CAAF24 advocates climate change focus in African economic development
Onome Amuge
The Climate Action Africa Forum 24 (CAAF24), organised by Climate Action Africa (CAA), a leading Africa-focused social enterprise at the forefront of the continent’s climate action ecosystem, has reinforced the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of climate change towards a brighter future for the continent’s 1.3 billion populace.
Held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, the forum convened a diverse group of stakeholders from government, business, academia, civil society and the media to discuss the theme “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development.”
The forum explored innovative solutions for sustainable and climate-resilient economic growth in Africa, underscored the importance of promoting sustainable development across the continent to meet global sustainability goals, and called for immediate and concerted efforts to achieve this objective.
The programme featured addresses from Ramatoulaye Diallo Ndiaye, former minister of Culture Mali and founder and CEO of the Great Green Wall of Africa (GGWoA) Foundation who was the special keynote speaker.
There were breakout sessions for panel discussions and workshops that focused on key issues such as the potential of forests and carbon credits, climate financing, Nigeria’s carbon market activation, mobilising private capital for climate-positive investments in Africa, building resilient and livable African Cities and more. Sessions were designed to encourage interactive participation and exchange of ideas among participants from diverse backgrounds and sectors.
In addition to formal sessions, CAAF24 included networking opportunities and showcased the selection of outstanding innovations from over 800 registerations through the Deal Room, a platform that connected high-impact climate innovators in Africa with potential investors seeking to accelerate sustainable solutions.
Other highlights at CAAF24 were the audacious launch of the “Billion Trees for Africa” initiative as part of CAA’s community programmes and the unveiling of the Pan-African Green Economy Program (PAGE), a partnership with IDEA AFRICA and the Founder Institute that seeks to grow a new generation of 5,000 green innovators across Africa by 2035. The selection of Omoniyi Praise (1st position), Treasure Nwosu (2nd position) and Alabi Abimbola (3rd position) as winners for the Climate Champion Quest organised by STEAM Funfest also stood out at CAAF24.
As Africa faces increasingly severe climate impacts, CAAF24 is a platform that is committed to unifying the participation of diverse stakeholders in advancing and achieving climate action in Africa. By reinforcing the urgency of climate change through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, CAAF24 inspires concrete steps towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Grace Oluchi Mbah, co-founder and executive Director of CAA, noted that the event serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders across Africa.
She added, “With the event, we aim to increase education and awareness on climate change, showcase innovations and projects driving Africa to a sustainable future, and more actively contribute to the expansion of Africa’s green economy.”