Author: James Wambua

• Masdar, UAE’s flagship renewable energy firm will work with Africa50 to identify, accelerate and scale clean energy projects across the continent.
• Ahead of COP28, Masdar will seek to unlock 10GW of clean energy projects for millions of people across Africa by 2030.
• The deal was struck on the sidelines of Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, known as Masdar, has joined hands with Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform, to propel the clean energy revolution across Africa, home to 1.3 billion people.

This collaboration, solidified by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, and Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, is set to bridge the infrastructure funding gap and mobilize both public and private finance to fast-track and scale clean energy projects.

Africa’s journey to sustainable future

The alliance between Masdar and Africa50 brings together two powerhouses—one known …

• The funding will target young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises with innovative solutions to drive climate change adaptation and resilience throughout Africa.
• YouthAdapt has already disbursed over $1.5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs across 19 African nations.
• Failing to invest in the youth will hurt Africa; failure is not an option – AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina has unveiled a $1 billion fund aimed at propelling climate financing for youth-led businesses across Africa. The initiative, known as YouthAdapt, is a partnership between the AfDB and the Global Centre on Adaptation.

YouthAdapt is designed to empower young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises with innovative solutions to drive climate change adaptation and resilience throughout Africa.

Dr Adesina made the announcement during a High-Level Dialogue titled “Africa Driving Climate Adaptation Solutions and Jobs,” held at the Wangari Maathai Institute of …

• Oil-rich UAE will provide $4.5 billion, drawing contributions from both the public and private sectors.
• In Nairobi, the US has pledged an annual commitment of $3 billion to bolster climate adaptation initiatives.
• The European Commission unveiled a €1 billion ($1.07 billion) fund designed to de-risk green bonds and attract private investments in emerging markets.

The US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have stepped up their support for Africa’s climate action efforts with multi-billion-dollar pledges during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.

The commitments come at a crucial time as Africa grapples with the severe impacts of industrial pollution, with 17 out of the 20 worst-affected countries calling the continent home.

US Unveils PREPARE: $3 Billion Annual Commitment

John Kerry, US Climate Envoy, unveiled President Joe Biden’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), signaling Washington’s strong commitment to climate adaptation across countries. Under PREPARE, the US has pledged …

• Eight out of the ten finalists in the Ashden Awards’ Global South categories hail from Africa.
• The Ashden Awards recognize innovative initiatives that contribute to a greener, more resilient planet.
• From powering smallholder farms to providing energy in camps for displaced people, these pioneers are redefining the accessibility and sustainability of energy resources.

The Africa Climate Summit kicked off today in Nairobi with a focus on harnessing innovative climate solutions to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the continent.

As the summit commences, the spotlight shines on the groundbreaking efforts of climate pioneers who are making strides toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. Leading the charge is climate charity Ashden, which has unveiled the finalists for its prestigious 2023 Ashden Awards.

Eight out of the ten finalists in the Ashden Awards‘ Global South categories hail from Africa, showcasing the remarkable breadth of climate innovation emerging from the continent. …

• At the first Africa Climate Summit, President William Ruto of Kenya ignited a collective vision for a bold, affirmative, and climate-resilient African future.
• Dr Ruto says Climate Summit seeks to scrutinize ideas, assess perspectives, and unlock solutions not to catalog grievances.
• This Summit is our moment to imagine a bold and radically affirmative African future – Dr Ruto.

In a display of environmental consciousness, President William Ruto of Kenya embarked on an unconventional journey to the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, setting an inspiring example for leaders worldwide.

Opting for a small electric car instead of the usual government convoys, President Ruto cruised through the freewheeling streets of Nairobi cleared of the often poorly maintained buses and vans belching smoke, making a statement about sustainable transportation.

His eco-friendly commute underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change at all levels of society, including the highest levels …

• UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Stephen Jackson, says the Africa Climate Summit goes beyond rhetoric—it’s about financing.
• Financing at scale to bring Africa’s climate solutions to the global marketplace is contingent on private sector participation.
• Currently, access to capital is limited, and when available, it often comes at a prohibitively high cost.

In Nairobi Kenya, a pivotal event is unfolding: the Africa Climate Summit 2023. Co-organized by the African Union (AU) and the Government of Kenya, this summit carries profound significance as it takes center stage in a continent on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Stephen Jackson, summarizes the essence of this summit in his remarks, emphasizing that this event goes beyond rhetoric—it’s about financing. According to Jackson, here’s why the Africa Climate Summit’s focus on financing is of paramount importance.

Africa: A Crucible of Challenges and Solutions

Africa’s unique position in the …

• The Africa Climate Summit 2023 seeks to foster collaborative efforts in addressing the pressing climate crisis.
• Ahead of the summit, President William Ruto calls on the global north to live up to the climate action commitments.
• African government leaders are poised to commit to a Nairobi Declaration at the end of the meeting.

In a historic gathering of minds, an estimated 15,000 individuals, spanning government leaders, policymakers, civil society, the private sector, multilateral institutions, and youth from approximately 80 countries, have converged in Nairobi, Kenya, for the first-ever Africa Climate Summit.

The event has garnered attention from across the globe. Over 30 Heads of State have confirmed their attendance. Also attending will be the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

Africa Climate Summit 2023

The primary aim of the Africa Climate Summit 2023 is to foster collaborative efforts in addressing the pressing climate crisis. Earlier Mr. Kerry expressed …

In the heart of East Africa, where the Serengeti wild plains meet the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, lies a nation that pulsates with fashion, creativity, and individuality. Tanzania, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, has cultivated a deep love for fashion that transcends mere clothing and expresses identity, history, and aspiration. The Tanzanian love for fashion is a complex tapestry woven with heritage threads, modernity, and a yearning for self-expression.…

• The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) impact on downstream nations Egypt and Sudan has turned the project into a geopolitical hotspot.
• The three countries expect to find common ground on the Nile dam’s construction in about four months.
• Egypt’s concerns are rooted in its dependence on the Nile waters for the livelihoods of its over 100 million people.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), perched on the Blue Nile, stands as a symbol of Ethiopia’s ambitions for progress, energy independence, and economic growth. However, the $4.6 billion dam’s colossal impact on downstream nations, particularly Egypt and Sudan, has transformed this engineering marvel into a geopolitical hotspot.

Negotiations over the fate of the GERD are back on, with leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan expressing their intent to find common ground within a four-month window.

The stakes are high. Egypt relies on the Nile’s waters for agricultural sustenance and the livelihoods …

Kenya, East Africa’s economic nerve centre, was in the dark at 9.45 pm (1845 GMT) on Friday, plunging people and industries into the most prolonged nationwide blackout. Utility Kenya Power stated that the electricity outage was due to “a system disturbance”.

As lights flickered back on for nearly 24 hours later, a game of blame took centre stage, leaving the nation and analysts puzzled and raising concerns about Kenya’s energy infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and overall management.…