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Africa steps up fertiliser, soil health agenda to secure food future

Michael Simire
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Africa steps up fertiliser, soil health agenda to secure food future

On Monday, September 1, 2025, the Africa Fertiliser Industry Development Association was officially launched during a special event on “Advancing the Momentum of the Implementation of the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Plan”, held on the margins of the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025.

The event was hosted by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), the African Union Commission (AUC), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Coalition of Implementors for Fertiliser and Soil Health (CIFSH).

Moses Vilakati
Moses Vilakati, AU commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment

The Association aims to unite Africa’s fertiliser sector, strengthening collaboration, advocacy, and investment across the continent. For smallholder farmers, who make up the backbone of Africa’s agriculture, this is a major milestone toward better access to quality fertilisers and sustainable soil management.

Why Soil Health Matters

Healthy soils are the foundation of Africa’s food security. More than 60 percent of Africans depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet many farmers face declining soil fertility. Restoring soils and ensuring access to affordable fertilisers is key to boosting productivity, adapting to climate change, and feeding a rapidly growing population.

A Continental Push for Action

Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the AUC, emphasised the urgency of tackling soil health challenges. Since taking office in March 2025, he has prioritised eight key areas to implement the Nairobi and Kampala Declarations.

“Our priorities include resuscitating the African Centre for Fertiliser Development, establishing Regional Fertiliser Blending Facilities, and advancing Soil Mapping to enable context-specific, evidence-based decision-making,” he said. His department has rolled out a 100-day plan that sets the stage for long-term action over the next four years.

The event highlighted the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships in transforming agriculture. Governments, the private sector, youth, women, and technical experts all play critical roles in improving soil health. Inclusive participation ensures that vulnerable groups gain equitable access to resources, training, and decision-making roles – an essential element of Africa’s agricultural transformation.

Driving the Action Plan

AUDA-NEPAD CEO, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, spoke on the importance of coordinated continental action.

“The implementation of the 10-year Action Plan on Fertiliser and Soil Health is now at the top of our agenda. We are domesticating the Nairobi Declaration and helping Regional Economic Communities establish Regional Hubs – with launches already in West and Southern Africa, and progress underway in East and North Africa,” she said. AUDA-NEPAD is working with multiple development coalitions to ensure the Plan’s success.

On the launch of the Association, the CEO continued: “The private sector coalition is represented here by some of its members that I’m advised will launch a new Pan-Africa Fertiliser Association at this event. This is exciting news as it signals an acceleration in the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the new Association and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to working with them.”

Innovation and Partnerships

Dr. Asseta Diallo, Senior Specialist, Soil Health & Integrated Management AGRA, highlighted the link between soil health and resilient food systems.

“Sustainable soil health and equitable access to affordable fertilisers are central to Africa’s agricultural future. AGRA is committed to working with governments, the private sector, farmers, and partners to create enabling environments and innovations that restore soils, boost productivity, and secure a sustainable future for smallholders,” she said.

Larry Umunna, Executive Director of CIFSH, emphasised revitalising institutions and building local ownership. “Our coalition is focused on reviving the African Centre for Fertiliser Development and promoting the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan at both country and regional levels. We prioritise capacity building, resource mobilisation, and leveraging research and innovation to improve fertiliser efficiency and build resilient agricultural productivity,” he added.

Participants also showcased innovations in fertiliser formulations, soil testing technologies, digital tools, and modern agronomic practices already making an impact across Africa’s diverse agro ecologies. The private sector’s role in delivering affordable, quality fertilisers and ensuring efficient supply chains for smallholder farmers was highlighted as indispensable.

A Shared Commitment
The event ended with a collective pledge: as Africa works to boost agricultural productivity and resilience against climate change and population growth, the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan and its partners are ready to deliver science-driven, inclusive solutions for a sustainable, food-secure future.

Dangote urges prioritisation of food security in Africa, as AfricaRice seeks public-private partnerships

Michael Simire
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Dangote urges prioritisation of food security in Africa, as AfricaRice seeks public-private partnerships

President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called for the prioritisation of food security and self-sufficiency across Africa, stressing the continent’s vast agricultural potential.

Speaking over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the AfricaRice Centre – a pan-African Centre of Excellence for rice research, development, and capacity building – at his Lagos office, Dangote highlighted agriculture as a key pillar for sustainable development on the continent.

AfricaRice
L-R: Executive Chairman Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistic, Sammy Adigun; President / CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Director General, Africa Rice Centre, Dr Baboucarr Manneh; Managing Director of Dangote Rice, Thabo Mabe, during a courtesy visit by Manneh and his team to the Dangote Industries’ Head Office in Lagos on Friday, September 12, 2025

“Africa is richly endowed with arable land. With the right policies, adequate investment, and the adoption of modern technology, farmers can significantly increase their yields and return on investment,” he said.

He noted that strengthening agriculture could help tackle many of the continent’s socio-economic challenges, given its role as a major source of employment and income.

“With effective policy frameworks and technological advancement, Africa can achieve food security and become self-sufficient. Investing in agriculture will also unlock growth across various sectors of the economy,” Dangote added.

Dangote Rice Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries, recently signed a landmark N1.8 trillion purchase and sale agreement with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, owned by the Niger State Government. The agreement will ensure a steady supply of high-quality paddy rice to Dangote Rice in support of Nigeria’s broader food security agenda.

Dangote Rice has made substantial investments in rice mills and plantations across Nigeria. Through its out-grower scheme, the company aims to create employment opportunities while promoting food self-sufficiency nationwide.

Director General of AfricaRice, Dr Baboucarr Manneh, commended Dangote’s renewed focus on agricultural investments, describing it as a critical step towards achieving food security on the continent.

He also lauded the recently formalised partnership with Niger State, noting its potential to transform regional food systems.

“Niger State has set an ambitious target of producing five million tonnes of rice over the next five years. To put this into perspective, Africa currently imports around 15 million tonnes of rice annually,” said Dr Manneh. “If realised, this target will have a significant impact on rice self-sufficiency and food security in Africa.”

He emphasised the importance of leveraging public-private partnerships to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem, combining government leadership with private sector expertise and investment.

“This partnership can serve as a blueprint for other states and countries across the continent. With strong support from agricultural science and research, it can dramatically boost productivity and reduce Africa’s reliance on food imports,” he added.

Dr Manneh also called for better management of imports to support local farmers and strengthen domestic economies.

Also speaking during the visit, Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transforming rice production. He revealed that AfricaRice is set to support Niger State in increasing annual rice paddy production from the current 1.5 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes, through the deployment of climate-smart technologies, mechanisation, innovation, and the integration of both large-scale and smallholder farms.

NLNG secures gas deals amid rising global energy demand

Michael Simire
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NLNG secures gas deals amid rising global energy demand

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has announced a strategic shift toward third-party gas sourcing to sustain production and meet growing energy demands across Africa and global markets.

Mr. Nnamdi Anowi, General Manager, Production, NLNG, disclosed this while addressing a Focussed Group Session at the Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Milan, Italy.

Dr Philip Mshelbila
Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG), Dr Philip Mshelbila

The session was themed “Resilience in the Face of Operational Challenges – The NLNG Story.”

Anowi explained that the move became necessary following the International Oil Companies’ (IOCs) divestment from onshore to deepwater operations in Nigeria.

He recalled that NLNG achieved record output in 2019 with 316 LNG cargos, but subsequent gas supply constraints triggered a strategic rethink.

“Our initial gas supply came from shareholder IOCs. However, with Eni transferring assets to Oando and other divestments, we shifted focus to third-party gas sourcing.

“Today, 75 per cent of our feed gas comes from third-party suppliers, and we have signed several Gas Supply Agreements to sustain operations,” he said.

Anowi revealed that the company expects its second tranche of third-party supplies by October.

According to him, at this pace, we anticipate adequate gas from late 2026 through early 2027,” he added.

Anowi underscored the continent’s energy deficit, noting that 60 per cent of Africa’s population still lacked access to affordable energy despite its vast reserves.

He described Nigeria as a “gas-rice nation with largely untapped offshore reserves”, stressing the importance of infrastructure and investment to unlock them.

“The Federal Government has rolled out incentives for offshore gas exploration and production. This is where LNG plays a critical role, delivering energy to the parts of Africa that need it most,” he said.

Anowi projected that affordable energy access could transform Africa into a global manufacturing hub, noting how Nigeria’s economy boomed when the country witnessed improved power.

He said that similar developments could occur across Africa with affordable energy access, making the continent to become a global manufacturing hub.

“What happened in Nigeria when power availability improved can happen across Africa. With energy, industry will thrive, jobs will be created, and production will shift to Africa.

“Investors and financiers must begin to view Africa as a viable destination, especially with current government incentives,” he added.

On NLNG’s operations, he highlighted that NLNG operated six trains with combined capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), while Train 7 is under construction to expand output by over 30 per cent.

However, he noted that plant utilisation had averaged around 60 per cent over the past three years, reinforcing the need for alternative gas supply strategies.

Anowi reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to combating energy poverty and spurring industrial growth in Africa.

Earlier, Ms. Tolulope Ajitoni, Senior Instrumentation Engineer at NLNG, presented a technical paper on “New Trends in Operational Technology Security.”

She called for heightened cybersecurity measures across the LNG value chain, warning that cyberattacks could trigger catastrophic safety incidents and production losses.

“In the next 25 years, LNG will be central to power generation, cooking, and industrial applications.

“Protecting this infrastructure from cyber threat is no longer optional,” she said.

Ajitoni proposed a five-layer cybersecurity framework covering identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery.

She cautioned that a breach in LNG operational systems could result in explosions, fires, and safety hazards for plant personnel.

By Desmond Ejibas

DAPPMAN urges Dangote to promote stability in petroleum pricing

Michael Simire
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DAPPMAN urges Dangote to promote stability in petroleum pricing

Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has advised the Dangote Refinery to adopt pricing and operational practices that promote fairness, stability and collaboration in the downstream petroleum sector.

Mr. Olufemi Adewole, Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, gave the advice in a statement on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Lagos.

Olufemi Adewole
Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, Olufemi A. Adewole

Dangote Petroleum Refinery said that it would start the direct supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to filling stations across Nigeria, starting Monday, Sept. 15.

According to Dangote, the new gantry price has been fixed at N820 per litre, while the retail pump price will vary across states.

Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti are expected to retail petrol at N841 per litre, while Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara will sell at N851 per litre.

Adewole noted that sudden adjustments in product prices could trigger market shocks.

He stressed the need for consistency to protect investors, importers, and consumers alike.

“While competitive pricing is healthy, unexpected cuts at sensitive times often create uncertainty for marketers who already have products in storage or en route,” he said.

Adewole also encouraged the refinery to maintain uniform and transparent pricing policies that do not leave domestic operators at a disadvantage.

According to him, ensuring parity between local and international buyers will reflect the refinery’s stated commitment to prioritising Nigerian consumers.

On concerns around product quality, Adewole reassured that DAPPMAN members adhere strictly to regulatory standards.

He explained that all imported products are tested by accredited laboratories under the oversight of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

“To strengthen industry confidence, we believe every operator, local or international, should consistently align with approved product specifications,” Adewole added.

The DAPPMAN executive also suggested that the refinery review its product delivery arrangements to give marketers more flexibility and reduce costs.

“Encouraging a variety of logistics options will support efficiency in the supply chain and ultimately ease costs for end-users,” he said.

Adewole called for a collective approach that recognises the role of all stakeholders, refiners, depot operators, marketers, transporters and regulators.

“Our industry thrives on cooperation, not competition that breeds division.

“For energy security, we must prioritise dialogue, transparency and balanced communication,” he said.

He noted that DAPPMAN remains committed to fair competition, regulatory compliance, and partnership that fosters growth and investor confidence in the downstream sector.

By Yunus Yusuf

Ogijo toxic air crisis: Civil society sounds alarm over deadly pollution levels

Michael Simire
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Ogijo toxic air crisis: Civil society sounds alarm over deadly pollution levels

Once celebrated as an industrial hub, Ogijo – a community in Ogun State, Nigeria – is today suffocating under clouds of toxic emissions that threaten both human lives and livelihoods.

The town’s air is thick with soot from smelting plants, its soil laced with industrial waste, and its children are already bearing the scars – testing positive for dangerously high levels of lead in their blood.

Ogijo
Participants at the stakeholders’ forum in Lagos

These revelations emerged at a high-level stakeholders’ forum convened in Lagos on Friday, September 12, 2025, by Green Knowledge Foundation in partnership with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria). The gathering brought together community leaders, health experts, and regulators, all of whom confirmed one grim reality: Ogijo is drowning in poisoned air.

Air quality monitoring in the town recorded particulate matter (PM) concentrations between 500–600 micrograms per cubic meter – 10 times above the World Health Organisation’s safe limits. Experts warned that prolonged exposure at such levels is nothing short of a death sentence, capable of causing respiratory infections, heart disease, strokes, and even cancer.

“This is a public health crisis unfolding in real time,” declared Weyinmi Okotie, Executive Director of Green Knowledge Foundation. “Ogijo is choking under toxic emissions from recycling plants and steel refiners. Families are breathing poisoned air every day, and yet many don’t even know the silent dangers they are exposed to.”

Okotie also raised alarm over the widespread use of slag – the hazardous by-product of smelting plants – as a cheap replacement for gravel in filling potholes and reclaiming land.

“What looks like a solution for bad roads is actually spreading poison,” he warned. “Slag carries heavy metals that seep into soil, into water, and eventually into the food chain.”

For Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, the crisis extends far beyond Ogijo’s borders.

“Air pollution knows no boundaries,” he explained. “Particulate matter and heavy metals released here do not remain in Ogijo. They travel, they settle on farmlands, they enter rivers and streams. What is grown in Ogijo today can end up in Lagos or Abuja tomorrow. This is how a local tragedy becomes a national emergency.”

A recent biomonitoring exercise tested nearly 90 residents – mostly children – and revealed blood lead levels far above safe thresholds. The findings suggest irreversible neurological damage, stunted learning abilities, and shortened lifespans for many young victims.

Investigations also showed that most of Ogijo’s recycling and smelting plants operate with little regard for environmental standards. Workers often toil without protective gear, while toxic waste is dumped openly on lands where children play and farmers cultivate crops.

Civil society groups at the forum denounced this as “regulatory failure” and issued a set of urgent demands to the federal government, including:

  1. Declaration of an Environmental State of Emergency in Ogijo and other industrial hotspots.
  2. Establishment of a nationwide air quality monitoring system, modeled after Lagos State’s real-time AQI framework.
  3. Strict enforcement of industrial emission standards and adoption of cleaner technologies.
  4. Comprehensive health interventions and biomonitoring programs, particularly for children.
  5. Public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of slag and other industrial waste.

Okotie stressed that Ogijo is a warning sign for the nation. “Without urgent government intervention, more communities will suffer the same fate. Clean air is not a luxury – it is a fundamental human right,” he submitted.

Dr. Adogame delivered an even sharper warning: “If Nigeria does not act now, the costs will not just be measured in hospital bills, but in lost futures. We are breeding a generation poisoned before they even have the chance to live.”

The forum closed on a somber note, with experts warning that Ogijo is only the beginning. Unless Nigeria confronts its industrial recklessness head-on, the toxic air crisis could spread silently, leaving behind communities crippled by illness and children robbed of their future.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Minister seeks deeper collaboration with China in power infrastructure

Michael Simire
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Minister seeks deeper collaboration with China in power infrastructure

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has called for a deeper strategic partnership between Nigeria and China. The Minister spoke during the week in a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasising that such collaboration is essential to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and must also advance the local content advocacy of the Federal Government to preserve foreign exchange.

The Minister praised the strong existing bilateral ties, noting that trade volume has reached $20 billion and highlighting crucial Chinese investments in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.

Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu (left), with Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai

He specifically pointed to the $1.4 billion Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and a $2.5 billion transmission project for the Eastern and Western super grid, funded through Chinese financial institutions.

Stating that “Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and China is the biggest in Asia,” Adelabu proposed that the importance of their relationship warrants more frequent, quarterly meetings to review progress across all segments of the power sector.

While expressing gratitude for China’s support, the Minister also raised two critical issues. First, he urged Chinese companies to help develop local Nigerian capacity by training workers and transferring knowledge. Second, and more pointedly, he called on the Chinese government to take stringent measures to discourage the manufacture of substandard products for export to Nigeria.

Adelabu noted that while China produces high-quality goods, so the proliferation of inferior items tarnishes its reputation and harms Nigerian consumers, insisting that “there must be a minimum standard.”

In his response, Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed Nigeria’s central importance in China’s foreign policy for Africa and offered the embassy’s full cooperation. He acknowledged the transformative potential of the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed his understanding of the immense responsibility on the Power Minister, describing electricity as the “blood of industry.”

The Ambassador cited Nigeria’s talented youth and vast market potential as a solid foundation for continued mutual growth and collaboration.

Stakeholders urge young innovators to drive Nigeria’s renewable energy

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders urge young innovators to drive Nigeria’s renewable energy

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector have called on young innovators to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.

The stakeholders made the call at a Green Skills bootcamp on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in Abuja, with a theme, “Spark the Green Economy: Robovolt Brand Reveal and AI-Driven Micro Grid skills”.

Mustapha Abdullahi
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), said that Nigeria’s future energy security lied in its natural resources, and also in the ingenuity of its people.

While highlighting the nation’s abundant energy resources including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, lithium, and nuclear, Abdullahi stressed the need to turn them into accessible, reliable, and affordable energy.

According to him, Nigeria is very rich in mineral resources, including lithium in almost every state.

“The government is taking steps to localise and domesticate our technology.

“Very soon, we will stop importing lithium batteries and solar panels because we will be producing them here,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government had signed investment agreements with LONGi, the world’s largest producer of solar components, to establish factories in Nigeria.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that 30 per cent of Nigeria’s energy mix comes from renewable sources such as solar, hydro and wind.

The DG, therefore, urged the youths and others to drive the country’s energy transition through science-backed creativity, policy-driven action and technology-enabled vision.

Dr Abdul-Quayyum Gbadamosi, CEO, Citibim Nigeria Limited, said studies showed that over 90 per cent of businesses in Nigeria rely on diesel or petrol generators for their daily operations.

“Nigeria really struggles with energy access. Generators are very prevalent in our businesses and households.

“Our team has taken the challenge of trying to provide the solution, which is the mobile solar generator we are launching today.

“During the process of innovation, we struggled with access to local skills. So, we asked ourselves, why not develop local skills in AI, geo-intelligence and virtual reality.

“That is why we are organising this bootcamp, to encourage youths that there are a lot of opportunities in sustainability, in the green revolution, energy access and the digital revolution,” he said.

He said that CitiBIM had developed a Sustainability Dashboard to capture and map assets nationwide, requiring data collection, processing, visualisation and geo-intelligence, creating new pathways for youth careers in green technology.

Dr. Oladimeji Olawale, CEO, Sleekabyte Technologies, UK Ltd, said that the RoboVolts project being unveiled targeted to make cheaper, cleaner alternative to diesel and petrol generators.

Olawalesaid that it would cut costs and boost profits for MSMEs.

“It is not just about powering MSMEs. We are also training people to maintain these solutions, equipping them with green skills that create jobs.

“We are integrating AI into our system to help map generator use in communities, giving government data to phase out fossil fuel generators and transition to sustainable alternatives,” he said.

Musaddiq Mustapha, Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Subnational Infrastructure, said that the unveiling of the mobile affordable solar generator, was a game changer for distributed renewable energy.

Mustapha said that technology alone was not enough, adding that people mattered most.

“The president has made it clear that we must build skills and capacity, training Nigerians in solar installation, battery maintenance, data analysis and green entrepreneurship.

“Every solar unit deployed, every CNG bus converted, every efficient appliance installed is an opportunity to create jobs and lift communities.

“We will build infrastructure that powers growth while protecting the climate; use carbon markets to bring in finance; and train our people for the green economy.

“Nigeria will lead with integrity, evidence, and ambition,” he said.

Other activities included the Robovolt Brand and Product Unveiling, trainings on artificial intelligence, geo-intelligence, virtual reality and sustainable energy solutions.

By Justina Auta

Climate change: APC Group seeks sector-specific climate action

Michael Simire
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Climate change: APC Group seeks sector-specific climate action

The All Progressives Congress Climate Change Network (ACCN) has called on the ruling party to formulate a clear, concise, sector-specific climate action to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the global climate crisis.

Dr Greg Odogwu, National Coordinator, ACCN, made the call of Friday, September 12, 2025, in Abuja, in his remarks at the inaugural Climate Policy Dialogue organised by the group.

APC
Left: Dr Greg Odogwu, National Coordinator ACCN, Middle: Hamzat Lawal Founder Connected Development, and Keynote Speaker, Dr Muktar Mohammed, at the dialogue in Abuja

The dialogue has as theme “Exploring Options for Electoral Capture of Green Voters”.

The network is a climate arm of the ruling party established within its structure as part of efforts to curb the adverse effects of climate change.

Odogwu said the APC Climate Change Network was birthed out of necessity to guide the party and country towards climate-smart solutions.

According to him, this is the time for clear, concise, sector-specific climate action.

“Let us teach our party members, and indeed the entire citizenry, how to build dams to stop the floods. Let us teach them how to produce our food in a climate-smart way and shese foods in an efficient and renewable manner.

“Let us all adopt the use of clean energy in order to prevent future carbon emission which worsens global warming and climate change.

“Most importantly, let us teach both the young and the unborn citizens how to join us to work towards a net-zero future.”

The coordinator also announced plans to present 95 recommendations to the APC leadership after the roundtable.

“These proposals, referred to as the ’95 Theses’,  will be submitted as part of the party’s ongoing constitutional amendment process.

“At the close of business, we shall give them 95 reasons why they should set up a climate wing, constitutionally speaking,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Murtala Mohammed, an Environmental Expert and Consultant in his keynote called for political commitment to address Climate Change issues in Nigeria.

According to Mohammed, climate change is no longer an abstract discussion but a lived reality in Nigeria.

He therefore urged political leaders to embed climate action into party agendas and governance structures.

“How do we transform climate action from technical conversation into a political opportunity that mobilises millions of Nigerians? That is the question before us.

“Three pathways for Nigeria’s climate response include embedding green growth into political party manifestos and government policies.

“Green growth is growth that responds to climate change and is resilient. Lagos, for instance, has developed a resilience strategy to respond to emerging challenges. We need such strategies across the country.

“Secondly, mobilising young people, women, and local communities into a climate constituency that can drive solutions.

“There should be support for rural farmers and young agripreneurs through climate-smart agriculture. I am 100 per cent against GMOs,” Mohammed said.

The expert added that the third solution was building capacity and credibility for innovative and disruptive policies while fostering partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and international development agencies such as the World Bank, UNEP, and the African Development Bank.

In the same vein, Hamzat Lawal, Founder, Connected Development (CODE) and Chairman, Advisory Board, ACCN, said the platform was timely and would bring about climate action in government.

According to him, the political party has created an enabling environment for elected party officials and this platform can galvanise action from the highest decision making  structure of the party organ.

“This is a time as the country goes into 2027 elections where we have millions of green voters who are particularly affected by climate change like the rural farmers.

“I believe this dialogue will help us shape what will become an agenda for a climate action that will inspire not only Nigeria, but other African countries.”

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Experts urge use of AI to strengthen agriculture, energy resilience in Africa

Michael Simire
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Experts urge use of AI to strengthen agriculture, energy resilience in Africa

Experts at the second Africa Climate Summit have stressed the need to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster the resilience of Africa’s agriculture and energy sectors.

According to a report by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, panellists at the summit underscored AI’s potential to improve climate forecasting, enhance resource management, and accelerate the shift towards renewable energy.

Ousmane Ndiaye
Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General of the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD)

The experts warned that access to quality data, modern computing capacity, and robust governance frameworks are essential for success.

Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General of the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD), said AI could transform climate prediction.

Emmanuel Manasseh, Africa Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighted AI’s role in optimising energy use and developing “smart cities” amid rapid urbanisation.

Participants urged policymakers to prioritise investment in AI-driven agricultural projects, including virtual advisory platforms for farmers.

The experts also called for closer cooperation among African nations to share data and best practice, learning from successful models in other countries, to fully realise AI’s potential in addressing climate challenges.

Coca-Cola system invests $1.65m in support of water security

Michael Simire
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Coca-Cola system invests $1.65m in support of water security

Watersheds critical to water security in Nairobi and surrounding communities are set for restoration thanks to an investment in Kenya of $1.65 million by the Coca-Cola system.

The project in the Upper-Tana and Mid-Galana basins encompasses agroforestry systems designed to benefit the supply of key water reservoirs for Nairobi and rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge areas for Mzima Springs.

Alfred Olajide
Alfred Olajide, Vice President-Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited

In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and local community-based organisations, this initiative aims to replenish water supplies as well as plant thousands of indigenous trees along riparian zones to enhance water quality.

Furthermore, the aim is to contribute to the transformation of degraded farmlands and rangelands through sustainable land management practices, with hundreds of farm ponds installed, and fruit orchards planted to improve food security and offer potential alternative livelihoods for local communities.

The project forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative that was announced last year by the Africa Operating Unit of the Coca-Cola organisation and its authorised bottlers, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC). It includes a nearly $25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries by 2030.

The work will be led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand surpassing supply in many regions including Africa, Coca-Cola is actively working to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience,” said Alfred Olajide, Vice President-Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited.

Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya (CCBK) General Manager, James Bowmaker, said: “CCBK, as part of CCBA, has a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges. The Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to help improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities.”

Ruth Masha, Kenya Country Director at TNC, added: “We are proud to be one of the implementing partners for this project, aimed at protecting and restoring our watersheds through nature-based solutions and improving water security for millions across the African continent. We are collaborating with local communities and our grassroots partners – the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Green Generation Initiative and Jumuiya Water Fund – as we work towards a sustainable future for people and nature in Africa.”

“Recognising that partnerships are critical to support this work, Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organisations to design and implement strategic interventions,” concluded Olajide.

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