Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to driving sustainable growth through innovation and investment in resilience as Lagos prepares to host the 2025 International Climate Change Summit.

The summit, themed “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” is scheduled to hold from November 6 to 7, 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel. It is expected to attract global leaders, investors, climate scientists, and policymakers from across the world.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos continues to demonstrate leadership in subnational climate action by developing practical mechanisms for city-level climate finance.

According to him, Lagos is already advancing initiatives such as blue bonds and nature-based coastal protection projects that are shaping Africa’s next decade of sustainable urban development.

“As Africa’s fastest-growing coastal city, Lagos stands at the frontline of both climate risk and innovation,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Our goal is to unlock sustainable financing that protects the people, builds resilience, and drives economic growth through the power of the blue economy.”

Commissioner Wahab, setting the tone for the conference, described the 2025 Lagos International Climate Change Summit as “more than a conference,” emphasizing that it represents a declaration that African cities can finance their own future.

“We invite global leaders, investors, and innovators to join Lagos as we redefine what coastal resilience looks like for the Global South,” Wahab stated.

The 2025 edition, which marks the 11th in the series, aims to accelerate action and investment in Africa’s coastal and ocean economies ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

It will also serve as a strategic engagement platform for African and global stakeholders to align priorities, deepen partnerships, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations.

A major focus of the summit will be blue economy financing as a frontier for climate adaptation, innovation, and job creation across Africa. Discussions will centre on unlocking investments in ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, mangrove restoration, and coastal infrastructure through green and blended finance instruments.

The summit will further highlight ongoing and upcoming projects that support coastal resilience, environmental innovation, and sustainable livelihoods in Lagos.

Delegates expected at the event include representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, and Eko Atlantic, among other key stakeholders.