From Ecological Debt to Ecological Conversion:
SECAM’s Prophetic Call at the Second African Climate Summit
STATEMENT
From Ecological Debt to Ecological Conversion:
SECAM’s Prophetic Call at the Second African Climate Summit
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), 8th – 9th September 2025
This Summit falls providentially in the 2025 Jubilee Year, a sacred and special time for Catholics around the world, rooted in the biblical call to justice, restoration and mercy. This is an invitation to reflect on how the spirit of the Jubilee might guide our conversations climate justice. At this important turning point for our continent and the world, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) comes together today with a single voice and heart. Our call for climate justice, a sustainable future, and international solidarity at this historic Africa Climate Summit, is urgent and deeply ingrained in our faith.
Climate Reality in Africa: Inequitable Effects
That Africa is engrossed in histories of exploitation, inequality, and notably, environmental harm, is a reality. Despite its natural beauty and promise, Africa is severely affected by the catastrophic effects of climate change, including severe droughts, ongoing flooding, rising food insecurity, and mass displacement. Pope Francis reminded us that “a true ‘ecological debt’ exists, particularly between the global North and South, connected to commercial imbalances with effects on the environment and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time.”[1] This ecological debt is a reality for Africa who has contributed the least to the climate crisis but are suffering its worst consequences.
Advancing Food Sovereignty and Regenerative Agriculture
Africa’s struggle against climate change is inseparable from the fight for food sovereignty; the right of all peoples to define their own agricultural systems and access safe, nourishing food produced through resilient, locally adapted methods.[2] SECAM urges governments and partners to invest in food systems that empower local communities, protect indigenous knowledge, and foster dignity from seed to table.
We call for restorative models in agriculture that prioritises people’s well-being and ensures conditions for sustainable life on the planet. We advocate for regenerative agriculture; that rebuild soil health, enhance water retention, and sequester carbon, while supporting biodiversity and improving livelihoods.
Integral Ecology: Solidarity Across Faith and Society
SECAM unites with the Laudato Si’ Movement Africa, Caritas Africa, AMECEA, and all faith-inspired and civic partners who champion integral ecology. We uphold the inseparable bond between caring for humanity and protecting our planet.[3] This vision, echoing Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, demands that we address the interconnected roots of ecological, social, and economic upheaval.
Just Transition: Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
We affirm the imperative of a just transition, a responsible, ambitious phase-out of fossil fuels, led by Africa’s moral resolve.[4] The shift from carbon-intensive energy must be both swift and equitable. Investments in clean, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, can unlock Africa’s natural wealth for the benefit of all. This transition must include robust planning, training, and social supports, honouring the Gospel call to uphold the innate dignity of workers and communities.
Celebrating Africa’s Renewable Energy Leadership
We applaud Africa’s visionary initiatives: the African Union’s Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy, and Mission 300, which aims to provide sustainable electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. These steps are hopeful, embodying the continent’s potential to lead the world in renewable energy and climate resilience.[5]
Bridging the Climate Finance Gap
There is need to transform the economic system towards climate financing. Africa’s climate response still lacks sufficient funding, and only a small portion of the promised global funds is reaching the most vulnerable communities. Climate finance should be transparent, and accessible to the most vulnerable communities, and should not be based on financialisation of nature nor should it increase debt in Africa. We demand developed countries to set up loss and damage funds to make up for the ecological harm that has already been done to African people and ecosystems.[6]
Policy, Practice, and Africa’s Leadership
To ensure the survival of all creation, we call for more robust policies and focused investments that prioritise climate justice, boost agroecological practices and revive biodiversity. It is essential to recognise Africa’s leadership in climate innovation, not just as a helpless victim, but as a thriving source of solutions for our shared planet.
SECAM promises to mobilise communities throughout Africa in ecological conversion, prophetic witness, and action as shepherds entrusted with souls and creation. To ensure that no one, especially the most vulnerable, is left behind, we urge governments, civil society, and the private sector to step up their cooperation in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
A Call for Hope, Justice, and Courage
In this critical moment of environmental challenge, ‘our common conviction: without climate justice there is no peace, without ecological conversion there is no future, without listening to the people there are no real solutions.’[7]Let this summit serve as a landmark turning point that propels Africa toward climate justice, leadership in renewable energy, and sustainable long-term development. It is our solemn obligation to safeguard both humanity and the planet, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving legacy.
May God give us the strength and wisdom we need to do this important work.
Thanks.
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), 8th September 2025
SIGNED BY
Ashley Kitisya
Laudato Si Movement
Ashley@laudatosimovement.org
+254791605000
Nyarai Mutongwizo
CARITAS Africa
mutongwizo@caritas.va
+263 7 73468516
Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina
SECAM – Justice, Peace and Development Commission
secamjpdcdirector@gmail.com
+233 55 733 7871
[1] Francis. (2024). Spes non confundit [Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025]. Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.html
[2] Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies | IUCN World Conservation Congress | Pace University New York. https://www.pace.edu/law/centers-and-institutes/global-center-environmental-legal-studies/iucn-partnership/iucn-world
[3] SECAM. (2025, January 28). Environmental destruction a concern of IMBISA bishops, call for responsible attitude. https://secam.org/environmental-destruction-a-concern-of-imbisa-bishops-call-for-responsible-attitude/
[4] SECAM. (2025, June 30). Churches of the Global South call for climate justice and protection of our common home. https://secam.org/churches-of-the-global-south-call-for-climate-justice-and-protection-of-our-common-home/
[5] Africa poised for just transition to renewable energy, new report says | Just Transition. https://justtransitionafrica.org/press/africa-poised-for-just-transition-to-renewable-energy-new-report-says/
[6] SECAM & AMECEA. (2025, May 22). SECAM: African, European bishops urge AU-EU ministers to rebuild trust and protect Africa’s future. https://communications.amecea.org/index.php/2025/05/23/secam-african-european-bishops-urge-au-eu-ministers-to-rebuild-trust-and-protect-africas-future/
[7] SECAM. (2025, June 30). Churches of the Global South call for climate justice and protection of our common home. https://secam.org/churches-of-the-global-south-call-for-climate-justice-and-protection-of-our-common-home/
