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Development Communication in Nigeria: Missing link between donor funds, real change

Michael Simire
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Development Communication in Nigeria: Missing link between donor funds, real change

In Nigeria, the practice is that development is often measured by the amount of money spent, rather than the change achieved. Annually, donor agencies invest substantial funds in development intervention projects – ranging from poverty alleviation, health, and agriculture to climate resilience and education. Yet the gaps remain wide – not just in infrastructure or service delivery—but in trust, ownership, and sustainability.

Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris

At the heart of this disconnect is our disregard for development communication in project ideation, formulation, and implementation.

What Is Development Communication?

Development communication is not about erecting billboards, airing jingles, or running PR campaigns. It is the deliberate use of communication to foster participation, build local knowledge systems, and drive behaviour change in ways that communities can own and sustain.

It’s about listening before designing projects, engaging before implementation, translating policy into people’s realities, and designing interventions with the people and for the people.

Development communication is the bridge between donor intent and community impact. Yet, development agencies and practitioners in Nigeria have largely continued to ignore this bridge.

Why Interventions Struggle Without Development Communication

In Nigeria, most donor-funded development interventions rely heavily on external consultants – many of whom have little or no knowledge of the communities they design projects for. Our idea of communication tends to be one-directional: pushing messaging campaigns with no real feedback loop, and often without clear Monitoring and Evaluation mechanisms to track impact.

Rather than focus on participatory dialogue, the emphasis is placed on visibility – media coverage, social media posts, glossy reports – while the people at the centre of these interventions are sidelined.

Because of our disregard for development communication that enables inclusive dialogue, the very people we aim to serve often become suspicious, and projects are abandoned.

This is also a result of our consistent disregard for indigenous knowledge systems. Our communication approaches are frequently designed for data extraction, not for relationship-building. We impose tools and messaging on communities, instead of fostering conversations with them.

I’ve seen this firsthand through fieldwork in FCT, Benue, Niger, and Nasarawa – where projects fail not because the ideas are bad, but because the communication is poor.

Case in Point: Climate Adaptation and Indigenous Knowledge

Over the last six years, I conducted eight field-based studies showing that rural farmers are already adapting to climate change using traditional knowledge and practices. But instead of integrating and building on these local systems, many development projects introduce “new” solutions that end up alienating the very people they are meant to support.

The problem is not innovation. The problem is the failure to respect existing knowledge and the lack of communication practices that recognise local context, language, and leadership.

Why Development Communication Is the Game Changer

If governments, development agencies, and partners begin to take development communication seriously, we will begin our projects with community-led communication diagnostics.

This would mean using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) tools – not just for baseline data collection – but to co-create solutions with communities.

It would mean involving the people our interventions are meant to serve in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the projects – not treating them as afterthoughts. It would also mean tracking how people feel, understand, resist, or embrace the work being done in their communities.

This is what makes change sustainable.

A Call to Donors and Development Actors

If you’re funding programmes in Nigeria and genuinely want real, measurable change, I ask that you start by asking:

  • How are we listening?
  • What communication structures are in place?
  • Who is speaking – and who is being silenced?

Development communication is not a luxury. It is the missing link between funding and transformation. It is how we build trust, mobilise ownership, and secure long-term sustainability.

Let me be clear: if our interventions continue to ignore development communication, they will continue to lose the very people they’re meant to serve. And when we lose the people, we lose the impact we aspire to make.

It’s time to rethink our assumptions. Visibility is not engagement. Funding is not transformation. Real change starts with the right kind of development communication.

By Audu Liberty Oseni, Director, Centre for Development Communication – CDC

Group sues NNPC over failure to account for money meant for refinery repairs

Michael Simire
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0
Group sues NNPC over failure to account for money meant for refinery repairs

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over the “failure to account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing N825 billion and $2.5 billion meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and other oil revenues.”

Bayo Ojulari
Bayo Ojulari, GCEO, National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited

The suit followed the damning allegations documented in the 2021 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which was published on November 27, 2024. Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, also last week said that NNPCL refineries may never work again, despite the $18 billion spent on the refineries.

In the suit number FHC/L/MISC/722/25 filed on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the NNPCL to account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing N825 billion and $2.5 billion of public funds meant for “refinery rehabilitation’ and repair.”

SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel the NNPCL to recover and remit to the federation account the alleged missing N825 billion and $2.5 billion of public funds meant for refinery rehabilitation and repair.”

SERAP is likewise asking the court to “direct and compel the NNPCL to identify those responsible for the missing oil money, surcharge them for the full amount involved, and hand them over to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that “the grim allegations by the Auditor-General (and Mr. Aliko Dangote) suggest a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations.”

SERAP is also arguing that “granting the reliefs sought would strike a blow against the impunity of those responsible for the missing oil money meant to repair the country’s refineries and ensure that the money is returned for the sake of NNPCL’s victims – Nigerians.”

According to SERAP, “These grim allegations have also undermined economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty, and contributed to high levels of deficit spending by the government.”

SERAP is also arguing that “the vast majority of Nigerians have seen little benefit from their country’s oil wealth, even as the NNPCL continues to fail to account for the missing billions of dollars that are desperately needed to repair or replace the country’s dysfunctional refineries.”

According to SERAP, “The Auditor-General has for many years documented reports of disappearance of public funds from the NNPCL. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing public funds meant for refinery rehabilitation.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms Oluwakemi Oni, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “The missing oil revenue reflects a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and is directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold transparency and accountability principles.

“According to the recently published 2021 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for over N825 billion and $2.5 billion of public funds meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and repairs, and other oil revenues.

“The Auditor-General fears that the money may be missing.

“The NNPCL reportedly failed to account for over N82 billion (N82,951,595,510.47) meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation and repairs.’ The ‘money was deducted from the sale of Crude Oil and Gas between 2020 and 2021’.

“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the Federation Account. He also wants the NNPCL ‘to ensure that the amounts due for the Federation Account are not subjected to any deductions before remittance of net.’

“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N343 billion (N343,642,598,726.51) ‘being proceeds from domestic crude sales.’ The ‘money, meant for ‘pipelines maintenance and management costs, was unilaterally deducted from the gross domestic crude sales.’

“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants the NNPCL to hand over those suspected to be involved to the EFCC and ICPC.

“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N83 billion (N83,659,813,739.99) ‘being miscellaneous income from the NNPC joint venture operations from 2016 to 2020.’ The ‘money was withdrawn from the CBN/NNPC sinking fund account (a suspense account).’”

“The Auditor-General is concerned that this practice ‘has led the Federation to resort to borrowings.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N204 billion (N204,853,744,047.39) ‘being unjustified deductions from the oil royalties for 2021.’ The ‘money was due to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.

“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N3.7 billion (N3,748,581,281.27) ‘being money purportedly paid to a Company as a shortfall on sales of MT cargo of PMS.’ The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.

“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N28 billion (N28,654,179,867.00) ‘being outstanding bridging allowance from NNPC retail for 2021.’

“The NNPCL failed to account for over N13.5 billion (N13,5559,658,148.91) ‘being outstanding bridging allowance claims from three major oil marketers in 2021.’

“The Auditor-General is concerned that this ‘may have resulted in difficulty in funding the 2021 budget.’ He wants ‘the money recovered from both the NNPC retail and the major oil marketers and remitted to the Federation Account.’

“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N15 billion (N14,134,947,949.80 and N1,087,533,332.62) ‘being outstanding revenues from debts owed by twenty-six marketers for 2021.’ The Auditor-General wants ‘the money recovered from the oil marketers and remitted to the Federation Account.’

“The NNPCL reportedly failed to account for over $29.6 million ($29,648,970.36) being outstanding royalties payable to the Department of Petroleum Resources CBN account.’ The Auditor-General is concerned this ‘may have resulted in difficulty in funding the 2021 budget.’ He wants the money recovered.’

“The NNPCL failed to collect over $2 billion ($2,260,448,992.45) ‘being outstanding oil royalties from oil companies for 2021’, and failed to collect over N48 billion (N48,218,163,192.67) ‘also being outstanding oil royalties from oil companies.’”

“The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may be missing.’ He is concerned that this ‘may have resulted in difficulty in funding the 2021 budget.’ He wants ‘the money recovered from the oil companies and remitted to the Federation Account.’”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Heat waves put older persons at high risk, warns UN report

Michael Simire
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0
Heat waves put older persons at high risk, warns UN report

As extreme heat grips many countries and becomes “the new normal”, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warns of heightened health risks for older persons in the Frontiers 2025 Report published on Thursday, July 10.

Older persons
Older persons

Other highlighted impacts of climate change include the melting of glaciers that reawaken ancient pathogens and floods that risk releasing dangerous chemicals. 

The 7th edition of the Frontiers Report, The Weight of Time – Facing a new age of challenges for people and ecosystems, is part of UNEP’s Foresight Trajectory initiative and highlights emerging environmental issues as well as potential solutions. The first edition in 2016, warned of the growing risk of zoonotic diseases, four years before the COVID-19 pandemic. This report is released as communities across China, Japan, India, Europe, USA and elsewhere face weeks of extreme heat and flooding. 

“Heat waves are among the most frequent and deadly impacts of climate change, along with floods and shrinking ice cover,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “We must be prepared for the risks these impacts pose, especially for society’s most vulnerable, including older persons. Yet as this year’s Frontiers Report shows, solutions exist that can help protect communities and restore ecosystems long-thought to have been lost.” 

Adults aged 65 and above now form an increasingly dominant part of the world population, particularly in urban areas of low- and middle-income countries. The report notes that annual heat-related deaths among older persons have risen by an estimated 85% since the 1990s. Additional risks arise from deteriorating air quality and floods in low-lying coastal cities where older persons live. 

Older persons – especially those with chronic illnesses, limited mobility, or frailty – are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health issues, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, as well as increased mortality. 

The report recommends making cities pollution-free, resilient, and accessible spaces with expansive vegetation. Key strategies include better urban planning, community-based disaster risk management, and improved access to climate information for older populations. 

Earlier this year, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a new resolution to develop an “international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons,” a possible path to add safety to those most exposed to climate change. 

Zombie microbes 

Beyond the risks to older persons, the report also warns of ancient microbes awakening. Should global temperatures rise more than 2˚C above pre-industrial levels, this would significantly reduce the cryosphere in mass, which includes glaciers, seasonal snow, ice sheets and shelves, sea ice, seasonally frozen ground, and permafrost. Cryospheric regions are home to 670 million people as well as to billions more who live in areas with water originating from those frozen areas. 

Dormant fungi, bacteria, and viruses in these frozen regions could reactivate, raising the risk of antimicrobial resistance. To slow down the decline of the cryosphere, the Frontiers 2025 Report recommends cutting greenhouse gas emissions – including black carbon emissions from diesel engines, open-field agricultural burning, and wildfires – and limiting tourism in fragile frozen regions. The report also recommends accelerating scientific research into the diversity of cryospheric microorganisms that will not survive the cryosphere’s decline. 

The return of banned chemicals through floods 

The report also identifies risks from the remobilisation of chemicals that were banned and phased-out decades ago. Floods can bring such chemicals to the surface, after having accumulated in sediment over centuries. 

As floodwaters stir up sediment and debris, toxic chemicals may be released and re-enter urban areas or food systems. The report lists effective measures to reduce this growing risk: traditional control measures like polders, dikes and retention basins, improved drainage systems, nature-based solutions (e.g., sponge-city approaches), regular monitoring of pollutants in diverse locations and products, and economic impact studies about this type of pollution. 

The risk of ageing dams 

Another emerging threat the Frontiers 2025 Report addresses is the risk of ageing dams. Alongside many benefits, dams can harm indigenous and fishing-dependent communities, as well as degrade ecosystems. Removal of large, older dams that have become unsafe, obsolete, or economically unviable is increasingly happening in Europe and North America. 

The report highlights potential benefits of the removal of dams and barriers in restoring natural river connectivity for biodiversity and ecosystems. Reversing river fragmentation and restoring natural processes support the implementation of the UN’s principles for ecosystem-restoration initiatives. 

Renaissance Energy, Bayelsa host communities to conserve Apoi Creek Forest Reserves

Michael Simire
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Renaissance Energy, Bayelsa host communities to conserve Apoi Creek Forest Reserves

Renaissance Africa Energy Company and hosts to its South Swamp Gas Gathering Solution (SSGGS) project have commenced plans to conserve the Apoi Creek Forest Reserves in Bayelsa State.

The polluted Apoi Creek
The polluted Apoi Creek

Renaissance, a consortium of indigenous firms in March acquired the onshore and shallow waters assets hitherto operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Yenagoa on Friday, July 11, 2025, Mr. Charles Akhideno, Head, Biodiversity at Renaissance, noted that the event aims to develop a Diversity Action Plan for areas within five kilometre radius of the SSGGS project site near the Apoi Creek Forest Reserves.

He said that Renaissance prioritises care for the environment and engages in conservation efforts to restore the environment where it operates.

According to him, the company is working with communities, environmental scientists and civil society organisations and Bayelsa government to develop plans to preserve endangered animals and plants species at the Apoi Creek Forest Reserves.

He noted that the environmental scientists who have been conducting studies at the forest reserves will review species of monkeys, chimpanzees, vultures, parrots amongst other plants and animals species that are endangered for attention.

Mr. Ebi Ben-Ololo, Bayelsa Commissioner for Environment, regretted that oil and gas exploration had adversely affected and degraded the environment across Bayelsa with relics of pollution degrading the ecosystem.

Ben-Ololo, however, commended the approach adopted by Renaissance Africa in prioritising environmental protection and conservation even before the commencement of the SSGGS project.

Traditional rulers, community development committee members, women and youth leaders deliberated on ways to halt human actions that put pressure on the forest resources and endanger the biodiversity of the forest reserve.

They resolved that alternative economic activities should be considered for those who depend solely on the forest resources in environmentally sustainable fields.

CSOs seek restructure of Nigeria’s climate change response system

Michael Simire
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CSOs seek restructure of Nigeria’s climate change response system

Some civil society organisations in the Niger Delta have called for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s climate change response structure.

Malam Balarabe Lawal
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal

The call was made at the ongoing Third Niger Delta Annual Climate Change Conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, July 11, 2025.

In his address, the Convener, Mr. Friday Nbani, said that the move would give more meaning to the campaign against climate change and environmental crisis.

At the conference organised by the Leadership Initiative for Transformation, Nbani urged the National Council on Climate Change to evolve policies that would have positive impact across the country.

The Convener said that the conference aimed to aggregate the voices of Niger Delta stakeholders ahead of the COP30 conference scheduled to hold in Brasil in  November.

He said that the annual conference was a vital forum for regional advocacy and strategy on climate change and environmental challenges.

Nbani, also the Director, Lekeh Development Foundation, said that issues of climate change should be given attention at the state and local government levels.

“We need state and local government climate change desks to capture the realities on the ground, especially in the rural communities where degradation is severe and undocumented.

“Niger Delta communities can no longer farm or fish. This is why we must build solidarity and unity, our voices must be heard at the national and global levels.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Ken Henshaw, the Executive Director, We the People, called for an urgent transition from the use of fossil fuels.

Henshaw faulted multinational oil corporations for the region’s environmental challenges and criticised the country’s economic dependence on crude oil.

“As a country, if we refuse to break away from fossil fuel, we will be contributing to the climate crisis.

“We need an economy that is not tied to oil and gas, communities need direct support and protection from climate-related disasters,” he said.

Also speaking, Anthony Hayward, a lawyer, said that Niger Delta communities had shown remarkable courage in their quest for environmental justice.

He joined the call to decentralise Nigeria’s climate governance structure and the need for reparations to oil-producing communities.

The lawyer said that Nigeria should be more proactive about the campaign against environmental pollution by ensuring that the positions of the law prevailed at all times.

The event brought together environmental activists, legal experts, civil society leaders, and impacted community representatives, among others.

By Precious Akutamadu

10th anniversary: NAGGW to hold high profile celebration in Jigawa – D-G

Michael Simire
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10th anniversary: NAGGW to hold high profile celebration in Jigawa – D-G

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) says it will hold a high-profile celebration on July 29, 2025, to mark its 10th anniversary.

Alhaji Saleh Abubakar
Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Alhaji Saleh Abubakar

The Director-General (D-G) of the agency, Mr. Sale Abubakar, made this known on Friday, July 11, in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, during a courtesy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi.

Abubakar said the agency has over the years led national efforts in combating desertification, restoring degraded lands and improving livelihoods in the 11 frontline states of Northern Nigeria.

He explained that through extensive afforrestation, water harvesting, and community engagement programmes, the agency made measurable contributions to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The director-general added that Jigawa was among the 11 frontline states of the agency’s operation and due to its strategic importance.

Abubakar stated, “Aside the normal GGW activities, projects like the Action Against Desertification (AAD) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), were all executed in the state.

“The agency will be bold to state that Jigawa has the highest GGW activities and other international funding support.

“Hennce the reason to select it as the venue for this year’s GGW Day which coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the agency.

“To commemorate a decade of dedicated service and raise national awareness, the agency is planning a high-profile celebration to be hosted in Dutse on July 29, 2025.”

According to him, the event will serve as a moment of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to the goals of the African Union-led Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI).

Abubakar added that the previous GGW Day was celebrated in Abuja with Vice-President Kashim Shettima in attendance, among other top-notch personalities.

He added that the event would feature activities like National Green Wall Summit and a fund raising to complement the Federal Government’s effort.

According to him, other activities lined up include public tree planting campaigns, environmental awareness programmes, cultural and stakeholders engagement, as well as awards to recognise partners and contributors.

“We are extolling your remarkable commitment to national development and CSR particularly in supporting social impactful causes.

“Therefore, your usual cooperation in championing the cause of mitigating climate change menace in your state and beyond, the agency decided to host this year’s event in Dutse.

“This is to appreciate your unwavering commitment to environmental concerns.

Responding, the Governor commended the agency for its laudable programmes that helped the state safeguard its environment and restored degraded soil in many parts of the state.

Namadi assured of his administration’s readiness to host the summit as well as ensure its success in all ramifications.

“I want to assure that Jigawa is happy to host this year’s summit and we are ready to ensure the success of the summit in all ramifications.

“You will find us cooperative and supportive.

“As a New World, on behalf of the people and government of Jigawa, I want to sincerely thank you for choosing the state for this year’s summit,” the governor added.

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

We remain committed to harnessing gas in Nigeria – Ekpo

Michael Simire
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We remain committed to harnessing gas in Nigeria – Ekpo

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast gas resources with stakeholders.

Sahara Group
Participants at Asharami Square, convened by Sahara Group

Ekpo said gas must be seen not just as fuel, but as a legacy for future generations and a driver of economic transformation across the country.

He gave the assurance on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Lagos during a keynote at the second edition of Asharami Square, convened by Sahara Group to promote energy dialogue.

The event was with the theme, “Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future”.

Represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Mr. Abel Nse, Ekpo said the ministry would keep working with regulators for a stable, innovation-driven policy environment.

He identified the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission as key collaborators in this effort.

Ekpo praised Sahara Group for shaping public discourse, stating that Asharami Square helps bridge the gap between intention and action in the energy transition space.

“It is an honour to join you at this important initiative reshaping how we act on the urgent themes of sustainability, energy transition, and development,” Ekpo said.

He noted that although Africa has abundant gas reserves, the continent still battles energy poverty, poor infrastructure, and limited access to clean, affordable energy.

“This paradox must be resolved – not later, but now,” he added.

Ekpo stressed that natural gas should be seen not only as a transitional fuel, but as a transformational one capable of accelerating inclusive growth.

He said gas can power industries, energise homes, cut dependence on dirtier fuels, and enable economic diversification in key sectors.

Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he said, the Decade of Gas is a strategic move to reduce poverty and promote clean energy alternatives nationwide.

“Harnessing gas requires more than goodwill – it needs bold investment in infrastructure and delivery mechanisms,” he added.

He said pipelines must connect supply to demand, while virtual pipelines should serve remote and underserved communities across Nigeria.

Ekpo emphasised the need for de-risked investment environments and financial frameworks that attract private-sector participation in gas projects.

He cited LPG penetration programmes for clean cooking and regional ventures such as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and West African Gas Pipeline expansion.

Quoting the International Energy Agency, he said Africa holds over 7 per cent of global gas reserves but uses under 5 per cent of global gas output.

“This mismatch between potential and use must be urgently addressed,” he said.

Ekpo called on local and foreign investors to help expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure for both domestic consumption and export markets.

“Our aim is clear: let no molecule of gas be stranded,” he said.

He said the Petroleum Industry Act offers a modern regulatory framework that encourages transparency, competitiveness, and boosts investor confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector.

Speaking on the media’s role, Ekpo said journalists influence public policy and must be empowered to tell stories that inspire change and humanise energy poverty.

“In an era of misinformation, the media can either spark action or fuel indifference,” he warned.

He urged journalists to connect gas narratives to jobs, health, education, and dignity in their reporting.

Ekpo called for a collective effort in shaping Africa’s energy future, rather than being passive in the global energy transition.

“Gas gives us flexibility to meet rising demand, reduce emissions, and support renewables. Let us act now to ensure gas powers Africa’s transformation,” he said.

By Yunus Yusuf

Accelerating climate technologies for buildings, infrastructure

Michael Simire
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Accelerating climate technologies for buildings, infrastructure

During the June 2025, UN Climate Meetings in Bonn, the Technology Mechanism under the UNFCCC hosted a side event that brought together experts, government representatives and financial institutions to examine how data, finance and technology can drive the deployment of climate technologies in buildings and infrastructure.

City
A city. Photo credit: Pixabay / Graphical

Organised in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Climate Policy Centre, the session underscored the urgent need to scale up climate solutions for buildings, especially in developing countries.

Buildings and Cities at the Heart of Climate Solutions

Buildings account for nearly one-third of global CO₂ emissions and are highly vulnerable to climate impacts. However, they also offer a major opportunity for rapid and cost-effective action. Opening the session, Sophie De Coninck, Director of Means of Implementation at UN Climate Change, stressed the urgent need for an integrated approach that combines policy, technology, data, and finance.

Representing the COP30 Presidency, Ambassador Antonio Da Costa e Silva of Brazil’s Ministry of Cities called for a greater focus on urban issues ahead of COP30 in Belém. While forests are expected to be a central theme, he argued that COP30 should also be “a COP of cities” – noting that 80% of the Amazonian population lives in urban areas grappling with informal settlements, housing deficits, and rising climate risks.

Data-Driven Tools for Decision-Making

MIT Professor Christoph Reinhart presented innovative digital tools that model energy use and retrofit potential for millions of buildings. In Massachusetts, these tools have already informed policy and incentive design. Users can input building characteristics to receive tailored retrofit options, cost estimates, and projected emissions reductions.

The tools are now being adapted for use in other countries, such as Brazil, India and Portugal, to support globally accessible, open-data models that empower both governments and building owners to make informed decisions.

Hanane Hafraoui of GlobalABC highlighted that the “technology toolkit” for buildings already exists, with a catalogue by the Solar Impulse Foundation/GlobalABC containing over 1,500 cost-effective, ready-to-deploy solutions. She stressed the need to align policy, skills development and finance to accelerate implementation.

Financial Institutions Call for Market Signals

In a panel discussion, experts from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), University College London (UCL), and Kyrgyzstan stressed the importance of market-enabling environments.

EBRD’s Jan Willem Van de Ven called for clear national strategies and locally adapted energy performance standards. Dastan Abdyldaev from Kyrgyzstan shared the country’s experience revising national building codes, despite limited data, with support from the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN). UCL’s York Ostermeyer discussed the role of digital building passports in reducing investment risk and borrowing costs, noting that well-documented energy performance can lower interest rates by 15–25 basis points in Europe, making a significant difference over time.

Participants also highlighted key challenges for the Global South, including data gaps, informal construction and evolving building types. They stressed the need for inclusive finance, noting that lack of land tenure and insurance complicates investment in informal settlements. There were also calls for sustainability in building design, focusing on the need for reduced consumption and the importance of collaboration – with growing interest in the harmonization of tools, standards and data models.

Next Steps

The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) is preparing two policy briefs to help countries accelerate climate action in buildings and infrastructure. Discussions will continue at the TEC’s 31st meeting (TEC 31) in September 2025, with members and partners exploring how best to implement these insights and recommendations.

How exporting used clothing drives circularity, boosts local economies – Study

Michael Simire
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0
How exporting used clothing drives circularity, boosts local economies – Study

A detailed new study by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, commissioned by Humana Lithuania, follows the journey of used textiles from collection and pre-sorting in Sweden to export and resale in Kenya and finds the system valuable both economically and ecologically. The findings demonstrate significant benefits to Kenya’s economy, environment, and job market, contradicting the false narrative that Africa serves as a dumping ground for low-quality textiles.

Used clothing
Used clothing

The report follows the journey of used textiles from Sweden to Kenya’s mitumba markets. It examines the sustainability implications of exporting second-hand clothing (SHC), including the operation of the trade, relevant legislation, and quality assurance practices.

The study also highlights the market dynamics in Kenya and the potential socio-economic impacts, such as job creation and local economic activity, and finds that a prevalent criticism – that exporting second-hand clothes to Kenya constitutes dumping of low-quality garments – is not supported by evidence. 

Amanda Martvall, a textile expert and co-author of the report, added, “The mitumba market in Kenya is a clear example of a well-functioning circular value chain in practice, and exporting unusable used textiles would not make economic sense – no evidence was found in Kenya that supports this claim. Instead, specialised sorting centres carefully grade and categorise garments by quality and type, adding value at each stage and ensuring that only marketable clothing reaches new users. In contrast, the rise of ultra-fast fashion and the accelerating consumption of new clothing is deeply concerning. This is where fundamental change is urgently needed.”

The case study follows the highly organised and methodical nature of the second-hand clothing trade, showing how the used clothes are manually sorted and rigorous quality control is built into every stage of the process. Skilled and trained workers perform thorough sorting and frequent inspections at Humana Lithuania and global partner facilities, ensuring that only marketable items reach Kenyan shores.

“Our operations are specifically designed to ensure only quality textiles that have market value are exported,” explained Orjan Osterdal, CEO of Humana Lithuania. “This methodical approach benefits both the environment and local economies, clearly dispelling the dumping myth and underlining the importance of the trade for a truly circular textile economy.”

Key findings from the report include:

  • Dumping is not profitable: Given Kenya’s high import taxes on mitumba, approximately 40% of shipment costs, or around EUR 0.62 per kilogram, importing textiles to discard them in landfills or incinerators would be economically unfeasible.
  • Robust Kenyan market dynamics: The Baltic Textile Trading (BTT) and Think Twice retail chains in Kenya implement strategic pricing cycles that maximise garment reuse, demonstrating sophisticated consumer awareness and market efficiency.
  • Circular economy and job creation: The SHC trade generates employment opportunities, ranging from collection and sorting in Europe to retail operations in Kenya.
  • System supports humanitarian fundraising: In the Global North, sorting and resale of used clothing is frequently carried out by charitable organisations and social-value businesses, with profits reinvested to support humanitarian causes in the Global South.
  • Effective sorting and quality control are key: In 2024, approximately 38,000 tons of used textiles were sorted at Humana Lithuania’s sorting centers in Vilnius and Oman, including 11,000 tons sourced from Sweden.
    • Textiles are sorted into over 400 categories based on quality and market needs. 
    • Only clean, wearable items are exported to Kenya. 

In summary, the study highlights the critical role African markets, such as Kenya, play in ensuring sustainable textile management globally and demonstrates how the trade, after rigorous sorting processes in Europe, positively impacts Kenya’s local economy through job creation, small-business opportunities, and affordable clothing options for consumers.

Mathias Gustavsson, co-author of the report, added, “Export markets like Kenya play a crucial role in European textile sustainability. Without these markets, many reusable textiles would inevitably be incinerated or sent to landfills due to limited recycling infrastructure in Europe.”

The full report can be downloaded here.

AMCEN: Civil society urges African govts to reject geoengineering

Michael Simire
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AMCEN: Civil society urges African govts to reject geoengineering

Ahead of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) holding from July 14 to 18, 2025, African civil society and climate justice groups and movements are issuing an urgent call to governments of the region to reject all forms of geoengineering on the African continent and globally.

UNEP Headquarters
UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya

Africa faces a grave threat as geoengineering – the large-scale technological interventions in the Earth’s systems – attempts to mask the symptoms of climate change instead of addressing its root causes. This can cause disruptions to African monsoon, collapse of ecosystems and displace peoples and communities.

At AMCEN 2023, African Ministers collectively called for a global governance mechanism for the non-use of solar radiation modification. To protect Africa and African people, the group urged AMCEN to renew and expand that call, with Africa continuing to lead in global efforts to establish an International Solar Geoengineering Non-Use Agreement. 

Despite growing opposition, Africa is being targeted by geoengineering proponents pushing what is termed risky and speculative approaches such as Solar Radiation Modification/Manipulation (SRM), often under the guise of African leadership on climate crisis. These efforts attempt to co-opt African policymakers, mislead the public, and shift the burden of climate risk onto the very continent that has contributed the least to global emissions.

Across the continent, African communities are already advancing real climate solutions rooted in climate justice – from agroecology and renewable energy to ecosystem restoration and community-led adaptation.

Civil society groups are also calling on all social movements, Indigenous communities, youth, and grassroots organisations across the continent and the world to join them in rejecting geoengineering and advancing real, just, and community led solutions to the climate crisis.

Dr. Mfoniso Xael, Programmes Manager, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, said: “Geoengineering is a false fix – risky, reckless, and rooted in the same broken thinking that caused the climate crisis. Africa must not become a laboratory for reckless techno-fixes like solar radiation manipulation that gamble with our monsoons, ecosystems, and lives. We reject this neocolonial bait-and-switch that masquerades as innovation while deepening injustice. Real solutions are already in our hands, rooted in agroecology, energy sovereignty, and community-led resilience. Africa must lead not in planetary manipulation, but in global resistance to it.”

Kwami Kpondzo, Director Centre pour la Justice Environnementale, Togo, said: The climate solutions need to be democratised and people centred solutions, not imposed colonial geoengineering technologies such as Solar Radiation Manipulation which will bring more harm to the people and nature. Geoengineering is not a solution to the climate crisis, not in the present time or in the future. Africa doesn’t need to waste time and energy for capacity building on geoengineering technologies but rather needs to amplify people’s solutions that are in harmony and peace with Mother Earth. NO to Solar Radiation Modification as climate solution, YES to real peoples’ solution.”

Josué Aruna, Executive Director of Congo Basin Conservation Society CBCS-Network DRC, said: “We would like to draw the attention of young people and African researchers not to be attracted by the financial means that neo-colonialism uses to divert our attention from the real issues of fighting climate change and destroying our future. Africans must turn their backs against this kind of support. Africa must be seen as humanity’s hope in the fight against climate change and not as a laboratory for dangerous technologies such as geoengineering.”

Amos Nkpeebo, FIDEP Foundation, Ghana, said: “This is a defining moment. As African youth, we bear the brunt of intergenerational climate injustices, and we refuse to accept dangerous illusory shortcuts like geoengineering that could further destabilize our future. The risk of termination shock and long-term planetary disruption is too great. Proven solutions already exist, like solar PV, agroecology and other resilience strategies led by our communities. We urge African leaders to invest in these real, just solutions, not untested experiments that gamble with the future of African youth.”

Kenneth Nana Amoateng, Executive Director, AbibiNsroma Foundation, Ghana, said: “Solar geoengineering does not address the drivers of human-induced climate change, nor does it address the full range of climate and other impacts of anthropogenic greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. Solar geoengineering is not a climate solution. It is a technological gamble that the people of Africa cannot afford. Civil Society and AMCEN need to reject all forms of geoengineering on the African continent.”

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