Greening without exclusion: Enock Bii on Africa’s struggle for climate justice and equity

As Africa navigates the twin pressures of a worsening climate crisis and an urgent development agenda, one question keeps resurfacing: Can the continent build a just, green future without leaving its most vulnerable behind? 

A growing number of African governments are embracing “green skilling”—particularly for women and marginalized communities—as an enabler of equitable climate resilience. Yet,  many of these efforts remain urban-centered, donor-driven, and disconnected from the rural communities bearing the brunt of climate impacts.

Meanwhile, questions around climate security, especially in conflict-prone regions like Somalia, spotlight how the de-prioritization of environmental factors in peacekeeping mandates can erode long-term stability. Similarly, promising innovations like solar mini-grids in fragile areas show how climate-smart development can, and must, adapt to complex local realities.

Kenya, often seen as a regional climate leader, is attempting to translate its localized, science-driven adaptation agenda into actionable county-level programs. However, implementation still faces bottlenecks in financing, institutional coordination, and political will.

This interview, with Enock Bii, founder and CEO of ClimaVox, a Pan-African sustainability communication firm, offers a panoramic view of where Africa stands today. From Kenya’s bold declarations at the Africa Climate Resilience Summit to grassroots clean energy pilots in Goma, and the regulatory momentum in Ghana and South Africa, the conversation reveals both ambition and friction.

The interview also addresses Africa’s place in global climate finance debates, from Kenya’s endorsement of a UN-backed private jet levy to widespread calls for accessible, non-debt-based funding to support just transitions. In South Africa, scrutiny is rising around how consulting giants shape climate policy, highlighting the thin line between expertise and exploitation.

From the Blue Crane’s vulnerability to Mali’s nationalization of gold mines, the discussion touches on how biodiversity, natural resource control, and extractive policies must be reimagined through a climate justice lens. It concludes with insight into Ghana’s steps toward embedding ESG compliance within its financial system, signaling a shift from voluntary green reporting to mandatory, enforceable accountability.

Together, these reflections form a candid snapshot of Africa’s climate crossroads, where policy, politics, and people intersect. They are a reminder that resilience is not built in summits alone, but in everyday decisions, local leadership, and shared values.

Q1. To what extent are African governments investing in “green skilling” for women, and how effectively are these programs bridging the gender gap in climate resilience roles?

Green skilling for women is gaining momentum, but it remains uneven across the continent. Countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia have begun integrating gender-responsive climate training into national frameworks, often with donor and UN support. For instance, Kenya’s Green Economy Strategy recognizes women as key stakeholders in sustainable agriculture and clean energy. However, the real challenge lies in scalability and systemic inclusion as many programs remain urban-focused and underfunded. To truly bridge the gender gap in climate resilience, governments need to integrate green skilling into TVET institutions, rural extension programs, and community-driven innovations with measurable targets for women’s participation and leadership.

Q2. Has the de-prioritization of climate security in recent UN peacekeeping mandates compromised long-term resilience in conflict-affected regions like Somalia?

Absolutely. Climate insecurity, manifested in water scarcity, failed rains, and food shortages, acts as a threat multiplier in fragile regions like Somalia. The scaling back of climate-sensitive components in peacekeeping mandates risks overlooking the environmental root causes of conflict. Without climate-informed peacebuilding, efforts become reactive rather than preventative. We’ve seen this in central Somalia, where competition over shrinking pasturelands intensifies tensions. Sustainable peace in such regions requires climate-resilient livelihoods to be built alongside security interventions.

Q3. Can Kenya’s call for “localised, science-driven climate adaptation” at the Africa Climate Resilience Summit translate into actionable national policies?

Kenya is well-positioned to walk the talk. The devolved system of government allows counties to tailor climate actions to their unique vulnerabilities. For example, Makueni and Kitui counties already run locally funded climate resilience programs supported by scientific data on rainfall trends. What’s needed now is stronger coordination between the national climate fund, scientific institutions, and local governments to embed adaptation into agriculture, water, and infrastructure planning. If backed with financing and political will, this model could set a precedent across the continent.

Q4. How scalable is the solar mini grid model piloted in Goma, DRC for other conflict-prone and resource-poor areas in Africa?

The Goma solar minigrid is a promising case study, proving that clean energy can thrive even in conflict zones. Its success rests on community ownership, decentralized management, and NGO-backed subsidies. However, scalability depends on three things: security guarantees, innovative financing models, and adaptive technology. In regions like Northern Nigeria or parts of South Sudan, local energy cooperatives, supported by mobile payments and remote monitoring, could replicate the Goma success if conflict-sensitive frameworks are included from day one.

Q5. Will Kenya’s endorsement of a U.N.-backed tax on private jets effectively channel revenue into climate mitigation and adaptation projects?

Symbolically, it sends a strong message: high emitters must contribute more. Practically, it’s a step forward in climate justice financing. However, implementation is key. The revenue must be transparently managed and channeled into projects that benefit frontline communities such as reforestation, drought resilience programs, or green infrastructure in arid counties. Kenya should also advocate for regional adoption of the levy so it doesn't stand alone in a global system that largely protects polluters.

Q6. How deeply are consulting and accounting firms influencing South Africa’s climate crisis response—and is that influence beneficial or exploitative?

The influence is significant. Big Four firms are involved in ESG audits, carbon disclosure, and green finance advisory. While they bring expertise and global standards, there’s concern that this influence may prioritize investor interests over community or environmental justice. The challenge is to ensure these firms operate under national frameworks that mandate inclusivity, transparency, and long-term impact. Independent audits and public participation mechanisms should be strengthened to guard against greenwashing.

Q7. What concrete measures are climate experts demanding ahead of COP30 to ensure an equitable energy transition in Africa?

Three key demands stand out. First, climate finance must be more accessible to African countries - not through loans, but grants and technology transfers. Second, the phasing out of fossil fuels must be sequenced in a way that does not jeopardize development. Lastly, African voices must influence how transition funds are allocated. Local innovation hubs, like Kenya’s solar-powered irrigation networks, should receive priority support over imported solutions. Experts are also pushing for clearer metrics to assess “just transition” outcomes beyond GDP.

Q8. With the Blue Crane now classified as “vulnerable,” what immediate actions are being taken to counteract climate-driven threats to biodiversity in South Africa?

The classification has catalyzed action from both government and conservation NGOs. The South African Biodiversity Institute is working on habitat preservation, especially in the grasslands of Eastern Cape and Free State where the Blue Crane nests. Additionally, farmers are being incentivized to adopt crane-friendly practices, such as reduced pesticide use and setting aside buffer zones. More public-private partnerships are needed, however, to scale up efforts and engage local communities in biodiversity stewardship.

Q9. Mali has nationalized gold mines—how might resource control affect local environmental impacts and climate resilience?

Nationalization can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers Mali an opportunity to regulate extractive activities more strictly, reinvest profits into sustainable development, and reduce exploitation by foreign companies. On the other, without strong environmental governance and civil society oversight, national control could worsen degradation and pollution. The key will be to channel revenues into ecological restoration and local climate adaptation, while enforcing environmental safeguards at every mining stage.

Q10. How are Ghanaian regulators strengthening ESG reporting and compliance in the wake of enhanced training from sustainability organizations?

Ghana’s Securities and Exchange Commission has begun enforcing ESG disclosure for listed firms, aligning with the Africa Exchanges Sustainability Initiative. Following training by institutions like the IFC and the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, regulators are now developing sector-specific guidelines and digital compliance tools. Companies in mining, energy, and banking are being audited for their environmental risks and community impact. The long-term goal is to embed ESG into Ghana’s financial system—not just as a reporting requirement, but as a driver of ethical growth.