Convened in Lagos, Nigeria by the Climate Action Africa (CAA), a leading environmental advocates and stakeholders, CAAF24 galvanized actions and underscored the urgent need for climate action across industries and communities across Africa.

In this brief interview with Techeconomy, Grace Oluchi Mbah, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CAA and co-Convener of CAAF24, she descripted the platform as fertile ground for increased education and awareness on climate change, showcasing innovations and projects driving Africa to a sustainable future, and more actively contribute to the expansion of Africa’s green economy.

Excerpt:

TE: Congratulations on successful hosting of the CAAF’s first edition. For the benefit of those who couldn’t be there, what are the key takeaways?

Oluchi Mbah: Thank you. First, if you were ever in doubt, climate change is very real. But as much as it is real, there is a lot of innovation and investments that are being made to change the narrative. So, for example, we saw the World Bank presentation of how weather resistant classrooms are ensuring that children go to school continuously and resilience and infrastructure are key to Africa’s agenda because you know we’re behind on that front.

Imagine if we had those types of classrooms in the out and in the South where floods are very rampant, they will not have to stop schools, will not have to stop attending hospitals because that type of infrastructure is available and they’ve shown us that it’s possible.

We continue to hear about the millions and billions of dollars that are available for Africa and for the world to tap into in terms of climate finance and we learn that what is important is project preparation.

So, we need to use platforms like this and situations like this to learn what financers are looking for because for us to actually accelerate the efforts that we are doing, we need money.

I like to say passion does not buy coffee; as much as we want to see it happen. It doesn’t happen like that. So, we must continuously improve ourselves, improve our skills, try to see how to develop projects.

I mean we even had in the ‘energy room’ (session) someone who is part of a team that do not, probably give you grants rather they are focused on helping in project preparation.

So, those are the type of partners that we brought to CAAF24 to show you that it is possible for you to learn how to develop your projects, how to access this finance and how to collaborate because we cannot afford to work in silos anymore.

TE: In the last decade the buzz has been around fintech, do you see the same thing being replicated among startups with focus on climate solutions?

Oluchi Mbah: Of course, we continue to see a lot of bright minds. We continue to see a lot of exceptional innovators. I mean for our deal room, over 830 people even just registered.

Not all of them got to submit their applications but we could even just read through that backend and see the type of solutions that are proposing to say, okay, this is what we want to do for our communities.

So, we’re definitely sure that in the next couple of years we’re going to see innovations that are actually transforming communities and becoming mainstream as well.

TE: Thanks for speaking to us and kudos to the team for CAAF24

Oluchi Mbah: Thanks to Techeconomy for partnering with us.

Key Takeaways from Remarks by Climate Change Thought Leaders at CAAF24

• Innovation and Technology Adoption: Leveraging cutting-edge solutions to address climate challenges and accelerate green development.
• Strong Partnerships: Collaboration across stakeholders – governments, businesses, NGOs, and communities – is essential for success.
• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Empowering communities and fostering a culture of sustainability across Africa.
• Mobilizing Financing for Adaptation, Mitigation, and Job Creation: Financial resources are crucial for implementing climate solutions and creating a just transition to a green economy.

Themed “Building a Climate-Smart Africa,” the forum underscored the urgency of climate action while highlighting Africa’s immense potential to be a leader in sustainability.

In her opening remarks, Grace Oluchi Mbah, Climate Action Africa (CAA) co-founder and executive director, acknowledged the stark challenges like Africa warming faster than any other region, millions vulnerable to rising sea levels, and the devastating impact on smallholder farmers, the lifeblood of the continent.

However, Mbah emphasized hope and agency. She announced the launch of the ambitious Billion Trees for Africa Initiative, aiming to restore degraded lands and empower communities.

Additionally, CAA unveiled the Pan-African Green Economy Program (PAGE), a partnership with IDEA AFRICA and the Founder Institute, which aims to cultivate a new generation of 5,000 green innovators across Africa by 2035.

$20 million initial investment fund

Recognizing the critical role of investment, CAA proudly announced its support for the Pan African Climate Action Fund.

This $20 million initial investment fund, co-created by dedicated Africans, seeks to empower small businesses and startups driving change in the energy, agriculture, circularity, and transportation sectors.

Rukia El-Rufai, Special Advisor to the Nigerian Vice President on NEC and Climate Change, took the stage next.

She emphasized that simply acknowledging the importance of nature is not enough. El-Rufai highlighted the need to move beyond low-value carbon credits and educational barriers that hinder attracting financing for climate solutions.

She stressed the importance of a strong business case alongside environmental benefits. El-Rufai commended the forum’s theme, “climate-smart,” because it underscores the need for economic growth alongside emissions reduction.

El-Rufai emphasized the crucial role of National Determined Contributions (NDCs) – national plans outlining climate action commitments. She urged collaboration across generations and highlighted successful examples from emerging economies like Mexico and Indonesia, demonstrating strong economic growth alongside reduced emissions.

She concluded by calling for increased investment in renewable energy and sustainable practices, drawing on her personal experience with drastically reduced energy bills through solar panels.

The forum welcomed Madame Ramatoulaye Diallo Ndiaye, CEO of the Great Green Wall of Africa (GGWoA) Foundation, for the keynote address. Ndiaye powerfully asserted Africa’s critical role in the well-being of the entire planet. She stressed Africa’s vast natural resources and potential to be a leader in building a sustainable and resilient future.

Ndiaye echoed the importance of innovation, but emphasized the need for well-defined projects, education, and strong partnerships.

She highlighted her career dedicated to a sustainable approach, combining traditional knowledge with modern solutions.

Ndiaye pointed to the Green Wall of Africa initiative and the newly launched Green Ringwall Initiative strategy as examples of visionary leadership and strong policy driving progress.

The forum serves as a critical platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and charting a path towards a climate-smart Africa.

The decisions made and connections forged at CAAF24 have the potential to shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa.

This continent, brimming with potential and innovation, is poised to be a leader in the global fight against climate change.

Yet, many Nigerians remain unaware of how their everyday actions contribute to this growing crisis.

The impact of climate change in Nigeria is unmistakable, yet there is a lack of awareness about the necessary measures to mitigate these effects.

For residents aged between 30 and 60 in northern Nigeria, climate change is most noticeable through the dramatic shrinkage of Lake Chad—over 90% in the past six decades.

For others, it manifests as erratic weather patterns—absent harmattan winds in December, delayed rains, and increasingly unbearable heat.

Essentially, climate change encompasses all human activities, including the emission of gases through everyday actions like respiration, impacting the planet either positively or negatively.

Grace Oluchi Mbah, Co-founder and Executive Director of Climate Action Africa (CAA), formerly referred to as CMA, emphasizes Nigeria’s commitment to major international climate agreements.

The nation is a party to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the 2005 Kyoto Protocol, and the 2015 Paris Agreement, which Nigeria signed in 2016 and ratified in 2017. Under Mbah’s visionary leadership, Climate Action Africa has mobilized a significant network of over 100 climate activists across 15 African countries.

Despite Nigeria’s formal commitments, the implementation of these frameworks varies. Mbah notes that while Nigeria has made strides in some areas of climate policy, it falls short in others, notably in reducing emissions.

The balance between long-term climate goals and immediate developmental needs partly explains the rise in emissions. Given Nigeria’s significant contribution to Africa’s emissions, concerted efforts are needed to reduce them.

CAA champions integrating faith with environmental consciousness and promotes food security through community garden projects within faith communities. She highlights the severe impact of climate change on Nigeria’s agriculture, particularly in the northern regions, where drought threatens traditional rain-fed farming methods.

A study in the Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment indicates over 60% of Nigeria’s land suffers from desertification due to climate variations and human activities like deforestation and overgrazing.

In the south, frequent floods exacerbate soil degradation, undermining major food sources. Reports from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the International Food Policy Research Institute confirm a significant decline in food production due to climate-related changes.

Addressing these challenges, Dr. Shakirat Solebo, director of the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics Department at the National Biotechnology Development Agency, points to the potential of Genome Editing Technology.

This innovative approach can enhance agricultural productivity by developing better-yielding and quicker-maturing seedlings, vital for ensuring food security as Nigeria’s population grows.

The government faces tough decisions in addressing climate change, balancing necessary trade-offs between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Who is Grace Oluchi Mbah?

Grace Oluchi Mbah advocates for an energy transition focusing on natural and compressed gas as transitional energy sources and calls for increased government synergy and innovation in climate action across all sectors.

Grace has a profound background in both academic pursuits and practical leadership. Born on January 22, 1994, in Bamenda, Northwest Region Cameroon, she attended Kings Bilingual Primary School, Full Gospel Secondary School and Cameroon Protestant College (CPC Bali).

She excelled academically and proceeded to the Catholic University of Cameroon in Bamenda, where she earned a BSc in Finance by the age of 19.

Her postgraduate journey led her to obtain an MBA in Management from the University of Buea, Cameroon at Age 22. Her early career was marked by her role in establishing the first Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) tuition and exam center in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo significantly impacting accountant training in the region.

In 2023 she graduated with a Certificate in Public Leadership and Policy CPLP from the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance.

Grace’s involvement in climate action is not just a professional obligation but a personal mission. She has spearheaded several initiatives, such as Femmes360, Growth4Her and Techamaka, raising over USD1 million and supporting over 10,000 women and girls across Africa.

Her work extends to consulting on projects focused on reducing plastic pollution, enhancing governance, and promoting civic tech innovations.

More about CAA

Climate Action Africa (CAA), the organization that Grace continues to lead is poised to converge the 1st edition of Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24) 2024 which is designed to converge key stakeholders from across Africa on the 19th and 20th of June, 2024 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.

In line with a broader strategic outlook, the organization slightly change it initials from CMA to CAA as well as announced the change of its research and innovation hub from CMA Labs to CAA Labs. 

In conclusion, as Africa grapples with the realities of climate change, it is imperative that all stakeholders—government, private sector, and citizens—collaborate to innovate and implement sustainable solutions that address these pressing environmental challenges.

 CAA’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development and climate action exemplifies the strategic vision required to drive positive change in today’s complex environmental landscape.

These changes threaten not only Nigeria’s environment but also its economic growth, social development, and overall well-being.

There was a time when we could reasonably predict the weather in Nigeria. Rainy and dry seasons arrived at specific periods in the year, allowing for preparation, especially among rural farmers.

By monitoring the seasons, farmers could cultivate crops and achieve bountiful harvests.

Nigeria’s rainy seasons have changed. Once a land of consistent rain, the country now experiences more intense downpours followed by longer dry periods. This disrupts agricultural production, leading to food insecurity.

Floods caused by heavy rains destroy crops and infrastructure, displacing communities. Since September 2022, the worst floods in a decade have affected 3.2 million people across Nigeria, of whom an estimated 60 percent are children.

Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Jigawa States have seen the highest numbers of displaced persons.In Northern Nigeria, conflict may have continued to drive population displacement, disrupt livelihood activities, and restrict market access.

However, the region’s suffering intensifies due to its particular vulnerability to droughts caused by rising temperatures and reduced rainfall.

Lake Chad, a vital source of water for millions, is shrinking at an alarming rate. Since the 1960s, the lake has shrunk by around 90%.

This recession of water is a result of both reduced precipitation induced by climate change and the development of modern irrigation systems for agriculture, alongside the increasing human demand for freshwater.

Coastal cities like Lagos face the risk of inundation due to rising sea levels. This saltwater intrusion contaminates freshwater sources and threatens coastal ecosystems.

Erosion caused by rising sea levels destroys infrastructure and can displace populations. If global warming exceeds 2°C, Lagos State is predicted to see a 90cm rise in sea level by 2100.

Some other current climate change issues in Nigeria include frequent and intense heat waves, deforestation, overgrazing, and extreme weather events that contribute to land degradation.

There is no doubt that Nigeria faces a real climate change challenge. It is imperative that the government and other stakeholders put in place mitigation and adaptation projects, such as developing renewable energy sources and reducing emissions, as well as adaptation efforts, including building resilient infrastructure and fostering community resilience, to curb climate change challenges in Nigeria.

A solution to Nigeria’s rising climate change challenge is climate finance. Climate finance refers to local, national and transnational financing that is drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.

Climate finance plays a critical role in empowering developing nations like Nigeria to combat climate change. It provides the much-needed resources to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies that safeguard the environment and bolster climate resilience.

While Nigeria has ambitious climate goals enshrined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – a pledge under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions –  achieving them hinges on a crucial factor: climate finance.

Climate finance serves as a crucial instrument for Nigeria to confront its climate change challenges. It encompasses various funding sources, that includes, multilateral aid in form of grants and concessional loans provided by developed countries and international organizations.

Investments from banks, insurers, and asset managers in climate-smart projects that emanate as private sector investment and carbon pricing mechanisms which are revenue generated from carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes.

By effectively deploying climate finance, Nigeria can invest in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power which can lessen reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Funds can be directed towards strengthening infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, developing climate-resistant crop varieties, and improving early warning systems.

Support for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance food security and reduce deforestation can also be achieved.

The Funding Gap and the Urgency for Action

Nigeria’s current climate finance scenario paints a concerning picture. Estimates suggest the country receives around $1.9 billion annually, a far cry from the estimated $17.7 billion required to meet its NDC targets by 2030. This significant funding gap translates to a lack of resources for crucial climate action initiatives.

The consequences of inaction are dire. Studies by the Department for International Development (DFID) indicate that climate change could cost Nigeria between 6% and 30% of its GDP by 2050. This economic strain, coupled with environmental degradation and social upheaval, could significantly destabilize the nation.

Bridging the climate finance gap necessitates a multi-pronged approach involving various stakeholders:

• Public Sector: The Nigerian government must prioritize climate finance allocation within its budget. Innovative mechanisms like carbon taxes and green bonds can be explored to generate additional revenue for climate projects.
• Private Sector: The private sector has a vital role to play. Banks and financial institutions need to develop financial products that incentivize investments in low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies. Additionally, corporations should factor climate risk into their decision-making processes and invest in sustainable practices.
• International Community: Developed nations have a responsibility to support developing countries like Nigeria in their climate efforts. Fulfilling pledges made under international agreements like the Green Climate Fund is crucial.

Despite the challenges, there are positive developments on the Nigerian climate finance landscape. In November 2021, The Climate Change bill was signed into law by President Buhari in order to provide Nigeria with a legal framework for climate action, fostering transparency and accountability in climate finance management. Nigeria also issued sovereign green bonds to finance renewable energy projects, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.

Nigeria’s climate action journey will require sustained efforts and strategic partnerships. Some key areas for focus are:

• Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Clear reporting mechanisms and robust governance structures are essential to ensure that climate funds are used effectively and efficiently.
• Capacity Building: Building domestic expertise in climate finance management is crucial. Training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives can equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of climate finance.
• Unlocking Private Sector Investment: Creating an attractive environment for private sector investment in climate solutions, through policy incentives and de-risking mechanisms, is essential.

Climate change is an existential threat to Nigeria, but it also presents an opportunity for transformation. By mobilizing adequate climate finance, Nigeria can build a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

This will require a collective effort from the government, private sector, and international community.

With decisive action and innovative solutions, Nigeria can not only safeguard its environment but also  secure a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.