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Digital soil maps: Unlocking agronomy solutions for West African farmers

Michael Simire
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Digital soil maps: Unlocking agronomy solutions for West African farmers

West Africa and the Sahel, a region where millions of smallholder farmers struggle with low yields and soil degradation, faces a looming threat of food insecurity. The delicate balance of these communities is further disrupted by climate change, which compounds the issue of poor soil health.

Soil map
Soil map

However, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of digital soil health and fertility maps, a technological innovation poised to revolutionise agriculture in the region.

These cutting-edge tools offer precise, data-driven solutions to improve soil management, boost productivity, and enhance climate resilience. By integrating vast datasets from soil samples, satellite imagery, and geospatial analysis, digital soil maps provide a comprehensive understanding of soil health across the region.

This granular level of insight empowers farmers to make informed decisions, such as selecting appropriate crop varieties, optimising planting schedules, and tailoring irrigation strategies to local conditions. Tools like AgWise, which leverage these maps, deliver localized advice directly to farmers, enabling them to mitigate climate risks and increase their yields.

Beyond climate resilience, digital soil maps contribute to environmental sustainability by minimising the overuse of fertilisers. By identifying specific nutrient deficiencies, farmers can apply precise amounts of fertiliser, reducing environmental harm such as soil acidification and water contamination. This precision farming approach promotes sustainable land management practices, preserving soil health for future generations.

The economic impact of digital soil maps is equally significant. By adopting data-driven practices, farmers can achieve yield increases of up to 40% and profit gains of 20%. This translates into improved livelihoods for individual farmers and, on a larger scale, reduced food import costs for nations, bolstering regional food security.

The development of digital soil maps relies on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, which analyse complex datasets to generate detailed and accurate maps. These tools are complemented by mobile apps and digital platforms that provide user-friendly access to soil data and recommendations for farmers and extension agents. Collaborative efforts between organisations like the International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC), iSDAsoil, and the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel (the Hub) contribute to the accuracy and reach of these maps.

While the potential of digital soil maps is immense, challenges remain, ensuring high-quality, standardised data collection and sharing is crucial. Unified databases and partnerships between governments, research institutions, and the private sector are essential to fill data gaps. Additionally, investments in digital infrastructure and capacity-building programmes are necessary to enable stakeholders, from policymakers to farmers, to utilize these maps effectively.

The African Union’s 10-Year Action Plan for Fertiliser and Soil Health recognises the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to drive investments in soil management. The Hub’s strategy is framed by the priorities of the Fertiliser and Soil Health Roadmap2023 and the Nairobi Declaration from the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit 2024.

“The release of improved digital soil maps is not just a technological breakthrough—it’s a testament to the collective resolve of governments, researchers, and farmers to transform agriculture in West Africa and the Sahel. Fertile soil is the foundation of food security, and these maps bring us closer to that goal,” says Bernard Vanlauwe, Deputy Director General, Research for Development at IITA and chair of the Hub consortium steering committee.

As the updated digital soil maps are set to launch in early 2025, the Regional Hub is actively working on expanding mapping efforts, enhancing data accuracy, and supporting the development and adoption of climate-smart agronomy tools like AgWise. AgWise is a freely available, open-source tool that provides data-driven, localised, and climate-specific agronomic recommendations. It combines agronomic and geospatial datasets from field trials, market analyses, and open data sources to deliver tailored advice on optimal planting times, cultivar selection, fertiliser types and quantities, and good agronomic practices.

Currently supporting eight crops, including cassava, maize, rice, potato, and wheat, in key African countries, AgWise integrates soil, weather, and satellite data from sources like ISRIC to contextualise recommendations for specific growing conditions. Designed to empower smallholder farmers, the platform offers actionable insights to improve productivity and profitability, while its open-source nature enables further development by the global agricultural community.

Governments, donors, and private-sector stakeholders have a crucial role to play in realising the full potential of digital soil maps. By investing in digital infrastructure and capacity building, implementing policies that incentivise the use of these tools, and fostering regional collaboration, they can contribute to a future where West Africa and the Sahel achieve resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural growth, ensuring food security and prosperity for generations to come.

“Agricultural productivity and soil resilience in West Africa and the Sahel aren’t just about food security – they are foundational to economic stability and climate resilience,” notes Vanlauwe.

As we approach the release of the new maps, the promise of data-driven agriculture in West Africa has never been more tangible.

By Barbra Sehlule Muzata, IITA

SPP appoints Peter Ekweozoh as Senior Fellow on Technology Innovation

Michael Simire
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SPP appoints Peter Ekweozoh as Senior Fellow on Technology Innovation

The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) has announced the appointment of Dr. Peter Ekweozoh as a Senior Fellow on Technology Innovation. In this role, Dr Ekweozoh will lead SPP’s efforts in advancing innovation and technology diffusion in the areas of environmental research and policy formulation.

Dr. Peter Ekweozoh
Dr. Peter Ekweozoh

Welcoming Dr. Ekweozoh to the team, Mr. Edwin Orugbo, CEO of SPP, said: “His appointment reinforces our commitment to leveraging technology to drive transformative solutions. His expertise will help in advancing our vision of a prosperous future for both people and planet through innovative technology-driven climate solutions.”

Dr. Ekweozoh, a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, was a director, environmental specialist, researcher and policy strategist at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. With over 25 years of experience in policy making, strategy and implementation, Dr. Ekweozoh has made great impact on Nigeria’s environmental landscape.

Presently, he serves as the Principal Partner, CHERIVEN Consulting Group, as well as the Chief Executive Officer, Methanol and Biomass Integrated Nigeria Limited, a clean energy company with expertise in the production and marketing of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Africa.

During his tour of duty at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, he pioneered, as the National Project Coordinator, the first comprehensive conduct of Nigeria’s Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Agriculture, Energy and Industry sectors of the economy.

As a key output of the TNA Project, the first National Technology Action Plan was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on May 23, 2023, as a framework for accessing global Climate Finance. As a Methanol Development Expert, he coordinated the first National Policy on Methanol Fuel Production Technology approved by FEC on October 23, 2019.

Previously, he served on the Boards of several parastatals, including the National Environmental Standards Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS), the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), and the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI).

From 2009-2015, Dr Ekweozoh led the Technology Transfer Negotiating Team of the Nigerian Delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties, contributing to key discussions on global environmental technology collaboration.

As an artificial intelligence expert specialising in Microsoft Copilot, Dr. Ekweozoh’s multidisciplinary skills cutting across renewable energy technologies will greatly contribute to building smart climate infrastructure in Nigeria.

Reacting to his appointment, Dr. Ekweozoh said: “I am deeply honoured to join the Society for Planet and Prosperity as Senior Fellow on Technology Innovation. This role presents a unique opportunity to advance our collective efforts in environmental research and policy formulation through harnessing the power of technology. I am excited to lead SPP’s initiatives in this area, leveraging my experience to drive impactful solutions, and look forward to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to foster inclusive and transformative change.”

Speaking on the appointment, the President and Chairman, Board of Directors, Society for Planet and Prosperity, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, said: “It is an immense privilege to have Dr. Peter Ekweozoh join the Society for Planet and Prosperity. His wealth of experience will add great value to our organisation and the work we do. We look forward to working with him to further enhance our impact on sustainable policy development and implementation in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.”

The Society for Planet and Prosperity is a leading Nigerian NGO dedicated to sustainable policy research, climate change advocacy, and policy development at the subnational, national, regional and global levels. It focuses on fostering inclusive participation of all stakeholders, including local communities in the sustainable management of Africa’s environmental resources.

The organisation has been at the forefront of environmental research and initiatives, producing cutting-edge data and reports on policy frameworks, environmental monitoring and risk impact assessment. It also undertakes environmental performance ranking of governments and major companies in order to drive corporate social responsibility.

NES FCT chapter unveils plans to induct new members to promote sustainability

Michael Simire
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NES FCT chapter unveils plans to induct new members to promote sustainability

The Nigerian Environmental Society’s (NES) federal capital territory (FCT) branch has announced its readiness to welcome new members into its network. This gesture is a clear reflection of the society’s efforts to deliver on her mandate of ensuring a sustainable future for both the current and future generations.

Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia
Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, NES’s national president

Scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, in Abuja, the event is expected to bring together a diverse group of environmental professionals, policymakers, advocates, and key stakeholders from across the FCT to deliberate on how to achieve this goal and foster national development.

It will also serve as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of collective achievements in environmental advocacy, the association said in a circular released on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Keynote speakers from a variety of sectors, including government agencies, academia, business enterprises, and non-governmental organisations, have been invited to attend and share their knowledge to ensure justice at the end of the noble exercise. These experts will provide insights into developing trends, technology, and best practices in environmental management, both in Nigeria and globally.

Professional unity and cooperation are critical cornerstones in stakeholders’ combined efforts to address the country’s environmental crisis. Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, the NES’s national president, will focus on these issues during the programme, emphasising the importance and necessity of adopting a multi-sectoral approach to addressing complex challenges such as climate resilience, green energy adoption, and environmental education.

Leke Emmanuel, Chairman of the NES FCT chapter, expressed hope for the society’s future and its rising impact in shaping national environmental discourse.

Thus, he continued, the induction of the new members represents the association’s dedication to growing its influence and reach.

“It is an opportunity to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to lead innovative environmental projects and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable Nigeria,” he said.

The chapter’s leader went on to highlight his organisation’s ongoing efforts to engage policymakers and stakeholders in formulating effective solutions for tackling environmental degradation, supporting renewable energy, and raising public awareness about environmental concerns.

Similarly, Dr. Jacob Okobi, Chairman of the Publicity Committee, believes that the newly inducted members will not only help in advancing the NES’s goal but will also serve as a critical turning point in the society’s efforts to create a strong network of professionals who can spearhead environmental policies and initiatives.

“They will have the opportunity to contribute to NES programmes, collaborate on innovative projects, and engage in advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policy frameworks for a sustainable future,” he noted in the press statement.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

GEF announces winners of first Innovation Window funds

Michael Simire
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GEF announces winners of first Innovation Window funds

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has selected seven projects as winners of its first Innovation Window, which will provide $12.3 million in grants to initiatives that test and pilot new solutions to stubborn challenges, from improving food systems to protecting wild cat habitats.

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez
Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson

The Innovation Window programme was launched as part of the GEF’s eighth funding cycle, to support and help road-test novel approaches, tools, and business models for complex problems related to biodiversity, climate change, pollution, and inter-related areas, engaging new and varied partners.

“The Innovation Window is a new and unique opportunity for the GEF to support highly innovative ideas together with partners from the private sector, civil society, academia, and leading research institutions,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF.

“We are looking forward to boosting technologies, policies, and business models that can enhance the impact of the GEF’s funding to deliver global environmental benefits at scale and support a systems change towards societies and economies that are nature-positive, low-carbon, and pollution-free,” added Rodríguez.

The winning projects were chosen from an initial pool of 128 applications and cover a wide range of issues in finance, behavior change, systems transformation, technology, and tools.

Winners include a project that seeks to accelerate collaborative and adaptive approaches to address complex environmental challenges, focusing on the link between food, biodiversity, and climate. Another winning project will develop a comprehensive guidance on finance for nature-positive, with a framework to be used by investors, banks, and insurers.

Five of the projects are global in their reach, one focuses on Latin America and one on Africa. The Africa project will pioneer innovative approaches to food systems transformation. The Latin America project will help protect jaguar conservation along a vast stretch of land – known as the Jaguar Corridor – through a satellite and automated cloud-based monitoring and assessment system.

The wining projects include:

  1. C3 Labs – Collaboration for Complex Challenges: addressing the food-biodiversity-climate nexus
  2. Accelerating Rapid Transition of Subsidies and Incentives (ARTSI) Grants Mechanism
  3. Private Finance and Investments for Nature-Positive: Developing a Framework and Guidance for Measurement, Targets, and Innovative Investment Strategies on Nature
  4. Accelerating Integration, Policy Coherence, and Food Systems Investment with the TCC – Learning from Africa’s Food Systems Vanguard Countries
  5. Revolutionising Indicators of (Un)sustainable Wildlife Use and Trade by Harnessing Social Media Big Data
  6. Jaguar Corridors in the Face of Rapid Environmental Change: A Dynamic Monitoring and Assessment System for Prioritising Conservation Investments
  7. AgroWeb3 powered by LACChain: Market Access Window (European Union Deforestation Regulation Compliance).

‘Climate change goes to court’ – ICJ hearings begin in landmark case

Michael Simire
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‘Climate change goes to court’ – ICJ hearings begin in landmark case

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearings in the biggest climate change case ever, with more than 100 countries and non-governmental organisations calling for an opinion on “the obligations of States in respect to climate change”.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)
International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The two-week hearing is the result of years of lobbying by island nations who face an existential threat in rising sea levels, a phenomenon driven by an ever-warming planet.

Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, who heads the legal team for Vanuatu, told the AP that they “want the court to confirm that the conduct that has wrecked the climate is unlawful.” Vanuatu, a small island nation in the Pacific of around 300,000 people, will be the first to present arguments before the United Nation’s highest court.

Hearings will run until December 12 and a decision is not expected until 2025. While advisory opinions issued by the ICJ are non-binding, they are legally, morally and politically significant.

The landmark climate change case began with a group of 27 law school students at the University of South Pacific in Vanuatu. They hailed from different Pacific island nations, all among the most vulnerable to the worsening effects of climate change.

Solomon Yeo, a citizen of the Solomon Islands, hatched the idea with his classmates to change international law on climate change via the ICJ. Yeo, who now serves as the campaign director for the NGO created by the groups, Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, is attending the hearings at the Hague.

The hearing comes on the heels of an abysmal result at the recent COP29 summit, hosted in the petrostate of Azerbaijan, which saw the talks nearly collapse as fossil fuel interests loomed large and countries responsible for causing the calamitous rise in carbon dioxide levels resisted demands for financial support by nations threatened by their actions. Despite this, campaigners are quietly confident that their case at the Hague will be successful.

An advisory opinion from the ICJ would clarify legal questions related to climate change and have huge implications for litigation at the domestic, regional and international level.

“An ICJ decision carries huge weight and moral authority,” Cameron Diver, a Pacific legal expert, told the Guardian. “It would be the pinnacle of the international legal guidance that could be provided.”

Reacting to remarks of Australia and United States at the landmark ICJ Climate Case on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Ralph Regenvanu, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment for The Republic of Vanuatu, stated: “Today, as sea levels rise and the impacts of climate change intensify, we cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand. Climate change is an existential threat that transcends borders, affecting all nations regardless of political ideology or geographic location.

“We are obviously disappointed by the statements made by the governments of Australia, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China during the ICJ proceedings. These nations, some of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, have pointed to existing treaties and commitments that have regrettably failed to motivate substantial reductions in emissions.

“Let me be clear: these treaties are essential, but they cannot be a veil for inaction or a substitute for legal accountability. There needs to be an accounting for the failure to curb emissions and the climate change impacts and human rights violation that failure has generated.

“It is particularly concerning that some of these nations, upon whom we depend for aid and support, have not acknowledged the severity of the crisis or their responsibilities under international law. Our dependency on their assistance makes it all the more critical for them to act responsibly and in solidarity with vulnerable nations like ours.

“As we have argued before the Court, the conduct responsible for climate change is not just irresponsible – it is unlawful under a range of international obligations, including those under the law of the sea, human rights law, and environmental law. The destruction of Earth’s climate system constitutes an ongoing breach of international law, and it demands immediate legal recognition and cooperative measures to turn the tides, repair the harm, and protect our futures from further destruction.

“We hold hope that our former colonial powers, including France and the United Kingdom, will recognise the gravity of this moment and support our continued self-determination. Their support in the coming days could significantly affirm their commitment to solidarity, justice, and the rule of law.

“Our appeal is to all nations, especially those with the greatest capacity and historical responsibility, to align their actions with the principles of international law and the urgent needs of our shared planet. No country can afford to keep its head in the sand any longer. The time for decisive, legally grounded action is now.”

Energy transition: Nigeria to focus on Africa for its oil, says Minister

Michael Simire
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Energy transition: Nigeria to focus on Africa for its oil, says Minister

Nigeria is to harness its oil reserves and pursue its plans to increase oil output to fill the ”yawning gap” in Africa.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil)

Dr Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), said this on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content Forum organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Lokponiri explained that no country in the world will stop the production of the fossil fuels when there are still markets for it.

Speaking on the theme “Deepening the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation”, the minister observed that even UK was still giving licenses for exploration.

“All these grammar for energy transition that say we should stop production of fossil fuel, we will never stop the production of fossil fuel in Nigeria, no country in the world will stop it.

“In 2023, UK which contributeb 4.8 per cent of global emissions, higher than the entire OPEC countries put together, entire African continent put together gave over 100 licenses to new companies for new exploration.

”America is the highest producer of fossil fuel, so why should we stop, those who are telling us to stop are themselves not stopping, so we should know that is about politics.

“Let me also use the opportunity to tell the industry players  that with the emergence of Donald Trump as U.S. President, the price of oil maybe battered.

”What I want us to do is to increase our own production, Africa already has enough market. We can produce enough fuel to supply the West African region and the entire Africa, but our biggest challenge is funding,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemen Ekperikpe Ekpo, urged local businesses in the country to invest in Compressed Natural Gas (GNG) as gas will be a mainstay of economy after energy transition.

“Gas will be the mainstay of Nigeria’s energy shift, and we’re giving local businesses a chance to engage in gas distribution, processing and power generation.

”The probable replacement for PMS has been determined to be natural gas in form of CNG.

“Let me reiterate this administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing local content as a cornerstone of our energy strategy, together, we have the opportunity to built an energy industry that empowers Nigerians, strengthens our economy and contributes to the sustainable future,” he said.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, said the board has achieved 56 per cent in Nigerian Content level in 2024 compared to 26 per cent in 2016.

He stated that some of the achievements of the board include Commissioning of Amal Technologies in Idu, Abuja; the Kwale Gas Gathering facility in Delta; approval of 312 Nigerian Content Plans; and issuance of 402 Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates (NCCCs) by the board, amongst others.

By Nathan Nwakamma

Govt unveils new environmental audit guidelines

Michael Simire
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Govt unveils new environmental audit guidelines

The Federal Government has unveiled new environmental audit guidelines in Nigeria for the operation of facilities in the country.

Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), stated this at a workshop and unveiling of the guidelines on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in Abuja.

Innocent Barikor
Dr Innocent Barikor, Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESERA)

He said that the guidelines aimed to strengthen the agency’s shared commitment to environmental sustainability, compliance, and the pursuit of excellence in conducting environmental audits across facilities in Nigeria.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a global organisation based in New Delhi, India.

Barikor said the environmental audit guidelines identified and addressed environmental problems that occurred during project operations, aiming to improve industrial operations and minimise environmental impact.

He said that the agency had observed that audit reports received from consultants come in different formats, lacking important information.

Barikor said that in some cases it failed to reflect the actual status of the process of the operating facility.

“These reports do not adequately cover the information included in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) developed during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

“The new guidelines are intended to streamline the processes associated with undertaking and review of the environmental audits,” he said.

He said that high-quality audit reporting was a foundation to environmental compliance and enforcement.

“Our reports are key instruments that guide policy, inform industry standards and ultimately shape environmental performance across sectors.

“The alignment of our guidelines with global best practices will ensure that Nigeria’s environmental audits are credible, transparent and impactful on a global scale,” he said.

“Going forward, the agency will be verifying the parameters in the Audit Report submitted by consultants and take a decisive action against any consultant that engages in falsification, fabrication and plagiarism,” he said.

He said the revised guideline is an outcome of the collaborative efforts between CSE and NESREA.

Barikor said that the agency was carefully monitoring the activities of the state field offices, to ensure that staff do not obstruct or interfere with the work of NESREA accredited consultants.

 Ms. Ishita Garg of CSE said that a thoroughly performed environmental audit allowed industries to analyse the ambiguities in the implementation of management plans and take corrective measures.

“It also helps industries improve the process efficiency by optimising the usage of resources, increasing production and thereby resulting in monetary benefits.

” A comprehensive audit report can be helpful as it will assist in assessing the compliance status of the industry and understand its environmental performance,” she said.

Mr. Isa Abdussalam, Director, Inspection and Enforcement, NESREA, said the new guidelines are more robust, focusing on quantitative and technical data from the industries.

He said that the new guidelines also contained information on mitigation measures taken in various sectors over the years.

“These guidelines would also be useful for the regulatory bodies to review the submitted audit reports,” he said.

The review of the guidelines was necessitated by observations that existing audit reports lacked essential technical data, hindering accurate assessments of industrial performance.

By Doris Esa

WWF reveals 742 new species in Congo Basin

Michael Simire
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WWF reveals 742 new species in Congo Basin

A groundbreaking report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has documented 742 new species discovered in the Congo Basin over the past decade, highlighting the region’s remarkable biodiversity and urgent conservation needs.

Lesula monkeys
Lesula monkeys

The report, “New Life in the Congo Basin: a Decade of Species Discoveries (2013–2023),” reveals a stunning array of previously unknown wildlife, including unique orchids, new coffee species, a clawed frog, crocodile, electric fish, owl, spiders, turtles, and a monkey species locally called the “lesula”.

“The Congo Basin is not just a biodiversity haven; it is essential for the well-being of over 75 million people who depend on its resources,” said Dr. Martin Kabaluapa, WWF Regional Director for the Congo Basin.

The discoveries span six countries, with Gabon leading at 262 species, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo with 259 and Cameroon with 238.

The species include 430 plants, 140 invertebrates, 96 fish, 22 amphibians, 42 reptiles, two birds, and 10 mammals.

Known as the “lungs of Africa,” the Congo Basin is the world’s largest carbon sink, absorbing more carbon than the Amazon.

It sequesters 600 million metric tonnes more carbon dioxide annually than it emits.

The report comes amid growing concerns about global wildlife population declines. WWF emphasised the critical role of indigenous communities in conservation, noting that many newly described species have long been familiar to local populations.

“For centuries, indigenous communities have lived in harmony with the forests,” said Moise Kono, Indigenous Peoples Coordinator for WWF Cameroon.

“Recognising their knowledge is integral to conservation success.”

The organisation calls for urgent action to protect the region, with governments aiming to place 30% of their land under protection by 2030.

How COP29 contributed to shaping inclusive, impactful global carbon market – TASC

Michael Simire
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How COP29 contributed to shaping inclusive, impactful global carbon market – TASC

Observers believe that the conclusion of COP29 marks another milestone in shaping the global carbon market, with several outcomes that bring increased clarity, integrity, and confidence to the voluntary and compliance carbon markets.

COP29
COP29 entrance

Welcoming the changes announced at COP29, Dr. Storm Patel, Commercial Director at The African Stove Company (TASC), said: “COP29 has marked a critical step toward creating a carbon market that is inclusive, transparent, and impactful.

“TASC is particularly encouraged by the measures that will enhance private-sector participation and streamline business operations. These developments create an enabling environment for growth of our portfolio of projects, bringing scalable and innovative solutions to the forefront of global climate action.

“The evolving rules under Article 6 represent a significant opportunity to support the growth of high-integrity carbon projects worldwide. By addressing potential challenges such as revocation risks while promoting clarity and market expansion, COP29 provides a roadmap for success.

“As one of Africa’s leading carbon credit project developers, TASC remains committed to aligning our projects with this framework to meet the global demand for quality carbon credits while delivering meaningful impacts for communities across Africa.”

TASC has provided more detailed commentary on some of the specific carbon market developments which were announced during COP29.

Breakthroughs for Private-Sector Engagement

One of the most significant outcomes of COP29 is the inclusion of mechanisms that TASC anticipates will open the door for host countries to directly engage with private entities in carbon trading arrangements. By not limiting participation to sovereign-to-sovereign models, this development paves the way for greater private-sector involvement.

Projects like TASC’s cookstove distribution and grassland restoration initiatives stand to benefit from these reforms, which create opportunities for scalability and reinforce the role of private developers as critical drivers of climate action.

Enhanced Safeguards and Clarity for Developers

The updated Article 6 guidance delivers long-awaited clarity on key areas, such as the requirements for Letters of Authorisation (LoAs). Uniformity in approval processes across host countries ensures that carbon projects meet international standards while eliminating risks of double-counting credits. For TASC, which is actively pursuing authorisations in Zambia and Zimbabwe, this creates a more predictable and streamlined pathway for project approval.

COP29 also addressed the contentious issue of revocation of host country authorisations. By establishing clear terms and restrictions – particularly limiting post-“first transfer” revocations to exceptional cases like fraud – the framework delivers much-needed stability to developers and investors alike. Additionally, the ability for host countries to define the “first transfer” (whether at authorisation, issuance, or credit use) enhances flexibility and transparency, allowing investors to incorporate these terms into their contracts with confidence.

Strengthening Market Integrity

The new rules also introduce mechanisms to enhance oversight and accountability. The UN Supervisory Body will now verify the consistency of information submitted by both host and acquiring parties, creating an additional layer of integrity.

Importantly, the outcome of the consistency checks and technical reviews we believe will be made public, ensuring transparency and further bolstering investor confidence. These measures align with TASC’s commitment to operating transparently and upholding the highest standards in the projects we develop.

Looking ahead, the methodologies under Article 6.4 are still under development. TASC is optimistic that their standardisation will reduce inconsistencies, bring global consensus to emissions reduction calculations, and avoid undermining the reputation of the carbon market. For these methodologies to be effective, it is essential that they prioritise accuracy over overly conservative approaches and account for local contexts, ensuring fairness for project developers and host communities.

Implications for Africa’s Voluntary Carbon Market

The dual-track approach endorsed at COP29 preserves a vital space for the voluntary carbon market to coexist alongside compliance frameworks. This flexibility enables voluntary projects, such as TASC’s initiatives, to scale while offering pathways into compliance markets. For Africa, where TASC operates some of the largest carbon projects, these decisions have the potential to catalyse market growth and foster sustainable development.

By creating clear rules, COP29 empowers African governments to translate international guidance into national policies, providing a fair and transparent playing field for developers. This positions Africa as a global leader in delivering climate solutions that simultaneously benefit local communities.

TASC is a global carbon project developer specialising in identifying, financing, and structuring commercially viable carbon projects, with experience in cookstove projects and other carbon project methodology initiatives.

Godwin Aritoba: Why Africa should not be dumping ground for dental amalgam

Michael Simire
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Godwin Aritoba: Why Africa should not be dumping ground for dental amalgam

African countries have poor resources and technology to manage mercury wastes, and African dentists desire to practice 21st Century mercury free dentistry (minimum intervention Dentistry-MID) not 19th century tooth destructive “drill and fill” dentistry (which is not evidence based).

Dental amalgam
Use of dental amalgam

While 21st century dentistry aims to keep all teeth and oral tissue healthy and functional for life, drill and fill dentistry often results in toothless “grandpa” smile in old age with poor oral and general health outcome.

The European Union has voted to ban the use, export and import of dental amalgam from its territory by January 2025.

Dental amalgam is a primitive 19th century pollutant – disastrous to the environment, harmful to dental workers, and a health risk to any dental patient – in particular children and young women. Therefore, the African continent unites to declare:

As required in the law of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, use of dental amalgam must cease now for children and for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

  1. The import of dental amalgam should be phased out in October 2025.
  2. The use of dental amalgam should be phased out in January 2026.

Dental amalgam’s mercury poisons fish which children eat, causing brain damage to some of them. It is horrible for them. We must switch to the alternative dental materials – which are non-polluting and tooth friendly.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, since 2023, bans amalgam for children and for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The law must be enforced by our governments and dentists must obey it.

Consumers and parents should insist on mercury-free dentistry. Europe united to ban dental amalgam in their continent. Now Africans should unite to ban dental amalgam.

Mercury is the most vaporous of the heavy metals, and those vapors toxify the dental office. It is too big a risk for young women dental workers. Dental clinics should become mercury-free, now.

Mercury damages children’s brain even before they are born. Mercury also reduces the quantity and quality of men’s sperm.

Animal studies have revealed that mercury may also contribute significantly to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance.

The alternatives to amalgam are now technically superior to amalgam. Amalgam is a tooth unfriendly historical relic from the 19th century outdated dentistry.

Manufacturers are exiting making amalgam – they know they have legal risks. The amalgam
supply is running out.

Our dental schools need to be mercury-free. Alternatives are effective and available. Mercury-free dentistry is 21st century dentistry. We need to train future generations of African Dentists in Mercury Free 21st Century Dentistry. We need to update the knowledge and skills of general dental practitioners.

We need to get our governments to finalise the national policy on phasedown/out of dental
amalgam, ban importation of dental amalgam, stop insurance payments for dental amalgam, as well as remove import duty and taxes on mercury-free filling materials (glass ionomer, composites, compomers, etc).

Prof. Godwin Toyin Arotiba is Chairman and Founder, Dentists Committee for a Mercury Free Africa

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