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Africa’s development journey is entering a defining phase. The continent must industrialise rapidly to lift millions out of poverty, expand infrastructure and power economic growth. Yet it must also respond to increasing global pressure to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward cleaner energy systems.
This delicate balancing act framed discussions at the “Green Conference 2026” in Lagos, an event that went beyond conversations to outline practical strategies for Africa’s decarbonisation journey.
Organised by GreenPlinth Africa Limited, the three-day conference, themed “Decarbonising Africa: Pathway to Climate Finance, Sustainable Growth and Green Economy,” brought together policymakers, investors and sustainability advocates to examine how Africa can pursue development while meeting global climate expectations.
At the heart of the discussions was a clear message: Africa must industrialise and decarbonise simultaneously.
Africa’s Development Dilemma
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Omotenioye Majekodunmi, described the continent’s current position as a turning point in global development.
“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in the history of global development,” she said, noting that while the continent is rich in resources, innovation and human potential, millions of Africans still lack access to reliable modern energy.
According to her, Africa now faces a unique challenge, one that previous industrial powers did not confront during their development phases.
“While many advanced economies industrialised through two centuries of carbon-intensive growth, Africa is now being asked to build its industries while simultaneously aligning with global climate objectives,” Majekodunmi said.
For her, the debate should not be framed as a choice between development and environmental protection.
“Our task is to achieve both, and to show the world that responsible development and climate leadership can advance together,” she added.
The Green Conference, she noted, offered a platform for translating that ambition into concrete strategies.
A Pragmatic Energy Pathway
One of the most prominent themes during the conference was the future of Africa’s energy systems and how the continent can transition toward lower emissions without undermining economic growth.
Majekodunmi emphasised that a pragmatic approach is essential, particularly in a continent where energy poverty remains widespread.
She explained that natural gas could play a critical role as a transition fuel while renewable energy capacity expands.
“In Nigeria, this approach is reflected in what I describe as an ‘Energy Mix Plan’, a transition strategy that recognises the complementary roles of gas, renewables, and emerging low-carbon technologies,” she said.
Replacing coal and heavy fuel oil with natural gas, she explained, could significantly reduce emissions while improving public health outcomes.
“Replacing coal and heavy fuel oil with gas can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 percent while significantly improving air quality,” Majekodunmi stated.
Gas-to-power infrastructure can also provide the reliable electricity needed to support industries such as steel, cement, fertiliser and chemical production while serving as a flexible backup for renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, estimated at more than 600 trillion cubic feet, present an opportunity to support both industrial growth and decarbonisation if responsibly managed.
“To investors, the message is clear: the future is not simply gas or renewables. The future is decarbonised gas working alongside renewable energy systems,” she said.
Carbon Markets and Climate Finance
Beyond energy transition, participants at the conference also highlighted the growing role of carbon markets as a gateway for climate finance across Africa.
Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital and Executive Director of the Africa Green Economy and Sustainability Institute (AGESI), Eugene Itua, described the climate challenge as one that simultaneously presents opportunities.
“This is an era of challenges due to climate change,” he said. “But on the other side of the pendulum lies enormous opportunity.”
According to Itua, one of the most significant opportunities for African countries lies in the development of carbon market projects capable of attracting international climate finance.
“What we are doing here today is to see how, through the projects by GreenPlinth, we can harvest those opportunities,” he said.
However, he stressed that unlocking the potential of carbon markets requires deeper understanding among stakeholders.
“My call to action is that all of us must work together and deepen our understanding of the carbon market,” Itua noted. “Many people want to participate, but not everyone understands the dynamics.”
The conference therefore served not only as a forum for dialogue but also as a learning platform designed to equip governments, businesses and institutions with the knowledge needed to navigate emerging climate finance systems.
Turning Dialogue Into Action
While policy discussions dominated the conference sessions, one of the most notable outcomes was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between GreenPlinth Africa and the governments of Benue and Niger states.
The agreement lays the foundation for major environmental initiatives focused on clean cooking and reforestation.
Under the arrangement, two million energy-efficient cookstoves will be distributed free of charge to women, low-income households and vulnerable families across the participating states. Each beneficiary will receive one cookstove along with two cooking pots.
The project, which has been registered under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Global Climate Action Portal, aims to reduce reliance on firewood, one
Complementing the cookstove programme is an ambitious plan to plant and nurture 100 million economic trees across Benue, Niger and Nasarawa states, with the goal of restoring degraded landscapes while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
States Stepping Up
For sub-national governments participating in the initiative, the partnership with GreenPlinth Africa represents a significant step toward strengthening climate action at the state level.
Deputy Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ode, described the agreement as a milestone for the state’s environmental agenda.
“One remarkable thing that has taken place at this conference is that the Benue State Government has signed a memorandum of agreement with GreenPlinth Africa towards the decarbonisation efforts,” he said.
“For us, this is quite fundamental. We’re going to comply with global best practice in this direction, and we believe it will be for the benefit of mankind.”
According to Ode, the cookstove distribution programme will target the most vulnerable households across the state’s 23 local government areas and 276 council wards.
“The essence is to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable people in rural areas are the major beneficiaries,” he said.
Beyond reducing deforestation, he explained that the initiative could also contribute to social stability.
“One of the factors responsible for conflicts between farmers and herders is the search for water and green environment,” Ode noted. “By preserving the environment, we believe these tensions can also be mitigated.”
Recognising Climate Leadership
During the conference, participating states were also recognised for their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Receiving an award on behalf of Niger State Governor Umar Bago, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Abubakar Musa, said the recognition reflected the administration’s climate priorities.
“The award given to our governor is because of his commitment to climate sustainability,” Musa said. He added, “This recognition shows that we are moving in the right direction.”
Building Momentum for Africa’s Green Future
Beyond keynote speeches and policy discussions, the conference also featured expert-led masterclasses aimed at deepening knowledge on climate finance, decarbonisation strategies and sustainable development frameworks.
By convening policymakers, investors and sustainability advocates under one platform, GreenPlinth Africa is positioning itself as a catalyst for Africa’s emerging green economy.
For a continent often forced to balance economic growth with environmental protection, the conversations and commitments emerging from the Green Conference suggest that both goals can move forward together.
As Majekodunmi put it, the task ahead is not to choose between development and sustainability, but to demonstrate that both can coexist, and reinforce each other, in Africa’s future.
