Africa’s population is projected to hit 2.5 billion by the year 2050 according to United Nations Medium Scenario projections The bulwark of this population is poised to be the youth with an estimated 830 million by 2050. While the coinciding increase in Africa’s youth bulge presents an opportunity for increased labour force, unemployment has been an impediment to economic growth and currently stands at 7.2%, against the global average of 13%. unemployment rates remain relatively lowThis article argues that the Blue Economy in Africa has the potential to increase intra-Africa trade and create meaningful employment for the youth.
As a strategic response to address the youth unemployment challenge, the recent Youth and Blue Economy Conference held at the United Nations, Nairobi on 23 November 2018 focused on how to create youth employment in East, Central and Southern Africa. The conference was facilitated by Rapheal Obonyo, a re-known Policy Analyst and Pan-African youth advocate. It highlighted the untapped potential of the Blue Economy in Africa. Blue Economy herein is the sustainable use of ocean, seas, lakes and rivers for improved likelihoods, economic growth and jobs whilst preserving the ecosystem.
Landlocked countries in Africa
Out of the 54 countries in Africa, only 16 countries (above) are landlocked.. The geographical demarcations in Africa paves way to utilize resources from the Blue Economy. Below are various measures that can be taken to ensure the Blue Economy in Africa can create employment opportunities for the youth in Africa.
First, Africa’s governments should create climate for technological innovation and efficiency in the Blue Economy starting from fishery, marine transport, aquaculture tourism, and waste management. Aquaculture as an emerging frontier in Blue Economy has untapped potential. A leaf can be borrowed from SalMar, a firm in Norway which has set up large cage farming at the sea with focus in large scale Salmon farming. Another technological innovation is the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) which has been adopted in most developed countries; Atlantic Sapphire in USA, Nordic Aquafarm in UK and Aquabounty technologies in Canada. Africa countries with access to coastal sea lines and oceans could also invest more in Vessel monitoring system (VMS) to provide authorities with real time data movement of various fishing vessels. The impact of VMS is geared towards combating Illegal, Unreported and Irregular (IUU) fishing as per the International Maritime Organization rules and procedures. The adoption of technological innovation and efficiencies, as adopted in other parts of the world, comes in handy for creating job opportunities and the youth should be involved to catapult trade in the Blue Economy.
Second, there is need to invest more in research and development (R&D) in the Blue Economy and how that can create employment opportunities. For instance, Asia, which accounts up to more than 70% of export in fish and sea foods has greatly invested in R&D. The Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) which has focus in genetical coding in sex and growth determination whilst reducing disease susceptibility has been in practice in Asia to improve output of both Carp and Tilapia fish species for the last two decades. African countries could emulate the Biotechnology related aspects in Blue Economy with the aim of increasing productivity and enhancing ecological sustainability. Indulgence of Africa’s youth in biotechnology will leapfrog the Blue Economy thematic areas of; aquaculture, fish capturing, tourism and waste management whilst increasing trade opportunities which will ultimately create employment.
Fourth, African countries should gear towards mechanization and infrastructure development with focus on fish and fish products. A good case in point is Nigeria, one of the largest world consumers of fish and fish products with over 1.5 million tonnes consumed annually has embarked on mechanization of fish and feed production and also post-harvest to reduce her dependency on imported fish. Mechanization has more impact on the small-scale holders in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting up to 70% and includes the youth thus increasing their participation in Blue Economy activities. To encourage mechanization, Africa’s Government could offer subsidies to machines used by small-scale holders involved in Blue Economy like: pelleting machines, water pump generators, pH meter machines, electrical coolers and refrigerators, dryers and many more. Through mechanization, more youth could be lured to indulge in the Blue Economy.
In the last one decade, African countries have come to a realization more than ever, the importance of trade to achieving sustainable growth. The African Union through its eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) has advocated for lowering of tariffs, established regimes to encourage foreign investments and pursued opportunities for greater regional integration: yet progress in trade facilitation is still low in many countries and progress is hampered by high cost and administrative difficulties at the borders.
Overtime, outdated and overly bureaucratic border clearance processes imposed by customs and other agencies are now seen as posing greater barriers to trade than tariffs do. Cumbersome systems, procedures and poor infrastructure both increase transaction cost and lengthen delay to clearance of imports, exports and the transit goods. This has led to the thriving of the Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT), which accounts for about 43% of income to Africa’s population. The major players in ICBT – small unregistered players in trade, are vulnerable. This article argues that despite the flaws at the cross border areas, there exists untapped potential in the ICBT which can catapult intra-African trade which is currently less than 20%.
Firstly, a gender balance and mainstreaming approach should be envisaged towards ICBT. The World Bank survey in Democratic Republic of Congo found out that 85% of traders in ICBT are women led, yet 82% of the officials who regulate trade at cross border points are men. A Gender balance and mainstreaming approach envisages women realizing more economic benefits of formal trade towards intra-regional trade. Women traders are faced with myriad challenges, not limited to: bribes, sexual abuse and confiscation of goods. There is need to convene more forums by various trade stakeholders to articulate challenges and aspirations among the women entrepreneurs involved in cross border trade.
Secondly, there is need for member states in Africa to create more one-stop border posts. Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA) in 2016 through a baseline survey on time and traffic in East Africa found out that introduction of one-stop cross border posts led to reduction in border crossing time by about 80% as compared to similar period in 2011. This not only impacts on traders but creates a win situation for the revenue authorities because reduced time lag translates to less bribes, extortions and more trade transactions.
Thirdly, there is need to leverage upon technological innovation and artificial intelligence. Sauti Africa, a Kenyan based firm, is empowering women to trade legally and profitably across the borders (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) by use of mobile based trade platforms. The technology deployed is the use of USSD and SMS information system in low technology cross border environments in East Africa.
Fourthly, the RECs should research and innovate ways that can improve socio-economic cohesion among border communities. The Simplified Trade Regime (STR) as an instrument in trade should fully be adopted across the RECs. The STR main instruments are: custom document, certificate of origin, product list and consignment value. The STR purpose is simplifying the cross border trade amongst the small traders who are largely women and youth. The STR concept has been adopted by two RECs out of the eight: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and East Africa Community (EAC). There is need for the other RECs to adopt it for trade uniformity to be achieved in the continent.
Finally, the Africa member states through African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), should emphasize the need of formalizing informal transactions and incentivizing informal traders to switch to formal trade. On 20th September 2019, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari ordered partial closing of its border with Benin to curb smuggling of rice and other commodities. This was attributed to illicit trade not only denying governments needed revenues but also hindered institutional growth. In as much as Nigeria is committed to AfCFTA, President Buhari stated that “AfCFTA must not only promote free trade, but legal trade of quality made-in-Africa goods”.
Simplification and formalization of the documentation process should be done since the players in ICBT have low literacy levels and trade in small amounts of low value goods. The compliance level of ICBT players can be increased by increasing access to finance to cover high Intra-African trade related fees and reducing the cross border fees.
Conclusively, ICBT is undeniably a source of employment and income for many people in Africa. Women who are the major players in ICBT stand to gain more if appropriate measures are undertaken. The RECS and respective countries should continuously revise data collection and monitoring tools of cross border for informed decision making. The regulatory and institutional framework should be revisited so as to formalize some of the ICBT activities and channel them to mainstream trade which may be beneficial to the respective country economies in the long run.
Africa’s economic pulse has undoubtedly been the new consensus in the 21st century, infusing the continent with a new commercial vibrancy. This has been illustrated in a growing strand of influential development literature and international journals demonstrating newfound optimism about Africa’s development trajectory. For instance, The Economist’s Mea Culpa (correcting its previous assessment of a “hopeless continent”) and TIME magazine’s, “Africa rising.” There lies the paradox that is Africa: it’s in its narrative!
The African Economic Outlook indicates that the continent is performing well in regard to economic, social and governance issues and has encouraging prospects for the near future. The world’s most powerful nations are taking advantage of these future prospects to realign their policies towards Africa. Yet, the persisting stereotypical image of Africa depicts divorce from quality and inclusive sustainable economic development. In most cases, there is an over-generalisation of the continent by those who argue ubiquitously that the idea of Africa rising is premature or unrealistic. To this end, communicators have a significant role in shaping and changing the African narrative.
With this in mind, to know where we are going in terms of how communications can contribute to Africa’s development, it is key to know where we are. Contemporary African communication encapsulates traditional methods, the modern mass media, and the new social media, all of which have important roles in the purposive uses of communication in Africa’s development. Using communication to achieve development requires astute strategies that are best realised through strategic planning, careful implementation and systematic evaluation, which are the hallmarks of strategic communications.
More professionalisation of strategic communication in Africa will lead to better use of traditional and new forms of communication to achieve desirable pre-planned outcomes that will contribute significantly to Africa’s political and economic development. The good news is, most African governments are now restructuring their economies and this will drive the need to communicate strategically, with more precision. A great opportunity for communicators!
Therefore, to change the ‘Africa reeling’ narrative, and ensure communications contributes to Africa’s development, communicators have to drive the agenda of Africa’s top priorities as highlighted by the Brookings Institution report dubbed, ‘Foresight Africa’. These priorities include: Mobilising financial resources domestically, increasing employment opportunities, boosting transformational technology, bolstering urbanisation efforts, confronting climate change and upholding good governance. We argue that, communicators have a key role to play in Africa’s development by advocating for the mentioned priorities. In particular, they should advocate for structural economic transformation and the ‘Golden Thread’ of stable and good governance: lack of corruption, human rights, respect for the rule of law, transparency, inclusive political processes, accountability and transformational leadership. With this background, below are various ways that communicators can contribute to Africa’s development.
First, instead of just acting as support functions, communicators have a role in nurturing a shared vision for Africa as highlighted in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Our direction towards the Africa of 2063 has started, and communicators need to help us along that road to the Africa we want. Strategies, plans, visions, missions, policies and performance indicators all have their role to play. But they do not contain every nut and bolt we will ever need. On this journey, communicators are leaders tasked with the responsibility to offer strategic support to Agenda 2063 by assessing, where are we? Where do we want to go, as Africa, in terms of development? How will we get there? And how will we know we have arrived? These fundamental questions will help us see gaps, opportunities and current realities with a new lens and point us in the right direction over the coming years, to fulfil our vision and aspirations.
Second, communicators in Africa need to encourage and foster meaningful dialogue among different sectors of the African society and encourage inclusive political processes through which citizens can shape political agendas and hold their governments to account. This will form a solid foundation for sustainable development in Africa. Africans need to be able to receive information, but also to make their voices heard. The poor are often excluded from these processes by geography and lack of resources or skills; and many groups – including women – are also kept silent by social structures and cultural traditions.
As watchdogs, communicators are central to Africa’s development by holding the powerful to account. Amartya Sen, the Nobel prize winning Economist in his book, ‘Development as Freedom’ postulates that, “the process of economic development can be seen as a process of expanding the capabilities of people” (p.755). Through various channels such as the media, communicators need to empower people on their social-economic rights, and continue providing a forum for political debate and accountability. Beyond empowering, communicators can encourage a learning culture across African nations, because solutions to Africa’s development are within. Conversations should be driven with less focus on problems but greater spotlight given to solutions. Communicators also need to shape social attitudes such as women’s equality and Africa’s development agenda: outgrowing development aid; and prioritising domestic resource mobilisation.
On ensuring social-economic rights, African countries need a healthy, vibrant civil society where people are involved in issues that affect them. The fabric of civil society is woven from ongoing communication and exchange between people – through interpersonal, informal and cultural processes as well as through formal institutions and official channels. Communicators are fundamental to the process of ensuring civil societies are vibrant, with quality networks between individuals, groups, institutions and organisations; and the ‘social capital’ (the trust and respect) they create.
Third, communicators lie at the heart of the good governance agenda, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring governments are accountable and responsive to their citizens, and capable of fulfilling their functions with the active engagement of the civil society. Good governance requires that transparent information on the state and public services is available to citizens so that they can monitor government performance. Communicators, through improved communications, need to facilitate the day-to-day administrative relationship between citizens and bureaucracies.
Africa’s development depends on communicators at every level from helping a local supplier market her goods, to strengthening a minister’s argument in negotiating Africa’s international trade or climate change agreements. Communicators should advocate for affordable and accessible information and communications at all levels. Governments should be compelled to ensure that ICTs are available and affordable for everyone. The market will not provide for the needs of poor people without some intervention and regulation from governments.
It should be clear, there is growing recognition that the existence of a vibrant research community is vital for Africa’s development. Africa’s self-understanding and its legibility to others needs a large dose of research to inform communications and development strategies. The current situation leaves much to be desired. According to the ‘Global Research Report’ (2010) by Adams, Jonathan, Christopher King, and Daniel Hook, research in Africa produces about 27,000 papers per year which is about the same volume of published output as the Netherlands. There is need for practitioners, communicators and organisations to invest in research. Communicators have a key role in disseminating that research to the target audience.
To conclude, as Africa confronts its challenges, seizes its opportunities and seeks to take its rightful place in the world polity, the continent and its leaders must assume the responsibility for shaping their own destiny. Globalisation is changing the opportunities for development in Africa by facilitating opening of markets and business ideas across the globe. With all these openings and to harness the demographic dividend, Africa the new frontier of the 21st century needs transformational leaders.
Communicators have the responsibility to advocate for this kind of leadership, that always searches for opportunities to change the status quo and encourages extraordinary ideas and innovativeness. Advocating for leaders with the shared vision of fighting the vices that are dragging the continent downwards such as corruption, retrogressive politics, tribalism, poor leadership and lack of work ethics is our responsibility as communicators who want to transform Africa.
Communicators, if not now, when? If not us, who?
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PEACE THROUGH NATIONAL YOUTH POLICIES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF 2030 AGENDA, 11-13 APRIL 2019, NAIROBI, KENYA
Background Information
In 2015, the United Nations made history – the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2250 that discusses and recognizes the critical role of youth in peace and security. The resolution reinforces the need for active participation, engagement of youth in peace initiatives and formulation of inclusive policies towards achieving sustainable peace. The resolution recognizes the role of young people in security processes integrated into five pillars namely, Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnership, Disengagement and Reintegration. Additionally, in 2019, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2419 that calls for increase in the role of youth in negotiation and implementation of peace agreements.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) mandate includes support to policy-making bodies, economic and social analysis and assistance to countries to develop national capacity. DESA/DISD is responsible for supporting and monitoring the implementation of the United Nations World Program of Action for Youth (WPAY), adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 and broadly reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Division for Inclusive Social Development at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs DESA/DISD), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and UN Country Team is implementing a project that aims at Promoting Sustainable Peace through National Youth Policies in the Framework of 2030 Agenda.
The current UNDESA project includes policy dialogues between youth and youth-led organizations, national and county government, civil society groups, private sector, international organizations and diverse stakeholders on aspects of Resolutions 2250 and 2419, Sustainable Development Goals, the National Youth Policies related to youth peace and security.
Inception Workshop
On 11-13 April 2019, DESA in collation with UNDP, Commonwealth Secretariat and UN Habitat organized in Kenya an inception capacity building and consultative workshop on “Promoting sustainable peace through the national youth policy”. In part, the workshop sought to enhance the capacity of youth and diverse stakeholders to tackle issues related to youth, peace and security through the national youth policy. The workshop was focused on Nairobi County, and it is expected that project will be rolled out in the other counties in Kenya.
The workshop brought together about 40 participants from Nairobi including government officials and representatives from youth-led organizations, civil society and the United Nations Systems to identify key strategies for achieving sustainable peace in Kenya through the national youth policy, as well as promoting youth participation and contribution to sustainable peace. The three days forum was divided into sessions with key note speeches, panel presentations, plenary discussions and working groups. The working groups were formed to discuss and give submissions on different topics.
Objectives of the Workshop
Understand youth peace and security in Kenya through root cause analysis
Produce and roll out training module for promoting sustainable peace through National Youth policies
Track the progress of the National Youth Policy of Kenya in 2019
Presentation of best scalable practices on Youth Peace and Security
Reflect on how to implement YPS elements at County level
National Youth Policy
The anchored objectives of the National Youth Policy of Kenya are:
Have a healthy youth by ensuring health issues impacting youth are addressed
Build a qualified and competent youth
Develop talent and creativity among the youth force
Civic participation and presentation among youth
Promote crime free, secure and united Kenya
Support environmental management for sustainable development
Resolutions from the workshop
A monthly meeting at selected counties was proposed to roll out the YPS component of the Youth Policy at the local level
Develop and launch an advocacy plan that participants were urged to sustain through platforms at the national and county assemblies
For full implementation of the YPS element of the Youth Policy at the County level, there is great need of collaboration of UN DESA, Commonwealth and County assemblies.
Need to develop an action plan that builds on the discussion and findings of the workshop. The action plan will be accompanied by an advocacy plan on all matters for youth, peace and security.
Need to have an organized group, on voluntary basis, that will visit the counties to communicate the ideas and suggestion from the peace and security workshop
The framework that will be developed has to be done along the existing framework of the Youth Advisory Board.
Since the ministry of Public service, Youth and Gender have one stop youth resource centres, they are going to be part of the structures and will be used to provide spaces for engagement.
Follow up action plan
Share with participants the current draft of the Kenya National Youth Policy and International Instruments related to Youth Peace and Security
Develop and disseminate synthesized report on the key issues and action points from the workshop
Identify the youth peace and security necessities and priorities in Kenya
Identify and define all potential stakeholders for the project
Hold consultations with diverse stakeholders starting with the Nairobi County government to advance objectives of the workshop and project
Organize monthly meetings with youth representatives and relevant representative of national and county government.
Share updated versions of and continue conversations on the framework for engagement, action plans and advocacy strategy developed at the workshop
Contact relevant organizations and national and county governments and get them involved in the project
Identify requirements including financial and human resources and logistics required to roll out the project at different levels.
50 Million African Women Speak platform provides information on starting and growing a business, and has a social networking feature for women entrepreneurs to learn from and do business with each other
Kigali, Tuesday, 26 November 2019 – A digital platform specifically designed to address the information needs of women in business and connect them via a custom-built social networking tool was launched today in Kigali, Rwanda.
The platform, known as 50 Million African Women Speak, was unveiled during the Global Gender Summit taking place in the Rwandan capital. It primarily seeks to help economically empower women by providing a one-stop shop for a wide range of financial and non-financial services that women need to start and grow successful businesses.
The initiative which is accessible at www.womenconnect.org is implemented by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It will allow women in 38 African countries to find information on running businesses, accessing financial services, create business opportunities online and access training resources, ultimately contributing to their economic empowerment.
“I certainly believe that the creation of this platform is a very practical way of speaking to the general agenda of empowering women. I think a lot has been said and now we have come to a stage where we have practical initiatives such as this one,” said COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe.
Through a robust social networking functionality that has been embedded in the platform, women will have opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, mentoring and sharing information and knowledge, connecting via the web-based platform or through the 50 Million African Women Speak mobile app. The platform is touted as having the potential to unleash a dynamic online community of women entrepreneurs whose business activities transcend borders.
“Sixty five percent of the traded commodities in the East Africa region come from agriculture—a sector that employs 80% of women. This platform will help this big part of our population to expand markets and get new opportunities,” said Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors.
The 50 Million African Women Speak platform also obtained a ringing endorsement from ECOWAS’ Commissioner in charge of Social Affairs and Gender, Dr Siga Fatima Jagne who said: “At the level of ECOWAS, this platform perfectly fits within the scope of the programme on gender strengthened in 2005 by the Authority of Heads of State and Government through the adoption of the Gender Policy Document”.
The platform comes at a time when Sub-Saharan Africa hosts close to 13 million formal and informal small and medium-sized enterprises with one or more women owners. Yet, only 16-20% of women entrepreneurs are able to access long-term financing from formal financial institutions to scale up their businesses.
In addition, with a financing gap for women entrepreneurs across business value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa estimated at $42 billion by the African Development Bank, the 50 Million African Women Speak platform stands out as an unique solution to provide information on available financial products specifically designed with women entrepreneurs in mind.
Funded by the African Development Bank, the platform aims to connect at least 50 million women across the African continent. It is also expected to contribute to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for women and youth empowerment.
“I am very excited that it is technology-based because this is one of the issues we are trying to advance to make sure that we leverage on technology to have smart solutions that are reaching far more people. It collapses the distance so you can have someone sitting in Kenya or Malawi talking to someone in West Africa and sharing experiences,” COMESA Secretary General Ms Kapwepwe added.
About 50MAWSP
Women play a critical role in the development of African economies. However, existing and potential women entrepreneurs continue to face gender-specific barriers such as limited access to information and networking opportunities, lower levels of education and business training, weak property rights that deprive them of collateral and tangible assets, legal barriers that impede their economic activities and cultural barriers that discourage them from thriving as entrepreneurs. As a result, women have challenges to access financial and non-financial services and so the size and growth of their businesses suffer.
By using Information Communication Technology (ICTs), some of these challenges can be alleviated, hence the establishment of the 50 Million African Women Speak Project, funded by the African Development Bank.
The 50 Million African Women Speak Project (50MAWSP) is contributing to the economic and social empowerment of women across 38 African countries through the provision of a networking platform (www.womenconnect.org) to access information on financial and non-financial services.
Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project targets 50 Million women in business and is implemented by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and the Economic Community for Western African States (ECOWAS).
On the 4th of May 2023 – COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) celebrated its 10th anniversary at their headquarters in Lilongwe, Malawi. CCC is a regional body established under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) treaty whose mandate is to enforce the provisions of the Regulations with regard to trade between Member States. CCC also promotes competitions within the Common Market through monitoring and investigating anti-competitive practices of undertakings and mediating disputes between Member States concerning anti-competitive conduct.
One key highlight for the celebration by CCC was showcasing their newly re-designed website – https://comesacompetition.org/specially done by the ADRES Group team. The outstanding features of the re-designed website include: a better look and feel, multi-lingual usage, mobile user friendliness, real time interaction and lodging of complements and complaints, a better search engine functionality for the various CCC mandated cases and easier navigation of the site. This is to a backdrop of CCC enhancing its digitisation agenda of its systems and process. You can now through the CCC website, lodge: a consumer complaint, a merger and acquisition intent, restrictive business practices among other functions – going paperless and reducing the carbon emission in its 21 Member States.
The importance of a strong online presence cannot be overstated in today’s digital age, where stakeholders are increasingly turning to the internet to learn more about organizations and their activities. A well – designed website helps organizations effectively communicate their message, showcase their impact and engage with their stakeholders in a meaningful way.
In redesigning the COMESA Competition Commission’s website, we learned several key lessons that can be applied to any website and or portal geared to development organizations and programmes. First and foremost, it is important to understand the organization’s needs and goals for their website through a needs assessment, as this will inform the design and functionality of the website and or portal. It is also important to prioritize user experience, ensuring that the site is easy to navigate, provide relevant and useful information to its audience.
Finally, we would encourage organizations to consider ongoing maintenance and updates for their website, as this is crucial in ensuring its effectiveness over time. A well – maintained website and or portal not only helps to keep stakeholders informed and engaged, but also reflects positively on the organization’s overall brand and reputation.
At ADRES Group, we are proud of our engagement with the COMESA Competition Commission and we remain committed to helping organizations across Africa build a stronger online presence that effectively communicates their message and values to their stakeholders. Lest we forget, six months ago we designed and developed Intergovernmental Authority of Development – Foreign Service Institute website, training hub and platform for its stakeholders – https://igadfsi.com/.
Reach out to ADRES Group to elevate your digital footprint!
The African Climate Summit 2023 –Was held from the September 4th to 6th 2023 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi Kenya, a landmark event in the world of climate action. Co – hosted by the Republic of Kenya and the African Union Commission (AUC), the summit was a resounding call for collective global efforts to address the pressing issues of climate change.
The event saw active participation from a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including government representatives, policymakers, civil society organizations, the private sector, multilateral institutions, and youth representatives. Their collective presence reflected the inclusive nature of this critical discourse.
Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, that hosted the event is a home of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the sole United Nations agency headquartered in the Global South. Nairobi’s prominence in the realm of environmental advocacy and sustainability aligns seamlessly with the summit’s objectives.
The theme, “Driving Green Growth & Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,” captured the essence of the discussions that ensued. The summit embodied the spirit of collective responsibility and commitment to safeguarding our planet by calling upon the global community to unite in purpose, transcending boundaries, and driving climate action that harmonizes with economic growth.
Other core focus areas for the summit were: Climate Action Financing, Green Growth Agenda for Africa, Climate Action and Economic Development and Global Capital Optimization. These areas underscore the commitment to mobilize financial resources, promote sustainable growth, and optimize global capital for climate action.
The physical manifestation of climate change, from storms to wildfires, has translated into substantial losses in the GDP across the African Continent. Persistent droughts, desertification, and the increasing frequency of cyclones have disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities, and triggered food crises. ACS23 therefore focused on the urgency of climate action and the potential of Africa in global decarbonization efforts.
Some of the call to action arrived at were: the commitment to devise a comprehensive “Pledging and Commitment Framework” to guide the global elimination of fossil fuel subsidies and the implementation of a universal fossil fuel tax. This initiative will position Africa as a global leader in climate action, giving us a voice and influence in international climate negotiations.
Secondly, a significant portion of the discussions were centred around financing climate action in Africa, by innovating mechanisms to attract private investments into sustainable development projects. The importance of regulatory incentives, public – private partnerships, and risk mitigation strategies emerged as critical factors to create an attractive investment environment.
Lastly, delegates explored the strategies to align economic development with sustainability through approaches that foster eco friendly practices across industries, nurturing green entrepreneurship, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Global capital optimization towards climate -resilient projects is also a mechanism Africa needs to implement, so as to streamline investment into projects that support decarbonization and local economic development.
Kenya, the host of ACS23 and the launchpad for the “Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap,” is aligning its efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), focusing on Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). This strategic move enhances food security while reducing the carbon footprint in agriculture, a commitment that positions the Nation as a pioneering hub for green technology innovation, offering sustainable development and green employment opportunities for its youth.
The ACS23 was a piecemeal leading to the Conference of Parties (COP28) to be hosted by United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023, that aims to respond to the Global Stocktake and address critical aspects such as health, trade, relief, recovery and peace.
The COP28 includes four cross – cutting themes essential for a coherent and interconnected approach for tackling climate change on a global scale: Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities, and Finance. These recognise that effective climate action goes beyond emissions reduction and encompasses social, economic, and environmental dimensions which is a more multifaceted approach.
As the African Climate Summit 2023 (ACS23) sets the stage for discussions on climate action, it becomes evident that research, strategy, and evaluation are the compass guiding us towards meaningful solutions that are actionable and evidence – based.
ADRES Group stands ready to support these initiatives with its expertise in research, evaluation and strategy, forging a path towards a more sustainable and resilient world.
The 2024 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), under the Value4Her initiative by AGRA organisation, was a landmark event that celebrated the remarkable contribution of African female agripreneurs toward food security, climate resilience, and community empowerment. The awards were managed by the ADRES Group and led to a grand ceremony at the African Food Systems (AFS) Forum which was held in Kigali, Rwanda, testifying to innovation and resilience in African agribusiness from 2nd to 6th September, 2024.
A Legacy of Empowerment for Africa’s Women Agripreneurs
Launched in 2021 during the Africa Green Revolution Forum summit, now known as African Food Systems Forum (AFS), the WAYA Awards recognizes African women agripreneurs in the content who are excelling in the agriculture and the allied value chains. Women play a pivotal role in Sub-Saharan Africa agriculture, but often lack recognition and support. The WAYA Awards brings them to the spotlight, amplifying their contribution towards inspiring other women in this same direction.
The WAYA Outreach Campaign
The ADRES Group supported the WAYA partners with the communication and outreach campaign of the WAYA 2024 initiative by reaching out to women agripreneurs in over 44 countries in Africa, especially in vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Main activities included:
- Mapping of stakeholders, partners, and networks in the target countries across Africa.
- Creation and updating the database of the stakeholders: local organizations, INGOs & NGOs, women’s groups, cooperatives and government ministries and agencies.
- Message crafting to resonate with diverse audiences, using multiple languages – in English, French and Portuguese to communicate the benefits of the WAYA awards.
- Communication and outreach via traditional and digital platforms: Newspapers, Radio, Op-eds, Blogs, LinkedIn, Facebook and WhatsApp and Webinars.
Evaluation Process
The ADRES Group team leveraged on its multi lingual team to support the research and evaluation to harness integrity and credibility for the WAYA Awards. Some of the processes which were multi-staged included carrying out eligibility checks, long listing and short listing of over 1500 applicants across Africa. The various categories for the evaluation process were: Young Female Agri-preneurs, Females in Ag-Tech and Innovation, Outstanding Value Addition Enterprises, Women Empowerment Champions and Resilient women involved in agriculture and allied value chains in Africa. The finalist participants after the evaluation process were 17, drawn across the various categories and across various regions in Africa.
The AFS event
The ADRES Group team supported the WAYA partners in the management of the awards to the winners during the AFS event in Kigali, Rwanda. The notable pre-awards activities included: logistical support for the pre-selected winners across Africa, designing and printing of IEC materials – banners, t-shirts, booklets, pens etc and media engagement. During the awards in the event, ADRES Group supported with the media outreach and engagement, interpretations and translation, logistical support and the overall well-being of the finalists. A total of 15 winners were awarded during the event with the grand prize winner being awarded USD 40,000.
Our lessons Learned
Multilingual Interaction: The Pan-African nature of the competition encouraged a multilingual approach necessary for effective interaction and communication across so many diverse linguistic groups which were in English, Swahili, Portuguese, French, and Arabic, and involved the services of multilingual experts.
Human Interaction in a Digital Era: Despite the ready availability of social media platforms, the participants showed a strong preference for personal interaction with the WAYA program team. This stressed the importance of personal level engagement in developing trust and resolving issues, to improve participants’ experience.
Media and Outreach Strategy: Media engagement and outreach was a significant aspect in creating awareness for the awards. The traditional media of radio, television, and newspapers were greatly involved to reach out to hard-to-reach women agripreneurs. Future programs management needs to continue using the traditional media channels for better outreach to women agriprenuers in hard-to-reach areas in Africa.
Cultural Competency: The competition brought together participants from diverse cultural backgrounds across Africa, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and competency.
Logistics and Coordination: The movement and travel of the winners across Africa to the AFS 2024 event in Kigali, Rwanda, needed early preparation, effective liaison, communication, and coordination to ensure smooth movement and support for the winners.
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