Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week will take place from 4–8 September 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. The inaugural Africa Climate Summit, championed by HE President Ruto, presents a critical opportunity to galvanize Africa’s voice on climate solutions in preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in November. The Summit focuses on investment in solutions for sustainable economy that Africa offers to the world. It will serve as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration.

Climate adaptation, resilience, finance for Loss & Damage, and climate justice are equally crucial elements of the Africa agenda, requiring deep, inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue. Africa Climate Week will be organized in parallel with the Africa Climate Summit. One of four regional climate weeks held this year, it is intended to build momentum ahead of COP28 and the conclusion of the first global stocktake, which will assess the progress of climate goals from the Paris Agreement. 

These two African climate forums provide a joint platform for policymakers, practitioners, businesses, investors, and civil society, to exchange and interrogate ideas on climate solutions, raise ambition, plan action, overcome barriers, and identify new opportunities. The forums will also progress the global pact on international finance reform and will influence discussions at the G20 meeting and the UN General Assembly, both scheduled for later in September.  

Find WRI Africa at these events. This page will be continuously updated.

 

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Sunday, September 3

Exhibition and Dialogue | Skilling Africa’s Youth for an Inclusive and Just Transition

The role of Kenyan youth in driving the country’s development ambition is undeniable. Building their capacity is crucial to their successful involvement and ensuring a 'leaving no one behind' approach. This event will include an exposure visit to Toolkit for Skills & Innovation Hub campus to understand their innovative training programs and a high-level panel session with key stakeholders discussing skills development for youth. The objectives of the event are to showcase practical and innovative approaches to building youth skills for climate resilience, identify challenges and opportunities for scaling up skills development, and to encourage dialogue among stakeholders for replicating Toolkit for Skills & Innovation Hub’ model at scale.

By invitation only

  • Time: September 3, 13;15–16:15 EAT
  • Location: Karen-Kikuyu Highway
  • Organizers: Ministry of Energy, Sun Africa, Toolkit for Skills & Innovation Hub, World Resources Institute Africa, Children Investment Fund Foundation
  • Speakers:
    • Rev. Eustace K. Kabue, Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Kenya
    • H.E Hon. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., CBS - Governor of Makueni County            
    • Goran Rajsic, Sun Africa Renewable Energy Solutions 
    • Ms. Caroline Njuki, Officer In-Charge and Chief Technical Officer, United Nations International Labor Organization (ILO), Kenya 
    • Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director, Africa & Global Partnerships, World Resources Institute 
    • Rebekah Shirley, Deputy Regional Director, World Resources Institute Africa  
    • Mr. Samuel Macharia, Director, The ToolKit Skills & Innovation Hub 
    • Jane Muigai Kamphuis, Director, Toolkit 
    • Hosea Mugera, ToolKit Skills & Innovation Hub 
  • WRI Contact: Christine Odeph

 

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Monday, September 4

Small Is Beautiful, but Is It Attractive for Investment?

Community Forestry in the Congo Basin

It is now widely acknowledged that community-led conservation and forest enterprises represent a unique opportunity for addressing the triple threat of poverty, deforestation, and climate vulnerability. As Congo Basin countries are faced with the urgency of these threats, speeding up and scaling community forestry and other types of locally-led forest and land management could generate benefits for people, nature, and climate. However, investment in these types of small businesses has been blatantly low and insufficient. This session will provide a space to discuss challenges and opportunities for closing this gap.

  • Time: September 4, 14:30–15:30 EAT
  • Location: ACS 4 - Karre Mountain
  • Organizers: WRI Africa
  • Speakers:
    • Théophile Gata, Executive Director, Centre d'Appui à la Gestion des Forêts Tropicales (CAGDFT) 
    • Clarisse Fombana, Project Manager, Service d'Appui aux Initiatives Locales de Développement (SAILD) 
    • Dorothée Lisenga, Coordinator, Coalition of Female Leaders for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CFLEDD) 
    • Annie Medik, Senior Program Coordinator, Keva Initiative 
  • WRI Contact: Teodyl Nkuintchua

 

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Tuesday, September 5

Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Africa for People, Nature, and Climate

Hunger affected an estimated 281 million people in Africa in 2022, and this number has been increasing by tens of millions each year since 2014. Yet, Africa loses $4 billion worth in grains annually, enough to provide the minimum annual food requirement for at least 48 million people. Fruits and vegetables incur the greatest percentage of losses, at approximately 52% of production. The loss and waste of root and tubers are estimated at 44%, while the estimates for cereals are 20.5%. Managing food loss and waste is not only considered to be a less costly way to close the food requirement gap, but it also contributes to lowering food production costs, making food systems more efficient, and enhancing environmental sustainability. This session at Africa Climate Summit will showcase ongoing localized efforts—research to build evidence; shifting policies and convening key stakeholders to set ambitions and targets; and action to drive behavior change.

  • Time: September 5, 15:30–16:30 EAT
  • Location: To be announced
  • Organizers: WRI Africa, Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK), University of Nairobi (UoN), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
  • Speakers:
    • Susan Chomba, Director, Vital Landscapes, WRI Africa
    • Makena Ireri, Director, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) 
    • Talash Huijbers, CEO, InsectiPro   
    • Dominique Xavio Imbabazi, Director, Golden Insect Ltd.
    • Jane Ambuko, Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi 
    • Wambui Mbarire, CEO, Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK)  
    • Winnie Yegon, Food systems specialist, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)   
    • Robert Mbeche, Social Economist, Agriculture, Environment and Development, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) 
  • WRI Contact: James Wangu

 

Launch of Africa-Europe Earthshot: An Investment Deal for People, Climate, and Nature

Africa can play a leading role in the renewal of global cooperation, the creation of a new global financial pact, and a green industrial revolution rooted in a just transition and for the well-being of people and planet. Yet, despite Africa’s transformational investable resources, only 2% of global renewable energy investments are made in Africa. Without investment, we are squandering the opportunity to position Africa as a driver of solutions to the global climate challenge. Decisions made today will shape the ability of the continent, and the world, to establish a just energy future and help the world meet its net zero targets and sustainable development goals by 2050.

The Africa-Europe Earthshot aims to deliver an enabling environment that can accelerate investment in Africa at speed and scale, by raising ambition, building new narratives and shifting assumptions about Africa as a destination for green investment.

This launch event marks the beginning of our process working with African + European changemakers to commit time and expertise to the design of a new investment future for Africa and a just energy future for the world. In this session, we will share the vision of an African investment deal for people, climate and nature: a roadmap and investment allocation plan that enables Africa to realise its potential as a green industrialisation hub and carbon sink for the world. We will make the case for new investment in Africa rooted in the argument that Africa should be afforded an opportunity for foreign investment that is beneficial to the continent and its citizens.

  • Time: September 5, 13:00–14:00 EAT
  • Location: ACS2 – River Nile, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
  • Organizers: WRI Africa, Africa-Europe Foundation, Climate Action Platform Africa, Africa Investor Group, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, and The B Team
  • Speakers:
    • Mary Robinson, Africa-Europe Foundation
    • Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director, Africa and Global Partnerships, WRI Africa
    • James Mwangi, Founder, Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A)
    • Rebekah Shirley, Regional Deputy Director, WRI Africa
    • Hubert Danso, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Africa Investor Group
    • Leah Kibe, Director & Head of Co-funding & Partnerships, Africa & Head of Kenya Office, CIFF
    • Other speakers to be announced.
  • WRI Contact: Ian de Cruz

 

Championing Women’s Engagement in Africa’s Forest and Landscape Restoration Actions

The Office of Her Excellency the First Lady in Kenya has set an ambitious goal to grow 500 million trees, with a greater ambition to grow 1 billion trees. This ambition seeks to contribute to Kenya’s Presidential Directive on the National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign seeking to increase Kenya’s tree cover from the current 12.13% to 30% by growing 15 billion trees by 2032. The Office of the First Lady through MaMa Doing Good is working with stakeholders and partners and is adopting different strategies to achieve this ambitious target by 2032.

This event will set a stage for the launch of a High-Level Restoration Platform of Africa’s First Ladies in the AFR100 member countries, led by Kenya’s First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto. Together, the continent’s First Ladies will champion work to achieve restoration targets through women’s grassroots groups. In addition, a Bezos Earth Fund commitment to African restoration and the Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) award for restoration and nature-based solutions in Ethiopia will be officially announced.

By invitation only

  • Time: September 5, 14:00–16:00 EAT
  • Location: Kenyatta International Convention Center, First Lady’s Pavilion
  • Organizers: WRI Africa, Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, African Union Development Agency, African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), Mama Doing Good
  • Speakers:
    • H.E. Mama Rachael Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
    • H.E. Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
    • Nardos Bekele Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
    • Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships, World Resources Institute
    • Andrew Steer, President and CEO, Bezos Earth Fund
    • Andreas Dahl Jørgense, Chief Executive Officer (Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI)
  • WRI Contact: Peter Ndunda

 

China-Africa Private Sector-led Partnership for an Inclusive Just Energy Transition and Access in Eastern Africa

China has been a leading partner in Africa’s economic growth and development trajectory. However, most of these investments have gone to fossil fuels (including pipeline) and large hydropower projects, with only a small proportion directed to solar and wind, despite China’s global leading role in manufacturing, financing, and supplying of these technologies. Additionally, Chinese private sector actors have played a very minimal role in Africa’s renewable energy space. On the other hand, private sector entities from Africa continue to play a significant role, particularly in the supply, distribution, and installation of Chinese-manufactured renewable energy technologies. There is still a greater appetite for more collaboration between Africa’s private sector entities with their Chinese counterparts. This event will officially launch a partnership for accelerated finance and investment for a just and inclusive energy transition and access in Africa.

By invitation only

  • Time: September 5, 14:00-17:30 EAT
  • Organizers: World Resources Institute Africa and Children Investment Fund Foundation
  • Speakers: To be announced
  • WRI Contact: Benson Ireri

 

Launch of the Regional Africa Energy Transition Dialogue Platform

Africa’s energy transitions and the role of fossil fuels therein have become a timely but polarised debate, with discussions characterized by reductive narratives, divergent viewpoints, and well-meaning but misguided searches for “one-size-fits-all” operating principles. These trends carry the risk of long-term decision lock-in and can significantly hamper progress on climate, diplomacy, and development goals by breaking down international trust. Africa’s leading institutions have clearly articulated the urgent need for data and evidence to support sound decision-making.

Findings of WRI’s A Path Across the Rift findings will be presented to kickstart discussions on critical issues around Africa’s energy transition and facilitate discussion of the various viewpoints. Also, an Africa regional dialogue platform on the energy transition will be launched at this event. It will convene national, regional, and international stakeholders to discuss issues around just energy transitions in Africa.

By invitation only

  • Time: September 6, 07:00-09:00 EAT
  • Organizers: To be announced
  • Speakers:
    • Dr. Sebastian Sterl, Senior Researcher, Africa Energy Transitions
    • Mary Githinji, Senior Engagement Manager – Clean Energy Transitions, WRI Africa
    • Mr. Paul Mbuthi, The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya
    • Mr. Rashid Ali Abdallah, Executive Director at the Africa Energy Commission (AFREC)
    • Lanre Shashore, Senior Advisor, Africa, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll)
    • Linus Mofor, Senior Environmental Affairs Officer (Energy, Infrastructure and Climate Change), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
    • Jide Ikeako, ClimateWorks Foundation, Director, Global Energy Transition Initiative, Africa Program
    • Sahele Fekede, Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) - Energy Access & Transitions Programme Manager 
  • WRI Contact: Mary Githinji

 

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Wednesday, September 6

Events to be announced

 

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Thursday, September 7

Connecting Informal Transport to the Climate Agenda

Informal transport is a fundamental component of African transport systems, accounting for up to 95% of public transport trips in some sub-Saharan African cities. However, its climate impact has been overlooked in high-level discussions, policies, and financing, missing a crucial opportunity to address a major source of carbon emissions and air pollution, and to enhance the lives of millions of daily commuters. The session will feature discussion on the relationship between informal transport and the climate agenda, with a specific focus on increasing ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at national and local levels; innovations and technologies in the informal transport sector; and financing models specifically tailored for electric motorized two- and three-wheelers.

  • Time: September 7, 10:30–11:30 EAT
  • Location: Amphi Caucus 2, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
  • Organizers: WRI Africa, Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SLOCAT), The World Bank, Global Network for Popular Transportation (GNPT), Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI), Climate Champions Team
  • Speakers:
    • Dr. Rebekah Shirley, Regional Deputy Director - Executive Office, WRI Africa  
    • Mohamed Hegazy, Transport Lead, Climate Champions Team
    • Andrea San Gil Leon, Executive Director, Global Network for Popular Transportation
    • Christopher Dekki, Global Advocacy & Engagement, SLOCAT
    • Eng. Francis Gitau Managing Director, Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA)
    • Herman Kwoba, Transport and Climate Change Project Officer, GIZ/TUMI
    • Laverne Dimitrov, Transport Sector Specialist, Development Bank of Southern Africa
    • Esthelyne Dusabe, Urban Mobility Project Specialist, WRI Africa
  • WRI Contact: Esthelyne Dusabe

 

Harnessing Finance, Technology and Inclusion To Accelerate Resilient Urban Infrastructure in Africa

Africa is the fastest urbanizing region in the world. Population in the continent’s cities is projected to rise from 472 million people today, to over 1.2 billion by 2050. African cities are experiencing adverse climate challenges that multiplied urban challenges such as inequality, among others. The urgent need for African cities to adapt and build their resilience to climate shocks has been constrained by lack of adequate finance and technology for critical risk-reducing infrastructure. Additionally, communities at the frontline of urban climate losses are often excluded from climate adaptation and resilience decision-making.

This event will focus on the role finance, nature-based solutions, technology, centering of vulnerable communities, and harnessing of partnerships can play in catalyzing adaptive and resilient cities in Africa. Featuring innovative initiatives such as the African Cities Water Adaptation Fund (ACWA Fund), the Roof Over Our Heads (ROOH) initiative, among others, the event will aim to accelerate action for meeting the 2030 Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda outcomes for people and nature.

  • Time: September 7, 15:30–16:30 EAT
  • Location: Aberdares Hall, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
  • Organizers: WRI Africa, The Climate Champions Team, ICLEI-Africa, Transport for Cairo, Africa Adaptation Initiative, SDI, The World Bank
  • Speakers: To be announced
  • WRI Contact: Hellen Wanjohi

 

World Clean Air Day Community Mural Installation and Events

Against the backdrop of the Africa Climate Action Summit and the Africa Climate Week, Nairobi will host UNEP’s fourth annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies with President and First Lady Ruto and other high-level speakers on September 7, 2023. This year’s theme is "Together for Clean Air", focusing on the need for strong partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility to overcome air pollution. To inspire Nairobi residents and visitors to the city and highlight the theme of working together to end road pollution and protect human health, a local artist will be commissioned to paint a mural in a prominent location near the Kenyatta International Convention Center.

  • Time: September 7, 9:00–10:00 EAT
  • Location: Main Entrance Nairobi City County Government Governor’s Office
  • Organizers: Nairobi City County Government, NEMA Clean Air Fund, USAID, WRI, Clean Air Catalyst Program, UN Environment Programme, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Airqo, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Basco Paints and Nairobi Air Quality Working Group (N-AIR)
  • Speakers: To be announced
  • WRI Contact: Ivy Murgor

 

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Friday, September 8

Ecosystem-Based Approaches for Just Climate Action in African Cities

The event highlights the critical significance of NBS in advancing just and equitable climate resilience within African cities. As climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities, it is vital to explore sustainable and inclusive approaches that build resilience and promote social justice and equity. This session will promote dialogue between thought leaders, practitioners, activists, and community organizers to highlight the importance of equitable ecosystem-based approaches to address climate challenges. We will delve into innovative strategies that empower communities, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure that the benefits of climate resilience are shared equitably.

By engaging in discussions and interactive activities and listening to inspiring case studies, participants will gain valuable insights into how NBS can address the intersecting challenges of climate change, social inequity, and environmental degradation. We will explore inclusive urban green spaces, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction practices, community-led adaptation projects, and sustainable livelihood initiatives that foster empowerment and resilience.  This session seeks to forge partnerships, foster dialogue, and catalyze transformative change toward just and equitable climate resilience in African cities. The session will also identify key gaps, barriers, and challenges that impede the adoption of NBS.

  • Time: September 8, 9:00–10:00 EAT
  • Location: Aberdares Hall, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
  • Organizers: WRI Africa, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), ICLEI-Africa, PlanAdapt, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA)
  • Speakers:
    • Rory Hunter, Nature-based Solutions Associate, Cities4Forests, World Resources Institute
    • Fatema Rajabali, CKDN Africa Manager - East and Soutern Africa, SouthSouthNorth
    • Prince Ansah, CKDN, Ghana Country Engagement Lead, SouthSouthNorth
    • Sumetee Pahwa Gajjar, Senior Researcher and Co-ordination Hub Member, PlanAdapt
    • Bongiwe Simka, Urban Nature and Nature-based Solutions, ICLEI Africa
  • WRI Contact: Rory Hunter

 

From Farm to Fork – What Is Required To Pivot Agriculture and Food Systems Towards Secure, Regenerative, Climate Resilient Outcomes

Africa has the highest prevalence of hunger, with 20.2% or 2,781 million people affected, with significant concentration in the Horn of Africa. While food security and agriculture are included in the Nationally Determined Contributions, the allocated funding for these sectors is insufficient. The investment gap in Africa is estimated at $40–200 billion annually with 55–75% of demand for capital unmet due to lack of accessible and affordable funding. The CPI 2023 Landscape for Food Systems study on general finance channeled to agrifood-related sectors suggests that enough liquidity exists globally to finance this transition.

There is insufficient awareness and evidence of how finance and food systems interact and are interdependent with nature, biodiversity, and climate. Global discussions on food agendas are not making the link to food security and nutrition outcomes in Africa. Transformational adaptation depends on interventions across the food chain from farm to fork. We need to re-balance a focus on the supply side of food and agriculture and pay attention to the demand side. This dialogue takes us along the food chain from land use to consumer demand to illustrate our vision for climate resilient Africa.

  • Time: September 8, 10:30–11:30 EAT
  • Location: Aberdares Hall, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
  • Organizers: FAO and the Climate Champions Africa Team
  • Speakers: To be announced
  • WRI Contact: Susan Chomba

 

Catalyzing Clean Air and Climate Action in the Transport Sector: Sharing Lessons from Nairobi and Kampala

Both air quality and climate solutions depend on the ability of local governments and organizations to mobilize national resources and support. This is especially true in the case of urban mobility where multi-jurisdictional, multi-sectoral collaboration is critical.

Speakers will share experience on how they are pursuing evidence-based action and multi-level collaboration to drive transformation in the transport sector. Discussion points will include the important role of stakeholder forums and engagement to coalesce support for action on specific sources of air pollution in the transport sector and create comprehensive air quality management plans; the usefulness of sector-based emissions inventories that incorporate health, gender, and sustainable development metrics; recommendations on how to incentivize actions to reduce road pollution; and a call for regional and international action to curb a growing global crisis—the international market for catalytic converters fueled by theft and lack of regulation.

  • Time: September 8, 16:30–17:30 EAT
  • Location: Karre Mountain, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
  • Organizers: WRI Africa, Nairobi City County Government, USAID, National Environment Management Authority
  • Speakers:
    • Ibrahim Nyangonya, CECM, Green Nairobi Environment, Water, Food and Agriculture, Nairobi City County Government
    • Selelah Okoth, Head of Air Quality, National Environment Management Authority
    • Betty Mugo, Gender and Inclusive Development Specialist, USAID Kenya
    • Andriannah Mbandi, Climate Champion
    • Michael Wanyama, Road Safety, Uganda
  • WRI Contact: Ivy Murgor

 

Pathways to a Just Transition and Equitable Development: Harnessing the Energy Access Explorer 2.0

The Energy Access Explorer 2.0 will be launched at a side event at Africa Climate to highlight its role in driving equitable energy transition in Africa. By showcasing its capabilities and discussing real-world applications, we will inspire attendees to integrate this tool into their energy planning processes and accelerate the progress toward achieving the Paris Agreement's key goals.

The objective of this Action Hub is to create a participatory session that highlights the potential of the Energy Access Explorer 2.0 in promoting sustainable energy systems and accelerating the clean energy transition in Africa. The session will disseminate key insights, spark conversations, and motivate participants to explore the opportunities offered by this innovative tool.

  • Time: September 8, 16:30–17:00 EAT
  • Location: Action Hub, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
  • Organizers: World Resources Institute
  • Speakers: To be announced
  • WRI Contact: Christine Odeph

 

Cover image by Damian Patkowski