Tag: Climate change

AI and the Reinvention of African Agriculture: A New Growth Frontier for Emerging Economies

As climate risk, food insecurity, and supply-chain disruptions reshape global investment priorities, artificial intelligence is emerging as a catalyst for the reinvention of African agriculture. This article explores how AI-driven precision farming, climate forecasting, supply-chain optimisation, and alternative data models are transforming Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural sector into a more predictable, investable growth industry. By reducing volatility, improving productivity, and unlocking access to finance, AI is repositioning agriculture as a strategic pillar for food security, rural income growth, and long-term economic development across emerging African economies.

Is Climate Financing Helping African Businesses Grow?

Is climate financing truly helping African businesses grow? This article explores how climate change is reshaping Africa’s business landscape and why access to climate finance is critical for MSMEs and farmers. Drawing on real-world examples from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia, it highlights how microfinance institutions like Advans are integrating climate risk into financial products, insurance, and education to build resilience, support recovery from climate shocks, and enable sustainable business growth across the continent.

First-Ever Large-Scale Climate Funding Targets Low-Emission, Climate-Resilient Dairy Systems in East Africa

A groundbreaking US$358 million Dairy Interventions for Mitigation and Adaptation (DaIMA) programme, led by IFAD and co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is transforming East Africa’s dairy sector into a low-emission, climate-resilient system. Operating across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, DaIMA will directly benefit 2.5 million farmers, boost milk production by 34%, and cut emissions by 2.1 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Through innovation, policy reform, and climate finance, the programme strengthens food security, supports smallholders, and advances the region’s sustainable agricultural transformation.

SoftwareOne’s climate targets successfully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative

SoftwareOne, a global software and cloud solutions provider, has had its near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation confirms that SoftwareOne’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets align with the latest climate science to limit global warming in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The company commits to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and select Scope 3 emissions by 25% by FY2030 from a 2024 base year. Additionally, 75% of its suppliers by emissions will be required to have science-based targets by the same year. Following its recent merger with Crayon, SoftwareOne will maintain separate climate targets during the integration phase. The move underscores SoftwareOne’s commitment to corporate climate responsibility and science-based sustainability leadership.

Urban2063 Launches The Unstoppable Force Report: A Rallying Call for Africa’s Urban Future 

Urban2063, a coalition of 13 leading African and global institutions led by the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town, has launched “The Unstoppable Force” — a groundbreaking Cityscapes Magazine Special Report that reimagines Africa’s urban future. Anchored in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the report delivers a bold call to action for transforming African cities into engines of inclusive growth, resilience, and justice. Featuring insights from top policymakers, activists, and scholars, it charts a roadmap to harness urbanisation as a powerful force for the continent’s sustainable development.

MANGROVES: NATURE’S BIODIVERSITY CHAMPIONS UNDER THREAT

Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems that provide essential services to marine biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and enhance environmental resilience. However, these ecosystems are facing significant threats from coastal development, deforestation, and climate change. This article highlights the ecological importance of mangroves, their role in supporting biodiversity and coastal communities, and the urgent need for restoration. The Kenyan Mangrove Restoration Project, a collaborative initiative led by Husqvarna in partnership with environmental organizations, is featured as a successful model for ecosystem restoration. By planting over 500,000 mangrove trees and utilizing advanced monitoring technology, the project demonstrates how strategic collaboration can foster sustainable environmental solutions. World Environmental Health Day serves as a reminder of the critical connection between human health and ecosystem restoration, underscoring the importance of protecting mangroves globally.

Africa needs to leverage Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage to enhance resilience of its cities

Africa, though contributing minimally to global emissions, bears disproportionate climate impacts, with its rapidly urbanizing cities being the most vulnerable. Heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones threaten infrastructure, livelihoods, and sustainable development. The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), established at COP27, offers a critical opportunity to strengthen Africa’s urban resilience. By financing disaster-ready infrastructure, empowering informal settlements, and supporting capacity-building, the Fund could transform African cities into sustainable, inclusive hubs capable of withstanding climate shocks while advancing socio-economic development.

How climate change puts SA’s water at risk, and why PPPs can help

This article discusses the growing risk climate change poses to South Africa’s water resources and emphasizes the need for urgent interventions to protect water security. Climate change impacts, such as erratic rainfall and rising sea levels, exacerbate existing water challenges. The article highlights the importance of adopting innovative solutions, including resilient infrastructure, water diversification, and the use of advanced technologies. It also stresses the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing water challenges by combining investment, technology, and expertise, ensuring long-term sustainable water management.