Climate finance key to Africa’s low-carbon future

At the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Brazil, Sahara Group highlighted the need to scale nature‑based solutions to boost Africa’s climate resilience. Tejumade Tejuoso, Governance and Sustainability Manager at Sahara Group, stressed that the continent must prioritize systems that protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems as it moves toward a low‑carbon future. Although Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, it bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts, underscoring the urgency for responsible, well‑financed action.

Tejuoso pointed out that global negotiations present opportunities for African nations and private‑sector actors to secure equitable climate financing, deepen adaptation efforts and strengthen regional preparedness for climate risks. Sahara Group’s Adopt‑a‑Forest initiative is a central element of its nature‑based interventions, aiming to restore critical forest and mangrove ecosystems across the continent. The energy conglomerate has set a target of planting at least one million trees within its operations. To date, the initiative has restored a 34‑hectare arboretum in Côte d’Ivoire, supported landscape regeneration in Nigeria, and carried out mangrove restoration in Kenya, among other projects. These actions seek to rebuild natural ecosystems, enhance carbon‑sequestration potential and bolster community resilience.

Tejuoso reaffirmed the company’s commitment to adopting as many forest areas as possible to help restore climate balance. In parallel, Sahara Group is preparing for the new global sustainability disclosure standards, which will become mandatory by 2028, by identifying gaps and integrating the standards across its operations. The adoption of nature‑based solutions is essential for Africa’s climate resilience, and Sahara Group’s initiatives illustrate how private‑sector actors can drive positive change. As the world transitions to a low‑carbon future, African countries must prioritize climate action and secure fair financing to support their efforts. Investing in nature‑based solutions will strengthen Africa’s resilience and promote sustainable development.