Africa Climate Summit | Rethinking Fiscal Incentives for a Just Energy Transition
On September 9, 2025, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) are hosting the event Rethinking Fiscal Incentives for a Just Energy Transition: Lessons from green and fossil fuel regimes.
Taking place alongside the Second Africa Climate Summit, the discussion will explore how tax policies can support a just energy transition in Africa and will include the launch of new IISD research on green tax incentives for renewables and TJNA analysis of fiscal incentives in Nigeria’s fossil fuel sector.
Event details
- Date: September 9, 2025
- Time: 1:30 PM, Eastern Africa Time
- Venue: Addis International Convention Center, Room F1
- Registration: Click here
About the Africa Climate Summit
The Second Africa Climate Summit will be held in Addis Ababa from September 8–10, 2025, under the theme Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa's Resilient and Green Development. The summit will gather over 45 African heads of state and government, as well as leaders from the private sector, civil society, and academia. It provides a platform to advance Africa’s climate and development priorities, champion African-led solutions and initiatives in energy, food systems, innovation, and climate-smart infrastructure.
About the side event "Rethinking Fiscal Incentives for a Just Energy Transtion"
Scaling up renewable energy is essential for meeting Paris Agreement targets and addressing energy access challenges in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies. Tax strategies can play a crucial role in this regard, supporting or undermining a just energy transition in Africa.
Public financial support, especially the use of fiscal incentives designed to attract environmental projects, referred to as "green incentives", can support countries in mobilizing investment for renewable energy deployment, if they are properly aligned with national policies and designed considering long-term fiscal implications. However, these policies exist alongside fiscal incentives given to the fossil fuel industry. These incentives are under increasing scrutiny as African countries grapple with the twin challenges of energy security and climate resilience.
Launching new research
This event will feature two complementary research projects that offer a more coherent approach to fiscal reform. The first, by IISD, focuses on green incentives for renewable energy, while the second, by TJNA, examines tax incentives within Nigeria's fossil fuel industry. Together, these reports provide a critical view of fiscal incentives across the energy sector. They show how tax policy can either support or undermine climate goals and seek to support countries to design incentives carefully and align them with their national transition strategy.
Upcoming events
2026 Investment Policy Forum
The 17th edition of IISD's Investment Policy Forum will take place from September 16 to 18, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Unpacking National Investment Laws: Dispute settlement
Join IISD and UNCTAD for a webinar on May 7 as we explore key findings and recommendations from two recent publications on national investment laws and their investor–state dispute settlement provisions. A panel of experts will discuss the risks posed by dispute settlement provisions in investment laws, emerging good practices, and the urgent need for coherence between domestic legal frameworks and international treaty reform efforts.
Weathering the Waters: Building climate resilience that pays off
Join us to explore Canada’s adaptation progress, the rising costs of delay (water, floods, drought), and new ways to finance resilience.
Natural Solutions for Water Security: Canada's Policy Path Forward
This 2-day forum aims to advance strategic priorities and define practical next steps for accelerating the adoption of natural infrastructure as a new normal.