At the recent COP30 climate summit, Sahara Group emphasized that expanding nature-based solutions is critical for Africa to access vital climate finance, speed up adaptation efforts, and build resilience for a low-carbon future.
A Crucial Moment for Africa
Tejumade Tejuoso, Governance and Sustainability Manager at Sahara Group, spoke at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, which concluded recently. She stated that the continent must be more intentional in creating systems that protect lives, livelihoods, and essential ecosystems.
"For Africa, this is a crucial moment to build strong resilience systems and access the right kind of financing," Tejuoso said. She stressed the need for a transition that is just, responsible, and keeps development at its core.
Addressing Disproportionate Impacts
Despite contributing the least to global emissions, Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of climate impacts. This reality, according to Tejuoso, highlights the urgent need for responsible, well-funded action that is aligned with development goals.
She pointed out that global negotiations, like those at COP30, present significant opportunities for African governments and private-sector companies. These forums are key to securing fair climate finance, deepening adaptation measures, and improving readiness for regional climate risks.
Sahara Group's Adopt-a-Forest Initiative
Tejuoso highlighted the Adopt-a-Forest initiative as a central part of Sahara Group's nature-based work. The energy conglomerate is actively restoring critical forest and mangrove ecosystems across Africa, with a bold target of planting at least 1,000,000 trees across its operations.
The company's ongoing interventions include several key projects:
- Restoring a 34-hectare arboretum and upgrading facilities at Banco National Park in Côte d'Ivoire.
- Landscape regeneration in Nigeria, where 23,900 trees have already been planted.
- Rehabilitating 15 hectares of degraded land in Ghana's Juaso District.
- Expanded mangrove restoration in Kenya, with 10,000 seedlings and 3,100 mature trees planted.
- Forest recovery programmes in Cameroon and Tanzania, with approximately 2,000 trees planted so far.
"Our work is rebuilding natural ecosystems, enhancing carbon sequestration potential, and strengthening community resilience," Tejuoso added. "We are working to adopt as many forest areas as possible to help restore balance to the climate."
In addition to its environmental work, Tejuoso noted that Sahara Group has begun early preparations for new global sustainability disclosure standards (IFRS S1 and S2), which will become mandatory for public-interest entities by 2028.
