solutions that deliver for African people and economies. Africa faces the most severe consequences of climate change while also carrying the responsibility to grow, industrialize, and lift millions out of poverty. Meeting this dual challenge requires a bold new vision that empowers African leadership, leverages diverse energy technologies, and ensures that global commitments translate into real progress.”
Africa stands at the center of today’s climate and development challenge. The continent has the lowest energy use per capita globally, with 75% of the world’s population without electricity living in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 33 of the world’s 46 least developed countries are in the region, and Africa is among the most climate-vulnerable regions despite contributing little to global emissions. By 2100, the continent’s population will reach 4 billion—nearly 40% of the global total—making today’s decisions on energy access, climate resilience, and finance critical to the world’s future.
At Africa Climate Week, discussions will center on mobilizing climate finance, advancing just transitions, strengthening carbon markets, and accelerating action on adaptation, energy access, and sustainable infrastructure. CATF will push the conversation further by calling for innovative, durable financing solutions and frameworks that center African agency and leadership.
The following CATF experts will be available throughout the Africa Climate Week for media engagement and discussions on Africa’s role in the global energy transition:
- Lily Odarno, Regional Director, Africa
- Brian Mukhaya, Program Manager, Africa
- Michael Adu Okyere, Regional Policy Manager, Africa
Press Contact
Steve Reyes, Communication Manager, [email protected], +1 562-916-6463
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organisation working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalysing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
