THE RACONTEUR: HOW TO GET THE MOST OF A NETWORKING EVENT MY ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOURNEY: SERIES 1 ~ EPISODE 7

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Africa Climate Summit (ACS), an event that was organized by the African Union Commission in partnership with the Kenyan government. As an entrepreneur in the waste management, circular economy and climate action space, I was in the right place at the right time. The summit, with the theme "Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World," started on September 4 and concluded on September 6, marking the adoption of the "Nairobi Declaration." This declaration, agreed upon by member states, called for de-carbonization and a fair multilateral finance system as a response to the pressing global issue of Climate Change.

The ACS23 was a truly global gathering, attracting over 30,000 participants, including delegates from various nations, media professionals, foreign government officials, and representatives from the African Union and other international organizations. This diverse mix of attendees made KICC a unique and culturally rich hub for the duration of the ACS23.

My experience at the ACS was very enlightening. On the first day, I listened to various speeches that set the tone for the summit. I managed to catch facilitated in-depth discussions by experts and stakeholders within the climate change discourse at numerous breakout sessions and meeting rooms.

Afterward, I explored the exhibition booths, where I had the chance to connect with several individuals who shared their insights on climate change and sustainability. These organizations were dedicated to various aspects of waste management, bio-ecological conservation, carbon sequestration, reforestation, climate-smart agriculture practices, clean energy, sustainability initiatives, climate policy, and climate mitigation financing – it was interesting to learn about the Kenyan “Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program” that was launched globally during the COP 26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland on 8th November 2021. FLLoCA was also launched locally during the 7th Annual Devolution Conference on 25th November 2021 in Makueni County. FLLoCA is an embodiment of the country’s commitment towards a low-carbon trajectory by channeling climate finance resources at both the national and local communities at the ward levels across 47 counties to create a sustainable future for the most vulnerable.

Even children and youth climate-centric programs were in the mix pushed by WWF, UNICEF and UNDP. Homa Bay County booth was the crème de la crème. Probably they were the only county representation at the ACS showcasing their initiatives. Do you know that Homa Bay County has a Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2027?

One of the highlights of my time at the ACS was a side event organized by African Food Changemakers at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRU), in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) on day two. I was excited to meet my fellow Kenyan participants who were among the cohort in the Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) program. It was an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into discussions about the future of food security and agricultural practices in the face of climate change.

On the third day, I attended another side event focused on climate action dubbed the South to South Collaboration, organized by the Alliance for Science . Notable about this event was the inclusion of children and youth participation in the event. The animation of six SDGs: No Poverty#1; Zero Hunger#2; Good Health & Well-being#3; Quality Education#4; Affordable & Clean Energy#7; and Climate Action#13 was well delivered by designated Super Heroes who emphasized the importance of collective action to combat climate change and its adverse effects.

As the ACS23 came to a close, it left a lasting impact. I gathered tens of business cards and IEC materials that will take me a couple of months to sift through and start making meaningful connections in regards to learning, mentorship, training, collaboration, partnership, and financing.

I believe that the "Nairobi Declaration" will contribute Africa's perspective on climate change to the world stage at the upcoming UN Climate Change conference, COP28, scheduled for November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai City.