As climate change accelerates and forest ecosystems face mounting threats, the African Forest Forum (AFF), in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), is bringing together young changemakers for a transformative three-day National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo, Cameroon, from June 11 to 13. The event, held under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry,” aims to equip young Africans with the tools, knowledge, and networks to drive climate-smart forestry and green innovation across the continent. In this exclusive interview, Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary and CEO of AFF, shares insights into the workshop’s objectives, why youth are central to Africa’s forestry future, and what participants—and stakeholders—can expect from this timely and action-oriented gathering. Read on…
AFF is organizing a National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo from June 11–13. What inspired this initiative, and why is it being hosted in Mbalmayo in particular, and Cameroon this year?
Prof. Labode Popoola: The National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo, organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), aims to empower youth as catalysts for sustainable forest management, conservation, and green economy innovation. Recognizing their passion, digital acumen, and connection to nature, the initiative seeks to equip young Africans with scientific knowledge, practical skills, and policy engagement tools to tackle deforestation and climate change.Cameroon was selected as this year’s host for its ecological diversity and leadership in Central African forestry, with Mbalmayo providing an ideal setting through its forestry institutions and vibrant community initiatives. Held at the National Forestry School, the workshop brings youth closer to the forest, the science, and the solutions—placing them at the center of transformative action.
The theme of the workshop is “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.” What does this mean in practical terms, especially for young participants?
Prof. Labode Popoola:In practical terms, the theme is about bridging the gap between knowledge and action. It means translating both scientific and indigenous knowledge on forests into concrete, youth-led initiatives that promote sustainability. The workshop aims to equip young people with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to manage and conserve forests effectively. It also fosters innovation and green entrepreneurship—encouraging youth to develop forest-based businesses and climate-smart solutions. Finally, it strengthens youth advocacy, ensuring that young voices are heard in policy spaces and forest-related decision-making processes.
How does the workshop plan to bridge the gap between scientific and indigenous forest knowledge and youth-led action
Prof. Labode Popoola: The workshop brings together scientific and indigenous knowledge by creating a space where both are respected and shared. Through expert presentations, practical field activities, and group work discussions, participants learn about forest ecology, climate-smart techniques, and traditional conservation practices. Young people are then supported to translate this combined knowledge into practical actions—such as starting forest-based businesses, leading advocacy efforts, digital campaigns or launching community projects. By blending theory with hands-on learning and local insights, the workshop equips youth to develop effective, locally relevant solutions for sustainable forestry.
The event promises a range of activities—keynotes, sketch mapping, field visits, peer learning. Could you walk us through what a typical day at the workshop will look like?
Prof. Labode Popoola: The three-day youth workshop combines scientific learning with practical activities to empower young people in sustainable forest management. On day one, expert presentations cover key topics such as Africa’s forests, biodiversity, climate resilience, and green economy opportunities. Interactive sessions like sketch mapping and innovation brainstorming enable participants to identify local forest challenges and develop youth-led, technology-driven solutions based on scientific and community knowledge.
Day two brings participants into the field with visits to a youth-led forestry project, the ENEF demonstration site, and a tree planting activity alongside partners. They also learn about sustainable business models and grant opportunities before engaging in action planning to create viable project ideas. The final day centers on policy engagement, with debates and role-plays simulating decision-making processes to enhance youth advocacy skills. The workshop ends with the co-creation of a Youth Declaration on “The Role of Youth in the Green Transition,” outlining a national vision for youth-led forest action.
Why is it important to specifically target youth in forest conservation and green economy efforts in Africa?
Prof. Labode Popoola: Africa is the world’s youngest continent. Projections by the United Nations show that by 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42 percent of the world's youth and account for 75 percent of those under the age of 35. This group is four times larger than its European peers and can drive innovation and sustainability on the continent. Equipped with passion, digital savviness, and respect for nature, the youth are charting a path where their understanding of the earth's value, paired with a contemporary perspective, positions them as agents of change.
AFF is working in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute. How would these partnerships shape the content and delivery of the workshop?
Prof. Labode Popoola:The collaboration between AFF, SLU, and KEFRI enriches the workshop by integrating diverse expertise and perspectives. AFF provides extensive regional knowledge on African forestry challenges and youth engagement, ensuring the program is firmly rooted in local realities and priorities. SLU contributes cutting-edge scientific research, advanced technical expertise, and innovative methodologies from a global academic perspective, enhancing the scientific rigor and overall quality of the sessions. KEFRI offers practical experience in forestry research, community engagement, and sustainable management within the Kenyan context, effectively bridging the gap between science and field application. Together, we have conducted studies to contextualize the specific challenges and opportunities facing African youth, resulting in a well-rounded program that blends knowledge with hands-on learning, fosters capacity building, and expands access to networks and policy platforms—ultimately empowering youth to lead sustainable forestry initiatives across Africa.
What role do you foresee for youth-led networks, associations, and entrepreneurs beyond the workshop? Are there plans for follow-up or continued engagement?
Prof. Labode Popoola: Youth-led networks, associations, and entrepreneurs are expected to play a crucial role beyond the workshop by sustaining its momentum and turning its outcomes into meaningful action. They will serve as ongoing platforms for peer learning, collaboration, and advocacy, enabling young people to exchange knowledge, co-create innovative solutions, and strengthen their voices in forestry and green economy spaces. To support continued engagement, they will be invited to join the AfricanYouth4Forests dynamic Community of Practice that facilitates experience sharing, progress tracking, and joint action. Follow-up activities such as webinars, advocacy campaigns, and engagement events will further deepen youth participation and foster lasting impact at local, national, and regional levels.
In your view, what impact can this workshop have on forest governance and climate action in Cameroon and across Africa?
Prof. Labode Popoola: This workshop holds strong potential to impact forest governance and climate action in Cameroon and across Africa by positioning youth as key drivers of change. Through enhanced knowledge, skills development, and network-building, it will equip young people to actively participate in policy discussions, champion sustainable forest practices, and lead innovative, community-based responses to climate challenges.
How can interested stakeholders—government actors, NGOs, media, and the international community—support the outcomes of this youth engagement effort?
Prof. Labode Popoola: Stakeholders can play a key role in sustaining the impact of this youth initiative. Governments can support by integrating youth voices into policies and providing funding, mentorship, and inclusion in decision-making. NGOs and partners can offer technical support, visibility, and collaboration opportunities. The media can amplify youth voices and success stories, while the international community can contribute through partnerships, resources, and global recognition of youth efforts.
Finally, what message would you like to share with the young people selected to participate in this transformative workshop?
Prof. Labode Popoola: To the young leaders participating in this workshop: you are stepping into a powerful space of learning, collaboration, and action. Your voices, ideas, and energy are not only valuable—they are essential to shaping a more sustainable and just future. Use this opportunity to build lasting networks, challenge conventional thinking, and co-create solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of your communities. The journey doesn’t end here—this is just the beginning of your leadership in forest governance and climate action across Africa.As African youth, your strength lies in both your numbers and your potential. Harness your collective energy to lead bold efforts in afforestation and reforestation within your regions. The future of Africa’s forests—and its resilience to climate change—rests in your hands.
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, (PAMACC News) -- The African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have reinforced their strategic partnership to enhance collective efforts in addressing fragility and building resilience across Africa. This commitment follows a high-level technical exchange held from 22-23 April at the Bank headquarters in Abidjan.
The two-day mission brought together senior officials from both institutions to align approaches, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration to address complex challenges-- particularly in transition states or experiencing fragility. This meeting builds on previous engagements between the two development institutions, including a 2019 Civil Society deep dive facilitated by the African Development Bank’s Civil Society Division, where key areas for joint action were initially identified.
"This strategic alliance with IsDB reinforces our shared vision of addressing complex challenges in transition states through tailored, context-specific approaches," said Yero Baldeh, Director of the Transition States Coordination Office at the African Development Bank. "By aligning our methodologies and leveraging our complementary strengths, we can deliver more sustainable solutions in places where development needs are most acute."
The IsDB delegation was led by Ahmed Berthe, Lead NGO and Civil Society Specialist, and included Esra Sayhi and Abass Kassim, both Senior Fragility and Resilience Specialists.
"Our institutions serve many of the same member countries facing similar challenges," noted Berthe. "What has impressed us most is the African Development Bank's shift toward anticipatory action and prevention rather than simply responding to crises. This partnership creates a framework for maximizing our collective impact through coordinated investments, shared knowledge, and aligned strategic priorities."
The exchange spotlighted the African Development Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF), which committed more than $610 million to projects in fragile contexts in 2024. Discussions explored how the TSF’s approach could complement IsDB's financing tools and create stronger synergies in countries where both institutions operate.
Climate security emerged as a key theme, with both partners recognizing the role of environmental challenges exacerbating fragility, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. The partnership will help develop integrated approaches that address immediate needs and build long-term resilience for both institutions.
The exchange also explored ways to harmonize assessment methodologies, coordinate financial instruments, and implement integrated approaches to climate security, with both institutions agreeing to establish a joint technical working group to operationalize the partnership.
"In line with our 2022-2026 Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa, this partnership reflects the Bank's strategic emphasis on building alliances that amplify our development impact," said Ozong Agborsangaya-Fiteu, Chief Operations Officer at RDTS. "By combining our institutional strengths with IsDB, we're creating a more powerful platform for advancing resilience where it's needed most."
The partnership includes a structured implementation framework scheduled for 2025-2026, in line with the duration of both institutions’ strategies for fragility and resilience. A joint technical working group will operationalize the partnership, ensuring that concrete actions follow this strategic alignment.
This strategic collaboration advances the African Development Bank’s approach to staying engaged in fragile contexts, focusing on prevention rather than crisis response, and building strategic partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus—all key principles of its fragility and resilience strategy.
NAIROBI, Kenya - (PAMACC News) The African Forest Forum (AFF), in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), have launched the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Community of Practice, an interactive platform designed to empower young professionals, students and entrepreneurs in the forestry sector across Africa.
The AY4F Community of Practice will serve as a collaborative space where members can exchange ideas, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions to advance forest conservation, enhance climate resilience, and unlock green economy opportunities.
Through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and networking, the platform aims to equip Africa’s youth with the tools and resources needed to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable forest management.
The live discussions will run from March 31 – April 11 virtually via Howspace. The program will feature interactive chat discussions during the first week and live webinars in the second week, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning experience.
Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary-CEO of AFF, emphasized the significance of engaging young people in forestry:
“We recognize the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of Africa’s forests and tree resources. By providing a dynamic and inclusive space for engagement, we are fostering the next generation of forestry leaders and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change.”
Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, emphasized the importance of the virtual event, stating:
“We are proud to collaborate with AFF and SLU on this AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) initiative, which empowers youth to take an active role in environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of our forests.”
Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global, underscored the role of youth in sustainable forestry:
"Africa’s youth is crucial in re-thinking sustainable forest management. There are great opportunities in acknowledging this and working together with young professionals and students who drive climate resilience, unlock green economy opportunities, and shape the future of forests.”
The launch of the AY4F Community of Practice aligns with AFF’s broader mission to promote sustainable forest management and ensure that Africa’s forests continue to provide essential ecological, social, and economic benefits. With support from SLU and KEFRI, the initiative will facilitate research collaborations, mentorship programs, networking, and policy dialogues to enhance youth participation in forestry and environmental governance.
Young changemakers, students, educators, activists, scientists, experts and policy makers in the forestry sector are invited to join the AY4F Community of Practice and be part of this transformative journey towards a greener and more sustainable Africa.
BAKU, Azerbaijan (PAMACC News) - More than ever before, African environmental Civil Society Organisations, youth groups, and country representatives at the two week 29th climate change summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, united under one voice, calling on the Global North to keep the promise of climate finance, but desist from imposing loans on climate burdened countries.
Kenya is one of the countries bedeviled with such climate related loans of which the government has no option, but to keep taxing the already overtaxed and climate burdened citizens in order to service the ‘climate finance’ debts.
“It is quite immoral to burden African communities who are already paying the ultimate prize of climate change with unfair loans to mitigate a disaster, apparently caused by the financier,” said Jessica Mwanzia, the Climate Finance and Gender Lead at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).
“Africa emits a paltry four percent of the total global greenhouse gases, most of which is absorbed just by one carbon sink – the Congo Basin, leaving the continent with almost no, or extremely insignificant emissions,” said the activist.
The World Bank describes the Congo Basin as the “lungs of Africa”, being one of the largest forest-based carbon sinks in the world, absorbing up to 1.2 billion tons of carbon annually against 1.4 million tons of the emissions from the continent.
“Africa faces a unique climate paradox,” said Dr Augustine Njamnshi, the Director - African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA). “We are a continent rich in biodiversity, vast forests, and vital ecosystems that help stabilise the planet, not to mention a continent rich with minerals essential for energy transition, yet, the most impacted by climate disasters,” he said.
The civil society at COP29 intensified the pressure on the developed world to mobilise resources to support African communities with climate adaptation funds that are need-based, and in form of grants.
Ironically, African countries including Kenya are already grappling with loans guised as ‘climate finance’ through projects that purport to ‘prevent further emission,’ or to sequester ‘existing greenhouse gases’ from the atmosphere.
Furthermore, the climate financiers are seeking to recoup back money advanced to the country among other African countries to support climate adaptation projects.
“How can a climate change financier seek to be paid back money invested in a water project for example, set up for a community whose water sources have been destroyed as a result of climate change?” asked Mwanzia. “Loans are supposed to be given to business entities whose main objective is to make profits and not to communities struggling to adapt to climate related disasters,” she said.
Through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the world largest facility for climate finance that was established within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to assist developing countries with climate change adaptation and mitigation activities, Kenyan tax payers are among African communities that have been exposed to debt burdens amounting to hundreds of billions of shillings in the name of climate finance.
According to Charles Mwangi, a Nairobi based environment activist, it becomes even more unfair to the taxpayers because some of the projects do not have footprints of the target communities in terms of prioritisation.
So far, Kenya is involved in 20 GCF climate change mitigation and adaptation projects worth hundreds of billions of shillings, some which cut across multiple countries, yet, most of them are earmarked as loans to be serviced by local taxpayers.
According to data available at the GCF website, all the 20 projects are managed by foreign intermediaries with supervisors based in USA, France, UK, Netherlands, and Italy among other countries, apart from only one – ‘Enhancing community resilience and water security in the Upper Athi River Catchment Area, Kenya,’ whose intermediary is the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
One of the country specific grants known as ‘Ending Drought Emergencies: Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Rangelands’ which is a Sh4 billion adaptation project, but it is managed by IUCN on behalf of Kenya, under the supervision of a Swizz based consultant.
Another Sh13 billion equity financing project known as ‘KawiSafi Ventures Fund,’ targeting Kenya and Rwanda has also been channeled through Acumen Fund Inc, another foreign entity, under supervision of the US based consultant.
Also of interest, is a climate adaptation loan worth Sh25 billion, known as ‘Africa Rural Climate Adaptation Finance Mechanism (ARCAFIM) for East Africa region,’ targeting four Eat African countries. The loan, which is to be serviced by taxpayers in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania has been channeled through the International Fund for Agricultural development (IFAD), under the Rome based consultant.
“It will make more sense if most of these projects are adaptation based with a sense of ownership by local communities who are at the frontline of the climate crisis,” said Dr Wilber Ottichilo, the Governor Vihiga County and the Chair for Environment Committee at the Council of Governors.
The activists pointed out that most of the finances are lost in expensive air tickets for foreign consultants, their hotel bills, and allowances at the expense of poor taxpayers who are as well riddled with climate related disasters.
BAKU, Azerbaijan (PAMACC News) – African environmental activists at the ongoing COP29 climate summit in Baku are urging climate financiers to stop burdening poor countries with unmanageable loans under the guise of funding climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
Just a few months ago, widespread protests erupted in East and West Africa, led by young people demanding an end to heavy taxes imposed by governments to service foreign loans—many of which have been embezzled by corrupt leaders.
“We reject loans and any form of debt for a continent that had no role in causing global warming. We refuse to borrow from the arsonist to put out the fire they started and which is burning our livelihoods,” said Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).
According to PACJA, between 70 and 80 percent of financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to African countries comes in the form of loans, often routed through intermediaries. In practice, only a fraction of these funds—sometimes less than 10 percent—actually reach the climate-burdened communities that need them most.
“We demand that these finances be directed first and foremost toward those most exposed to climate risks and least able to adapt,” Dr. Mwenda continued. “This means moving beyond fragmented and delayed funding and ensuring a reliable, affordable, accessible, and timely flow of finance—preferably in the form of grants—that matches the scale of the crisis,” he said during Africa Day, an annual event organized by the African Development Bank on the sidelines of COP29.
One of the many problematic financial instruments imposed on African countries is the Sustainable Renewables Risk Mitigation Initiative (SRMI) Facility. This initiative, primarily a mitigation project aimed at offsetting 89 million tons of carbon emissions, has seen six African countries and one from Asia-Pacific (Kenya, DR Congo, Namibia, Mali, Botswana, and the Central African Republic) saddled with a loan of USD 1.6 billion. This loan, intended to offset emissions primarily from the Global North, will have to be repaid by the very communities already bearing the brunt of climate change.
Despite Africa contributing less than 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, these countries are expected to repay loans taken for projects designed to mitigate the environmental damage caused by wealthier nations. The GCF approved the project on March 19, 2021, with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association overseeing its implementation, under the supervision of Mr. Zhihong Zhang, a Senior Carbon Finance Specialist based in Washington, D.C.
Another example is the Leveraging Energy Access Finance (LEAF) Framework, approved on July 1, 2021, and implemented by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The project, meant to help Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tunisia avoid emitting 29.9 million tons of greenhouse gases, requires repayment of a loan amounting to USD 959.9 million. The burden of this loan will fall on poor taxpayers, many of whom are already suffering the impacts of climate change.
Activists argue that focusing on mitigation loans for African countries is a misplaced priority. Even if Africa were to stop emitting all greenhouse gases, the continent’s contribution to the global carbon footprint is so minimal that it would not significantly alter the course of global warming.
In addition to mitigation loans, the GCF is also seeking to recoup some of the funds it has disbursed to poor countries for climate adaptation. One such project is the Africa Rural Climate Adaptation Finance Mechanism (ARCAFIM) for East Africa, approved on October 25, 2023. The project, which is being implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), will provide financing for climate adaptation in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. However, the loan of USD 200 million will need to be repaid by the very taxpayers who are already suffering from the consequences of climate change.
“Many of these projects lack the input of the communities they are meant to serve,” said Charles Mwangi, a Nairobi-based climate activist. “Communities must be at the forefront of decision-making when framing these projects. Instead, much of the funding is lost to exorbitant costs like expensive airfares for foreign consultants, hotel bills, and allowances,” he added.
In contrast to these externally imposed projects, Kenya is piloting the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) initiative, a five-year program supported by the Government of Kenya, the World Bank, and other donors. FLLoCA is designed to support locally-led climate resilience actions, strengthening both county and national governments’ capacity to manage climate risks.
“We are advocating for policies that prioritize adaptation, not as an afterthought, but as a central pillar of climate finance,” Dr. Mwenda said. “We must amplify the voices of local organizations and grassroots leaders to ensure that global commitments reflect the real priorities on the ground.”
At COP29, the discussions on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) offer a critical opportunity to reshape global climate finance in a way that aligns with Africa’s needs.
“It is essential that adaptation finance be needs-based, mobilized from public funds in the Global North, and provided as grants, not loans,” Dr. Mwenda emphasized. “The private sector should be considered a third or fourth option, not the first.”
