The findings of the 2021 UNEP Adaptation Gap report remind the wisdom in the African proverb that says: “there are no shortcuts to the top of the palm tree”. In short, climate deterioration far outpaces global efforts to adapt. The science is precise and leaves no space to doubt: the…

My Opening Remarks during the Regional Webinar on Advancing National Planning on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) and Implementation in the West African States 6th May 2022 All of us today have, in the past 12–1 hour, engaged in the most foundational exercise of self-preservation — cooking and eating. Imagine a…

In the journey of life, one of the first places that bring to the fore the distinctions between us as individuals is the schooling environment. That is where for the first time, we appreciate with more certainty that we are all not gifted the same in every area. While some…

Industrialisation is often imagined as an influx of high polluting, heavy industry. But in this era of globally interlinked economies, Africa cannot replicate what was done in the west and expect economic competitiveness. The hundreds of years since the industrial revolution, Africa was absent, which means the west has perfected…

Imagine a farmer who has a field of ripe crops, ready for harvesting. The farmer has meticulously planned and strategized for this moment, but as he looks out over his land, he realizes that he can’t do it alone. …

The African continent is like a vast and vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of its many cultures, traditions, and people. And like any tapestry, the strength of Africa lies in the interweaving of its many threads, each adding its own unique color and texture to the whole. One of…

Just as a seed requires nutrients and care to grow into a healthy plant, the blended finance facilities designed to unlock market-driven finance require seed capital to flourish. Africa faces significant challenges in financing its climate action plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with an estimated cost of implementing these…

Communities have their own knowledge and traditions that can be used to come up with solutions that will help them move forward. However, external organizations must be humble when engaging with communities to promote sustainable and resilient futures. In this newsletter, I have examined practical examples and key recommendations to…

Imagine our planet as a vast canvas, with each of us holding a brush in hand. Some of us content ourselves with using the same old colors and techniques that have been used for centuries, creating familiar and uninspired landscapes. Others, on the other hand, try to push the limits…