Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has emphasized the importance of climate-positive growth as a strategy for job creation, wealth generation, and poverty alleviation across Africa.
Osinbajo made this assertion during the 23rd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture, held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Lagos. The event, organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with Chevron, focused on the theme “Greening Africa’s Economies: Can Climate Positive Growth Deliver Prosperity?”
Climate-positive growth, also referred to as carbon-negative growth, involves achieving progress by removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than is emitted.
Delivering the lecture, Osinbajo highlighted that adopting a green economic model would not only tackle poverty but also enhance economic competitiveness. He noted that Africa has the potential to aid global efforts in reaching net-zero emissions by embracing climate-positive development.
“The critical advantage of this approach is its capacity to create jobs, generate wealth, and address extreme poverty. We must consider why this paradigm is logical for Africa’s growth. Our economies have what I would call climate competitiveness, meaning we can outpace others by growing green,” he explained.
Osinbajo pointed out that global consumer preferences are shifting toward environmentally friendly products, creating an economic opportunity for regions that can produce cost-competitive, green solutions.
He further stated, “The global market increasingly values climate solutions. Consumers are changing their preferences, opting for sustainable products. Additionally, carbon pricing in various economies ensures that emissions come at a cost. Africa has a massive economic advantage if we can offer competitive green products.”
According to him, Africa holds the essential elements to become a leader in climate action, including vast untapped renewable energy resources, a youthful entrepreneurial population, and abundant natural assets.
“Our late start in industrialization, combined with a low-carbon footprint, presents a unique opportunity. By focusing on renewable energy—where we possess 60% of the world’s potential—we can pioneer the first green industrial civilization. This shift would eliminate the costs associated with outdated, carbon-intensive industries,” he said.
Osinbajo underscored that Africa could achieve economic growth while reducing or maintaining steady emissions. He called for the continent to embrace its role as a vital player in the global green transition.
“We have unparalleled green and blue resources, including one-sixth of the world’s remaining forests. This positions Africa as either the center of solutions or a critical factor in the climate crisis, depending on our development choices. To meet global net-zero goals, Africa must pursue a carbon-negative development path,” he added.
In his remarks, NCF Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, emphasized the need for strong governance to ensure the successful implementation of climate-focused actions.
“The S.L. Edu lecture offers a platform to discuss vital environmental issues. However, implementing these ideas requires robust governance, transparency, and accountability,” Onoja stated.
Justice Bukola Adebiyi, NCF’s National Executive Chairman, expressed gratitude to Osinbajo for his insightful lecture and encouraged Nigerians to engage in tree-planting initiatives for a more sustainable environment.
During the event, grants were awarded to two doctoral students, Yohanna Christopher and Oluwatoyin Olayinka, who are pursuing studies in Plant Ecology and Forest Information Systems at the University of Jos and the University of Ibadan, respectively.