The summit, which opened on Tuesday with a focus on harnessing private sector green investments, highlighted the need to mobilize such investments to address global financial challenges and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in Africa, according to Claudine Uwera, Rwanda’s minister of state for the environment.

Uwera said it is important to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into broader national policies and planning processes, noting that the summit provides opportunities for collaboration and collective efforts to bridge the gap between climate financing needs and availability.

Delegates at the summit underscored the critical role of private sector green investments in the face of global financial challenges, identifying effective policies and programs that can be replicated and scaled up across multiple African countries to enhance adaptation and resilience efforts.

Speaking at the summit, Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank country manager for Rwanda, commended Rwanda’s efforts to enhance climate resilience amidst global financial challenges.

"We should focus more on exploring how green investments, particularly from the private sector, will play a key role in propelling sustainable climate commitments across Africa," he said.

The summit, themed "Advancing Adaptation in Africa," runs through Wednesday and aims to strengthen the capacity of institutions and the private sector to plan, design and implement investments for resilience to climate change. It brings together government officials, climate experts and industry leaders to discuss innovative approaches and best practices to support African countries’ transition toward greener and more resilient economies.