Lagos State Government, through the Office of Special Adviser (SA) on Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), has taken a significant step toward advancing sustainable development by signing an Expression of Interest (EoI) to partner with the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) at the ongoing COP29, holding in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The strategic partnership aimed to unlock climate financing, foster technology transfer, and promote green economic growth in Lagos State, aligns with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to position the state as a sustainable and resilient megacity.
The EoI outlines a shared commitment to fostering collaboration on projects, aligns with UNFCCC Articles 6.2 and 6.4ER goals, promotes carbon offset objectives, and drives Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance (EESG) compliance and circular economy principles.
Besides, the partnership aimed to focus on bankable, de-risked sustainable projects that advance Lagos State’s position as a global leader in climate action, among others.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the COP29 Climate Innovation Zone, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy for Lagos State, emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying that the collaboration with the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce is a key step in advancing the vision for a sustainable future in Lagos.
She said that with the EUACC’s extensive network and expertise, the state would be better equipped to accelerate the deployment of innovative climate solutions, position the state as a global leader in sustainable development, and attract meaningful green investments.
According to her, “Our participation in COP29 has been transformative, strengthening our position as a frontrunner in global climate action by forging strategic partnerships and showcasing Lagos’ pioneering projects.”
Oshodi further said that the partnership was set to deliver key outcomes, including enhanced access to climate finance through green bonds and concessional funding, market promotion of Lagos State’s Article 6-compliant projects, and attracting funding for clean technology and sustainable infrastructure development.
“It also aligns with the ongoing strategic partnership between the OCCE, Access Bank—a leading African financial institution with operations across Africa, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia and Carbonivity, a leading carbon asset development firm, to accelerate climate investment initiatives for Lagos State.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE). Lagos State is setting a remarkable example for Africa in its bold commitment to climate action and sustainability,” she stated.
Executive Director of the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC), Sonia Toro, in his own remark, applauded the partnership, saying that it would position Lagos as a global leader in sustainable development.
“Together, we will leverage our collective strengths to drive transformative green projects, unlock investment opportunities, and position Lagos as a global leader in sustainable development,” the executive director said.
Dr. Adebola Odunusi, CEO of Carbonivity, OCCE’s carbon asset development partner, remarked, said that the projects championed by OCCE demonstrate how African cities can lead the way in green economic transformation, climate innovation, and adaptation, among others.
He highlighted that with the backing of strong partnerships as demonstrated by the ecosystem with EUACC and Access Bank PLC, Lagos is well-positioned to deliver measurable improvements in climate adaptation and green economic outcomes.
Head of Accra Office of EUACC, Nele Lahrmann-Muniru, posited that if Lagos successfully scales its climate action programs, it could serve as a model for sustainable and resilient circular economies across Africa.
He further posited that with a focus on creating strong incentives for citizens and including climate programming strategically into the state’s budget, the state could become a blueprint for how to make climate action and the circular economy work for Africa.
Lahrmann-Muniru, however, expressed the commitment of EUACC to innovation and practical solutions for Africa’s development, saying it looked forward to supporting these initiatives in Lagos and beyond.
The signing of the EoI with EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce and other engagements during COP29 reflected Lagos State’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that aligned with global best practices in sustainability, delivering tangible benefits for its citizens, and supporting the state’s transition to a green economy.
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