Abuja Infrastructure Summit Calls for Urgent Climate Action and Gender Equality to Drive Sustainable Development

Stronger collaboration on climate change, clean energy, and gender inclusion for sustainable development has been called for by attendees of the Africa Climate Change and Infrastructure Summit (ACIS) in Abuja.

High-level participants from all over the continent and beyond attended the summit, including senior Nigerian officials, representatives of the commercial sector, and ambassadors from Cuba, Russia, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In his remarks, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume urged stakeholders to take action to lessen the effects of climate change in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

Speaking through his office’s Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, during the opening session of the two-day event on Tuesday and Wednesday, Akume stated that although Africa is endowed with a wealth of resources, the continent is still confronted with challenges such as climate change, infrastructure deficiencies, and economic instability.

“This summit gives us a special opportunity to interact, share ideas, and create alliances that will support revolutionary change throughout our continent.

“Your attendance here demonstrates our common dedication to promoting resilient economies, sustainable development, and the creation of a greener, wealthier Africa.

“I encourage all stakeholders to participate freely and cooperatively as we discuss the pressing issues and enormous opportunities that lie ahead, utilizing our combined knowledge to discuss workable solutions,” he said.

Mr. Moses Owharo, the chairman of the AICIS Planning Committee, praised the Federal Government for making climate change a top priority on its policy agenda.

In order to accomplish the intended results, he emphasized the necessity of increased cooperation between the government, the diplomatic community, and stakeholders in climate change investments.

“Africa is facing a pivotal moment and a formidable array of challenges, from resource constraints, climate change, and infrastructure gaps to economic uncertainty,” Owharo stated.

This challenge offers previously unheard-of chances for creativity, calculated investment, and inclusive growth to strengthen public-private partnerships and propel revolutionary change in Africa and the rest of the world.

As a private organization, it is our responsibility to support the government’s implementation of development policies in order to have a greater influence on the lives of the populace.

“This summit offers a timely platform to promote collaboration among stakeholders, exchange knowledge, and create practical plans for improving infrastructure, tackling climate change, and boosting investment, growth, and pre-investment throughout our continent,” he stated.

Zambia’s ambassador to Nigeria, Paul Lombi, discussed how the country’s energy security has been impacted by climate change, pointing to the devastating power outages in 2023.

In order to encourage climate-friendly farming, he emphasized the use of the Gawu (apple green) tree, which is imported from Nigeria and Niger, as an organic fertilizer.

Pascaline Yakubu, the ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Nigeria, talked on the country’s abundant natural resources, pointing out that it is home to about half of Africa’s tropical rainforests and has enormous hydroelectric potential.

Despite delays brought on by the fighting in eastern Congo, she cited the continuing rehabilitation of the Inga Dam, which has the potential to generate 40,000 megawatts and is a game-changing project for sub-Saharan Africa’s energy needs.

Cuba’s ambassador, Miriam Palmero, presented her nation’s “Life Task” state plan for renewable energy development and coastline conservation, proposing technology-sharing collaborations with African countries.

She urged cooperation in the pursuit of “a fairer and more prosperous future” and praised Africa’s advancements in sustainable energy.

Andrey L. Podelyshe, the Russian ambassador, was also commended for his nation’s mining and energy partnerships with Africa, which include projects under the Russia–Africa Forum.