LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Climate Action Africa Forum 2024 has commenced in Lagos, Nigeria, with a call to action from the Executive Director, Grace Mbah.
The event brings together climate change experts, innovators, investors, and policymakers to discuss sustainable development and climate resilience in Africa.
Mbah emphasised the urgent need for collective action, citing the devastating impact of climate change on smallholder farmers, who make up 60% of Africa’s population and produce 90% of its food.
She announced the launch of the Billion Trees for Africa Initiative, a community program aimed at addressing environmental degradation and enhancing ecological and economic resilience.
She said at Climate Action Africa, they have chosen to push themselves continually, to innovate, and invest in the future they want for Africa.
“A future that is sustainable, green, prosperous and harmonious with nature. That is the story of Africa we choose to write.
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“It is this drive that motivates us to boldly announce today the launch of our Billion Trees for Africa Initiative under our community programs. This ambitious project aims to address environmental degradation and enhance the ecological and economic resilience of African communities.
“As we celebrate the vibrant innovations happening across our continent. Following the registration of over 800 innovators for the CAAF24 deal room, and the selection of outstanding projects for today’s pitch, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing innovators and climate solutions through our new Pan-African Green Economy Program (PAGE). Created in partnership with IDEA AFRICA and the Founder Institute, PAGE aims to support 5,000 innovators across the continent by 2035.
“Recognising the critical role of investment in climate action, we are proud to support the Pan African Climate Action Fund. A $20 million initial investment fund, co-created by dedicated Africans, which seeks to empower small growing businesses and startups in the energy, agriculture, circularity and transportation sectors,” she said.
She noted that the Climate Action Africa Forum 2024 is a testament to the continent’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Speakers at the event included Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, who encouraged everyone to take interest in climate change matters.
Oshodi who said she took the office 7 months ago said the themes of the event, “Greener Economies, Brighter Future: Innovating and Investing In Africa’s Climate- Smart Development,” recapitulate the essence of her office’s mission to transform the economy into a place of sustainability and prosperity for all.
“The choices we make today will shape the world we will leave for the future generation and it is imperative that we act decisively and collaboratively,” she said.
She called for a green economy that would lead to a bright future where economy growth is accomplished with environmental protection and the well being of people and the climate is prioritised
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“As practitioners in the field of climate change each of you have a unique opportunity to drive this change
“Let us put together collective wisdom and expertise and chart a course towards a more sustainable future.
“Together we can build green economies that not only reduce the impact of climate change but also pave a way for brighter and more sustainable future,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), Mr Benedict Oramah who was represented by the Director, Project and Asset Based Finance, Ms Helen Brume said although Africa has contribute little to global emission with only 3.78 per cent of green house gas emissions there is a universal consensus that climate change adversely impact the continent disproportionately.
Saying Africa is already experiencing damages attributed to climate change including prolonged drought, sea level rise, erosion, heavy rains, lots of biodegradation, she said on the other side of the spectrum, Africa is a continent with the lowest rate of energy access globally.
“More than 600million people living with no access to electricity and over 900million people lack access to clean cooking gas,” she said.
She noted that there is a need to speedup the access to electricity supply as she said with a population projected to tripple by 2100, it means more people needing access to electricity and clean gas.
“At Afrexim bank, we recognise the fact that each Africa country should pursue its own path to transition leveraging on its internal and external resources. However, we believe that their objective should focus on industrialization. Embracing a just transition can help a continent not only achieve climate objective but also break away from the commercial methods of development that has caused significant environmental damage in other parts of the world.
“Africa has a unique advantage of being able to learn from the global lots and pursue a sustainable form of growth right from the start. An opportunity for the continent to adopt new creative way to develop her continent while also integrating climate change,” she said.
she added that Afreximbank is actively contributing the the continent’s drive towards climate action and input initiatives through various projects and collaborations.
Also speaking, Special Advisor the president of the federal republic of Nigeria on NEC and Climate Change, Rukia El Rufia said Nigeria should be climate smart.
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Her Excellency, Former Minister of Culture Mali and today founder and CEO of the Great Green Wall of Africa (GGWoA) Foundation, Ms Ramatoulaye Diallo Ndiaye while giving her keynote address said the theme of the event reminds Agrica of the urgency with which they must address Africa’s climate challenges.
She said, besides recognising climate change as one of the greatest changes in the 21 century, the realities of climate change are becoming more and more evident.
“Africa is unfortunately a part of those facing severe consequences including extreme weather events, biodegradation and more climate change causes which endanger ecosystems, livelihood and social economy,” she said.
Noting that the impact of these challenges are already taking effect, she said that is why we need active and collective continental efforts are crucial to address them.
“The development of Africa leads to the development of the entire planet,” she said.
On his part, the Program Director and Chief Executive, Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi said he believes climate change it is a practical issue.
He said climate crisis have translated to economic crisis and security crisis, birthing what we all know as the IDPs camps in Nigeria.
“Instead of high sounding words, fancy designed programmes, and long syllables I think by having the leaders of tomorrow here and begin to engage the issues around climate change, we might begin to take some shots at the problems,” he said.
Also present at the event was Cluster Coordinator for the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Markus Wauschkuhn who gave his goodwill message.
The event also featured an award presentation to pupils of Glorious Sit Redeemers School, who emerged winners in the Climate Champion Quest organised by IHS Towers.
The winners received cash prizes for their innovative projects on sustainable development.
Praise Omoniyo and Praise Friday who emerged winners went away with N300,000 for their project on Touch light, Baskets made from bottles lids and flower vase made from paper.
Treasure Nwosu followed winning N200,000 for her project on Multi-purpose bicycle and Alabi Abimbola won N100,000.
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