As Africa engages with the global ambition to green her marine and blue economy sectors, University College London’s LEAP Project Principal Investigator, Dr. Dola Oluteye, in collaboration with Dr. Oma Ofodile, Head of Climate Change at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Climate Champions Team (CCT), draws global attention to three key project indicators: green capacity building, green economic empowerment, and inclusive advocacy.
During Session Two on “Catalysing an Evidence-Based Just Transition for Africa” at COP29, discussions focused on building capacity within the region as it leverages its abundant renewable energy resources for developing green infrastructure and technologies. African nations must take a leadership role in green maritime practices. Panel discussions took a holistic approach and explored the nexus between zero-emission ambitions and the creation of economic opportunities.
Collaborative initiatives among governments, private sector stakeholders, and international organisations are essential for driving the much-needed transformation, ensuring that Africa’s maritime sector contributes meaningfully to global climate goals without hindering regional development and prosperity.
At the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Dr. Oma Ofodile opened the expert panel session by setting the scene for the discourse. She highlighted Africa’s abundant resources necessary for leading global zero-emission efforts in the maritime sector. However, she emphasised the existing gaps in financial resources and skills, both of which are essential for transforming the continent.
“Africa has the land, labour, and raw renewable resources and materials – including sun, wind, a youthful demographic, land, and hydrogen – that are needed to drive zero-emission shipping and the blue economy. We have everything required to be a global leader; what we need is to attract sufficient investment through partnerships that will enable us to harness these resources and develop our people,” she explained.
This UCL-NIMASA LEAP Project side event, organised by Dr. Dola Oluteye, Principal Investigator, was hosted at the Nigerian Pavilion with the support of the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The event focused on attracting financial resources to promote Africa’s transition to a green maritime sector. The panel featured speakers including Winfrida Shonde from TEEMO Africa, representing the office of the Vice President of Tanzania; Amna Munawwar Awan, President of the Centre for Climate Advocacy and Policy Research Institute; and Maritime Associates from the Climate Champions Team (CCT).
Winfrida Shonde emphasised the necessity of partnerships with international organisations and public-private collaborations to drive economic development. She noted that such partnerships are vital for mobilising resources and building the infrastructure needed for capacity development across the continent.
The Climate Champions Team elaborated on how the Just Transition principles for African seafarers can align with local economic needs.
“Climate diplomacy can play a crucial role through capacity building, research and development, financial inclusion, and adaptation to change. However, for this transition to succeed, coordinated efforts from individuals, journalists, civil society, government, and the private sector are essential,” stated a member of the team.
The team also highlighted the importance of promoting gender equity in the maritime industry, advocating for increased opportunities for women, and calling for investments in training programs designed to address the unique challenges faced in Africa.
Furthermore, the panel discussed the role of technology in facilitating the green maritime transformation. “This transition provides a level playing field for Africa and empowers our seafarers. Unfortunately, many African countries have not fully capitalized on this opportunity due to a lack of technological advancement, among other factors,” stated a Climate Champions Maritime Associate.
In her concluding remarks, the moderator, Dr. Ofodile, a Technical Expert on Climate Change and Decarbonisation of the maritime sector and international shipping, urged stakeholders to actively engage with initiatives and platforms that promote sustainable economic development within the maritime sector.
“By focusing on capacity building and economic empowerment, Africa can meet the challenges of climate change and emerge as a frontrunner in the green maritime economy. For this to happen, we need significant investments in education, infrastructure, and community engagement to leapfrog into the next industrial revolution already underway,” stated Ofodile.
By Seyifunmi Adebote, seyi@climatetalkpodcast.com (Environmental Communicator and Host, Climate Talk Podcast) and Dr. Dola Oluteye, ucftolu@ucl.ac.uk (Senior Research Fellow at University College London)
