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Oando reports 45% growth in revenue to N4.1tr in FY 2024 results

Michael Simire
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Oando reports 45% growth in revenue to N4.1tr in FY 2024 results

Oando PLC, Africa’s leading integrated energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Grpup (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), announced a strong financial performance for the Full Year (FY) 2024 with a 45% growth in revenue to N4.1 trillion compared to N2.9 trillion in FY 2023 results.

Wale Tinubu
Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu

The company’s 2024 performance showcases a consistent upward trajectory following its announcement of N65.5 billion in profit after tax.

Speaking on the results, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu CON, commented, “2024 was a year of transformation for Oando, the key highlight being our successful acquisition and subsequent integration of NAOC Ltd, which significantly enhanced our production capacity, attaining peak operated production of 103,206boepd and net entitlements of 45,000 boepd.

“Despite a challenging operating environment, we achieved a 45% increase in revenue to ₦4.1 trillion, reflecting the strength of our business model, and a 9% rise in profit after tax to ₦65.5 billion, notwithstanding the costs associated with the onboarding of NAOC.” 

Oando’s production for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024, averaged 23,911 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), an increase from the 23,258 boe/d achieved in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by the acquisition of an additional 20% stake in the NAOC JV in Q4, partially offset by production disruptions due to shut-in wells resulting from sabotage activities.

Additionally, the Group incurred $18.1 million on capital expenditures related to the development of oil and gas assets and exploration and evaluation activities, compared to $52.3 million in the twelve months to December 31, 2023.

Looking ahead to 2025, Tinubu stated, “In 2025, our priority shall be to drive cost optimization, operational efficiency, streamline processes, enhance procurement, and leverage technology to improve productivity across our operations. In parallel, we will intensify efforts to boost production through the dual approach of rig-less and workover initiatives while executing an aggressive drilling program across three rig lines.

“Simultaneously, in collaboration with other stakeholders, we are proactively tackling above-ground security challenges by implementing a revamped security framework that integrates advanced surveillance technology and intelligence-driven initiatives to curb the perennial, unnecessary, and unjustifiable theft of oil to ensure the long-term integrity of our vast network.

“As we look ahead to an exciting and successful 2025, we recognize that achieving our goals requires the unwavering support of our host communities and partners. Through extensive engagement, we will foster a collaborative ecosystem that not only secures our operations but also drives shared prosperity and sustainable development for all.”

As the company prepares for its 2025 targets, it is bolstered by optimistic oil demand predictions. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) global oil demand predictions forecast global demand to grow by 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, a significant increase from the estimated growth of 0.9 million b/d in 2024. This projected growth surpasses the pre-pandemic 10-year average (2010-2019) of 1.5 million bpd, indicating a positive trajectory for the global oil market.

With this announcement, Oando enters 2025 on a strong foundation. The announcement brings the company up to date on its financial reporting, successfully meeting all regulatory requirements. Notwithstanding the operational realities, Oando is positioned to build on the momentum of a successful 2024 committed to its strategic vision of becoming Africa’s first international oil company (IOC) by leveraging its strong operational capabilities and strategic partnerships to deliver value to its stakeholders.

Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak

Michael Simire
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Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.

Dr Jide Idris
Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris

Dr Jide Idris, the Director‐General, said this on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in an interview in Abuja.

The EVD is a rare but severe illness caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus.

First identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has led to multiple outbreaks across Africa.

Ebola spreads to humans through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines.

Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or materials like bedding and clothing.

Healthcare workers and family members are particularly at risk when caring for infected patients without proper protective measures.

Idris said that although the country has no reported cases of Ebola, the agency, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has activated heightened surveillance measures to prevent importation of the virus into the country.

He said that the outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of the virus, was confirmed by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on January 30, 2025, with one reported case and one death in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.

“Ugandan health authorities are currently tracking 44 contacts to curb further spread,” he said.

He disclosed that, in response to the development, the NCDC has: “Updated its EVD emergency contingency plan. Increased screening at points of entry, particularly international airports.

“Optimised diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories and mobilised Lassa fever testing laboratories, which can be scaled up for Ebola testing if needed.”

The Director General of NCDC assured Nigerians that proactive steps were being taken to mitigate any risk of an outbreak.

“While there is no immediate cause for panic, we must remain vigilant. The Ebola Sudan strain has no approved vaccine, making early detection and containment critical,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive measures: “Practice good hand hygiene – Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitisers.

“Avoid contact with persons showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.

“Refrain from consuming bushmeat, especially bats and primates.

“Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after travelling to an affected country.”

Additionally, he advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases immediately.

While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, he advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.

“Travelers returning from affected countries in the last 21 days with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding should immediately call the NCDC toll-free number (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline,” he advised.

Beyond Ebola, he said that the country is currently battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening surveillance and response efforts across the country.

“Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and follow official updates from the NCDC through its hotline (6232), social media platforms (@NCDCgov), and official website,” he added.

The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Initial symptoms include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.

As the disease progresses, individuals may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

Laboratory findings often show low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.

Ebola is often fatal, with case fatality rates varying from 25 per cent to 90 per cent in past outbreaks, depending on factors such as the virus strain and the effectiveness of response efforts.

The average case fatality rate is around 50 per cent.

Effective outbreak control relies on a combination of interventions, including case management, surveillance and contact tracing, good laboratory service, safe burials, and social mobilization.

Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks.

Raising awareness of risk factors and protective measures, such as practising good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and safe burial practices, are essential.

There is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of the Ebola virus (species Zaire ortho-ebolavirus).

However, vaccines for other strains, such as the Sudan strain, are still under development.

Supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms improve survival.

Early supportive care with rehydration, and symptomatic treatment improves survival.

A range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies, are currently being evaluated.

By Abujah Racheal

Stakeholders validate model Climate Change Mitigation Law for Africa

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders validate model Climate Change Mitigation Law for Africa

Some African stakeholders, made up of legal experts, policymakers, lawmakers and climate change specialists, have validated a Model Climate Change Law to address climate change effects on the continent.

NILDS
Participants at the validation retreat on the draft Model Climate Change Law for Africa, in Abuja

The stakeholders endorsed the legislation in Abuja during a three-day retreat, organised by African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES), in collaboration with National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

The legislation, which was drafted by experts under the auspices of AGNES, was targetted at bridging the existing legislative gap in Africa.

Speaking at the retreat, the AGNES Team Lead, Dr George Wamukoya, said of the 54 countries in Africa, only Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria had enacted dedicated climate change legislations.

Wamukoya said that the situation left much of Africa without comprehensive legal instruments to combat the challenges of climate change.

According to him, African countries must endorse an acceptable legislation to combat the challenges posed by climate change on the continent.

Wamukoya, however, stated that the implementation of the law was subject to individual countries, adding that each nation was expected to domesticate the law.

“Climate change is with us, and we must put comprehensive mechanisms in place to address it, and one such mechanisms is a legal framework.

“This framework hopes to enable all African countries to enact legislations on climate change, which will strengthen the continent’s negotiation position on the global stage,” he said.

Wamukoya commended the experts and other stakeholders which included NILDS, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Africa Network of Parliamentarians on Climate Change (ANPCC), among others, for their commitment to combating climate change.

By EricJames Ochigbo

How we’re tackling waste, pollution on waterways – LASWA

Michael Simire
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How we’re tackling waste, pollution on waterways – LASWA

Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has partnered with Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Marine Unit to address environmental impact of waterways activities.

Plastic wastes on waterways
Plastic wastes on waterways pose a treat to small boats

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said in Lagos that the partnership was particularly on waste management to improve safety on waterways.

Emmanuel said that, under the partnership, LAWMA would go to LASWA centres, pick up plastic bottles and other recyclable wastes, and take them to recycle factories.

“This is done to ensure that boats, jetties and waterways are rid of wastes that constitute nuisance to the system,” he said.

He expressed the hope that pollution of waterways would be adequately tackled in LASWA’s Omi-Eko project aimed at moving its ferries out of fossil fuel engines.

“The Omi-Eko project is strictly going to run on electric ferries. This is to reduce the pollution that comes from engines.

“To this effect, we will embark on collaborations with relevant agencies in a bid to keep the waterways clean.

“Our working with LAWMA Marine Unit is to ensure that waterways are kept clean.

“Also, the state Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development is upgrading jetties and terminals so that we can operationalise and maintain these jetties,” he said.

According to Emmanuel, LASWA is also collaborating with the National Inland Waterways Authority on safety on waterways.

“We join resources to see it work because, at the end of the day, it is the safety and development of waterways that we are after,” he said.

The general manager noted that LASWA inaugurated 15 ferries in 2024, adding that 10 would be inaugurated in 2025 to significantly improve efficiency.

He said that the state government was determined to have a fully-integrated transport system in which rail, road and water transport modes would be linked.

The LASWA boss said that in the next 10 years, water transport would be expected to contribute much more to the state’s gross domestic product.

He said that improvements in water transport infrastructure in terms of boats and terminals would drive patronage to the state’s waterways.

“One of the things we are doing to encourage people to use the waterways is creating awareness on the need to use life jackets which is the single most important thing in water transportation.

“Apart from pushing for its usage, we donate life jackets. We purchase and distribute to stakeholders, whether operators or passengers,” he said.

On the quality of life jackets some boat operators use, he said that the authority had always advocated best practices.

Emmanuel said that LASWA deployed water guards at jetties to ensure that poor quality life jackets would not be used.

“However, if it does happen, passengers have our hotlines to reach us to make complaints and we deal with them appropriately,” he said.

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos urged to relocate dump site opposite Alimosho General Hospital

Michael Simire
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Lagos urged to relocate dump site opposite Alimosho General Hospital

Patients seeking medical care at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Lagos State, have appealed to the Lagos State Government to relocate the dump site situated directly opposite the hospital.

Igando refuse dump
Igando refuse dump site directly opposite Alimosho General Hospital

The patients who spoke in Lagos said that the stench from the dump was sickening and the heaps of refuse unsightly.

Mrs Amina Ayetoro, who accompanied her aged mother to the hospital for treatment, said that having a refuse site close to the facility was not a good image for the hospital.

Ayetoro said the refusal of the Lagos State government to take a drastic measure on the issue over the years was worrisome.

“People around this area have made a passionate plea to the Lagos Government to do something about this refuse ground , yet nothing has happen about it.

“The site is very close to the hospital, and this has a lot of health implications for patients coming to the hospital to seek care,” she said.

Also, Mr Felix Ogu, whose child was on admission, said that the stench from the dump site during the raining season was always unbearable.

“If you come to this hospital during the raining season, especially the Maternal and Child Centre (MCC) building, the stench during that period is terrible.

“I don’t know if the Lagos State Government knows the implications of having a refuse site beside a hospital that caters for the health needs of people in Alimosho.”

Dr Essien Peters, who also went for a check up at the facility, said it was sad for the dump site to be opposite the hospital.

According to him, it will be causing a lot of discomfort for patients and workers in the facility, not to mention of residents around.

He urged the government to look at possible solutions to address the situation and most advisably, relocate the dump site.

Dangers of having open dumpsites especially in metropolis

According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), while open dumping is a cost-effective waste management option, it has significant adverse effects on the environment and public health.

Emissions from open dumping, including dioxins, furans, mercury and other hazardous substances, contribute to air, water and soil pollution.

It notes that people working at these sites and surrounding communities face a high risk of inhaling and ingesting toxic substances.

This poses a threat of diseases spreading due to poor sanitation and the presence of insects and vectors.

Studies published in the Journal of Environmental Protection established that indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in dumpsites located within urban areas has proved to be a problem to nearby residents in most developing cities of the world.

It corroborated that open dumps have environmental safeguards as they can pose major public health threats and environmental effects in urban cities.

Results show that both nearby residents and far away residents suffered from related diseases including malaria, chest pains, diarrhea and cholera, due to the location of the dumpsite closer to their settlements.

Solutions

UNEP’s approach identified that the solution would be multifaceted extending beyond the closure of open dumpsites.

However, the closure of open dumpsites would significantly contribute to addressing the climate crisis by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and soil contamination.

It would also lead to improved sanitation and water quality, fostering safer working conditions for informal workers and residents.

Studies in ScienceDirect advise that waste dump sites should be placed far from residential areas, main roads, among others.

Relocating dumpsites from residential areas and roads is considered the most suitable place for waste-dumping land, with less socio-economic, environmental, and political value.

“Additionally, economic benefits, such as increased job opportunities in the waste management sector, can be anticipated.”

By Kemi Akintokun

Kano seeks urgent action on waste management

Michael Simire
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Kano seeks urgent action on waste management

The Kano State Government has called for urgent action to address gaps in waste management across the state.

Dr Dahir Hashim
Dr Dahir Hashim, Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change

Dr Dahir Hashim, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, made the call during the monthly sanitation exercise held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Kano, the state capital.

Hashim highlighted the challenges the state faces in effectively managing waste, stressing the need for immediate corrective measures.

“There is a huge gap in waste management, hence the need for immediate corrective measures,” he advocated.

The commissioner urged residents to actively participate in maintaining a cleaner environment, emphasising that waste management “is a collective responsibility.”

Hashim revealed plans to set up roadblocks in strategic locations to prevent vehicles from entering Kano during the designated sanitation hours.

“Movement of vehicles during sanitation hours will no longer be tolerated, particularly those coming from outside Kano.

“In the next exercise, we will deploy sufficient security to man the exercise, in addition, we are going to block some roads leading into the state,” he said.

The commissioner condemned the operation of motor parks that continue to function during the sanitation exercise.

“Some motor parks remain open, defying the sanitation law. This will not be tolerated, and we will take firm action against those found guilty,” he assured.

Hashim urged residents and travelers to comply with the sanitation restrictions rules and adjust their travel plans accordingly to avoid any disruptions.

He warned that anyone, including transport operators, caught violating the rules would face severe penalties.

“I want to express my displeasure over the continued movement of people and vehicles especially within the stipulated period of sanitation,” he lamented.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Noise pollution: NESERA urges prompt report of environmental violations

Michael Simire
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Noise pollution: NESERA urges prompt report of environmental violations

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has called on Nigerians to promptly report environmental violations to the agency.

Innocent Barikor
Dr Innocent Barikor, Director-General, NESREA

Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director-General, NESREA, made the call in an interview on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Abuja.

Barikor spoke through Mr. Elijah Udofia, Director, Environmental Quality Control (EQC), NESREA.

The director-general also urged Nigerians to respect environmental laws and regulations in the country.

He said that the agency would not fail to take action against individuals or facilities that violated those laws.

Barikor said that the agency had received and responded to several complaints on noise pollution.

He said the complaints were mostly from faith-based organisations (churches and mosques), night clubs, social gardens, power generating sets, musical shops, among others, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states of the federation.

“These complaints received were investigated and resolved.’’

He said that the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009 prescribed the maximum permissible noise levels a facility or activity to which a person might be exposed to.

Regulation 5 (1) states that “No person shall emit or cause to be emitted, or permit the emission of noise resulting from any action or activity specified in sub-regulation (2) of this regulation if that noise is a disturbance to the receptor or in the neighbourhood for more than two minutes or is within the prohibited time in a residential area or Noise Control Zone as determined by the agency in consultation with state and local governments.’’

Barikor said that regulations 5 (1) and (2) (a) stated addressed noise pollution caused by the use of power bike at night.

He said that the regulations equally addressed noise from other forms like in the place of worship, market places, sales, promotion with the use of public address system, among others.

Barikor said that facilities that were guilty of non-compliance had been sanctioned as provided in the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009 after being served several notifications to abate noise pollution.

He said that, to effectively carry out her mandate, the agency was enforcing the provisions of 35 National Environmental Regulations on various environmental issues.

“NESREA focuses her regulatory work on individuals or organisations whose activities pose threat to the environment.

“Out of these regulations, one that is completely geared towards regulating the activities that lead to noise pollution is the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009, amongst other provisions.

“The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that the citizenry has access to quiet environment; these regulations have noise limits for places at different times.

“The regulations also call on individuals to report noise pollution complaints to the agency for swift intervention and abatement.’’

He said in pursuit of the implementation of National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009, the agency embarked on sensitisation of the general public on the provisions of the regulations.

The NESERA boss said the regulations stressed on the sources and dangers of noise and ways of ameliorating the menace.

Barikor said that the sensitisation campaigns on noise pollution by the agency were carried out through print and broadcast media, social media, posters, flyers, stickers, among others.

“The agency, in her tradition of creating awareness on environmental matters, carries out weekly sensitisation exercise in all the states where NESREA has an office, including the FCT.

“The objectives of this exercise are to sensitise the general public on the mandate of the agency as it relates to noise, sanitation and waste control and other environmental issues.

“NESERA also enlightens the general public on the vision of the agency in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment.’’

Barikor said that the agency was currently working on carrying out enforcement exercises against some facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State  for violating the provisions of the regulations.

“Recently, Cyvillian Garden, a popular relaxation spot in Mararaba , Nasarawa State, was shut down by NESREA over complaints on noise pollution by residents,’’ he said.

Barikor reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a healthier environment for all Nigerians.

More so, an environmental consultant, Mr Lanre Eyinfunjowo, said that noise pollution was a critical issue that needed to be addressed in Nigeria’s environmental space.

Eyinfunjowo, who is the President, Association of Accredited Environmental Consultants of Nigeria, said that many people were not aware that noise was a type of pollution.

“Noise is something that a lot of people don’t see as pollution.

“It is a fundamental environmental impact because what people don’t know is that noise can lead to a lot of stress, fatigue, hearing impairment and even brain damage.

“Noise can affect the sight; people don’t know about that as well,” he said.

He urged NESREA and other relevant agencies to continue to address the menace of noise pollution through public advocacy and sensitisation of Nigerians on the impact of noise to the environment.

By Doris Esa

Coca-Cola unveils packaging hub to address waste collection challenge

Michael Simire
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Coca-Cola unveils packaging hub to address waste collection challenge

The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising of Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd. and its authorised bottler, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), has unveiled a state-of-the-art packaging collection hub in Lagos to tackle waste collection.

Packaging collection hub
The packaging collection hub

During the commissioning on Friday, January 31, 2025, in Lagos, Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola, said that the facility aimed to reduce waste by collecting and recycling its packaging in Nigeria.

The facility, a landmark initiative in Nigeria’s plastics recycling infrastructure, has the capacity to process up to 13,000 metric tonnes (MT) of plastic bottles annually.

Bogdanovic said that, by investing in the hub, the company was supporting local communities, creating jobs and demonstrating its commitment to building a more sustainable future.

He said that the investment underscored its global goal to help reduce packaging waste and emissions.

He said that this could be achieved using 35 per cent to 40 per cent recycled materials in primary packaging of plastic, glass and aluminium, and increasing recycled plastic use to 35 per cent globally.

“We are proud to partner with the Nigerian government in addressing the critical challenge of waste management while fostering economic growth,” he said.

In her remarks, Luisa Ortega, Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit President, said that, for nearly 75 years, the Coca-Cola System was honoured to be part of communities in Nigeria.

Ortega said that through collaboration with local and global partners, the company would continue to expand its design innovations, explore new collection models and improve existing ones.

She said that the company would invest in local infrastructure like the hub, and engage with communities to help create a better shared future.

“In addition to supporting the Coca-Cola System’s sustainability initiatives, the hub aims to serve as a comprehensive solution for plastic waste management.

“It seeks to facilitate PET collection, process materials into clean PET bales, and enable recycled polyethylene (rPET) production through third-party partnerships.

“This will help contribute to cleaner communities and driving collective action to help reduce packaging waste.

“The vision is to scale the model once its success is demonstrated,” she said.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described the launch as a significant step in the country’s collective commitment to sustainability, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.

Oduwole commended Coca-Cola System for its vision and investment in the project.

She said that the commitment to Nigeria’s economy, environmental sustainability, and community development aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for a prosperous and self-sustaining nation.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the new facility was a symbol of progress and a tangible demonstration of the kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) needed in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Special Adviser on Circular Economy, Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, said that the NBC had demonstrated its commitment to doing business beyond profit and playing a broader role in society through this project.

He said that the hub would serve as a critical centre for collecting, sorting, and recycling PET plastics, which would significantly reduce plastic pollution in the environment.

Also, Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, described the development as a bold step that would redefine Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

He said that the commissioning meant that manufacturing had met with sustainability and industry, leading to output and impact.

“Establishing this hub by the Coca-Cola System, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its bottling partner, Nigerian Bottling Company, marks an important moment in our national industrial journey.

“It demonstrates what happens when industries rise beyond profit and embrace responsibility to the environment for job creation,” Enoh said.

By Rukayat Moisemhe

African leaders pledge clean cooking solutions to save 600,000 lives

Michael Simire
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African leaders pledge clean cooking solutions to save 600,000 lives

Twelve African nations committed to implementing clean cooking energy solutions during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, addressing a crisis that claims approximately 600,000 lives annually across the continent.

Biofuel clean cooking stove
Biofuel clean cooking stove

The two-day summit, hosted by Tanzania on January 27-28, 2025, focused on accelerating access to electricity and clean cooking solutions in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“This gathering is a platform to consolidate commitments, announce new partnerships and drive momentum towards the 2030 goal,” said Tanzanian President, Suluhu Hassan, who championed the initiative.

The African Energy Commission reports that one billion Africans lack access to clean cooking facilities, relying instead on biomass fuels like wood and charcoal.

This dependency costs the continent an estimated $790 billion annually.

The African Development Bank pledged $2 billion over 10 years toward clean cooking solutions, contributing to the $4 billion annual requirement for universal access by 2030.

“Why should anybody have to die just for trying to cook a decent meal that is taken for granted in other parts of the world?” said African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina.

Tanzania leads regional efforts with its National Clean Cooking Strategy, aiming to transition 80% of its population to clean cooking technologies by 2034. The country currently loses 400 hectares of forest annually to charcoal and firewood use.

Private sector innovations include M-Gas’s pay-as-you-cook LPG model, which has reached 500,000 households in Kenya and Tanzania.

“With 35 cents they can cook three meals in a day,” said M-Gas CEO, Martin Kimani.

Burn Manufacturing, Africa’s largest clean cooking manufacturer, highlighted the availability of carbon credit funding pending government approvals.

“This is the most exciting time in the history of clean cooking,” said CEO, Peter Scott.

The summit concluded with President Hassan expressing optimism that additional nations would join the initiative, marking a significant step toward addressing Africa’s energy access challenges.

By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief

Arctic Ice Project shuts down over ecological concerns

Michael Simire
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Arctic Ice Project shuts down over ecological concerns

Civil society networks, including Indigenous Peoples, climate justice advocates, and environmental organisations, are celebrating the shutdown of the Arctic Ice Project (AIP). The project’s decision to cease operations, citing ecological concerns, marks a significant moment in both local community led and global resistance to geoengineering and harmful technofixes.

Melting Antarctic ice
Melting Antarctic ice

The Arctic Ice Project, which proposed spreading reflective synthetic silica-based microspheres on Arctic Sea ice to slow its melting, faced years of criticism from Indigenous communities for its potential to disrupt delicate Arctic ecosystems and perpetuate climate inaction.

This outcome, according to observers, sends a strong signal to proponents of geoengineering that the global community will not accept risky experiments that endanger ecosystems and communities. 

“This risky and controversial technofix is emblematic of geoengineering approaches that try to treat the symptoms rather than address the root causes of climate change. The shutdown of this project is a timely reminder that such speculative technofixes cannot replace systemic change. Just last year, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) made a decision to reinforce the precautionary approach to geoengineering and reaffirmed the existing de facto global moratorium on geoengineering,” submitted the Hands Off Mother Earth! (HOME) Alliance. 

This victory, according to the group, also comes off the back of other “recently failed geoengineering projects like Alameda marine cloud brightening project, Harvard backed SCoPEx project and the shut down of the Running Tide company”.

Panganga Pungowiyi, Climate Geoengineering Organizer, Indigenous Environmental Network, said: “At IEN, we celebrate the end of the Arctic Ice Project, a decision long overdue. We are concerned for the community members in Utquiavik who were made to spread football fields of this material onto their frozen lake. For years, we stood in defense of Indigenous lands and the sacred ice that has sustained our communities for generations. Our concerns about the reckless use of harmful materials were dismissed, yet we knew that the health of our ecosystems and the wisdom of our people must not be overlooked.

“We continually showed up in defense of Free Prior and Informed Consent, and made our presence known. We continue to state firmly that nature is not a laboratory; it is a living entity we are in relationship with. While we find relief in this victory, we remain vigilant against other forms of geoengineering that threaten our sacred spaces. Together, we will continue to educate and empower our communities, standing with our lands, waters, and air for the generations to come.”

Silvia Ribeiro, Latin America Director, ETC Group: “Arctic Ice Project, like many other geoengineering projects, attempted to use Indigenous Peoples territories to experiment with speculative technologies that involve a range of health and environmental risks. Today we celebrate the wisdom, experience and work of Indigenous Peoples and organizations in Alaska that stopped this project and stand in solidarity with their vigilance against similar experiments that are planned in Arctic regions.”

Coraina de la Plaza, Global Coordinator, Hands Off Mother Earth Alliance: “The cancellation of the Artic Ice Project marks another monumental victory for our planet and future generations, a victory where Indigenous Peoples’ resistance has been central. This outcome reflects the power of community advocacy, and while the fight against geoengineering is far from over, this is a significant step to continue protecting the Arctic against industry greed and vested interests.”

Mary Church, Geoengineering Campaign Manager at Center for International Environmental Law: “This is a huge victory for the Indigenous communities at the forefront of resistance to the industries and vested interests that are polluting the planet and gambling with our collective future. Geoengineering approaches do nothing to address the root causes of the climate crisis and instead delay real solutions, offering a free pass to polluters.

“Following the recent reaffirmation of the global moratorium on geoengineering at the UN biodiversity summit in Colombia, governments need to act to prevent harmful outdoor experiments and the slippery slope to legitimising deployment. Instead of betting on highly speculative techno-fixes, governments must prioritize an urgent and just transition away from fossil fuels to protect vital Arctic ecosystems.”

Benjamin Day, Senior Campaigner for Climate & Energy Justice at Friends of the Earth U.S.: “The decision to shut down the Arctic Ice Project completes The Geoengineering Hype Cycle that we now see so often: entrepreneurs swoop into local communities claiming they have a solution to global warming, assuring everyone it’s completely safe and ignoring the red flags raised by those with deep knowledge of local ecosystems.

“After countless wasted dollars and press attention, it’s revealed the community was right and geoengineering is not a safe or responsible way to address climate change. Collectively, we must stop enabling this cycle and work towards rapidly and equitably transitioning our communities to sustainable energy and land-use practices.”

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