30/05/2025
Is Africa being bought to save the planet?
That’s the burning question at the heart of the recent conversation at Green Growth TV & Studios on carbon markets, climate justice, and what some are calling “carbon colonialism.” The interview dives deep into how carbon credit schemes, while dressed up as climate solutions, may actually be displacing communities, undervaluing African resources, and repeating the patterns of exploitation — just with a greener coat of paint. As countries from the Global North scoop up land in Africa to offset their emissions, the interview raises a stark point: Are these contracts the new chains?
Eucharia Ileka, MSC , TEDF Founder didn’t hold back. She broke down how African nations often lack the regulatory frameworks to negotiate fair terms, leaving local communities undercompensated while foreign investors profit. With carbon credit baselines as low as $2 per ton — sometimes even less — it’s hard not to question who’s truly winning here. Meanwhile, examples like Namibia show what could be possible when communities actually see 90% of the revenue reinvested locally. So, the issue isn’t whether climate finance is needed — it’s whether Africa is being treated as a climate partner or just another carbon sink.
The takeaway? Africa must reclaim its agency. Whether through stronger policy, regional cooperation, local green financing, or demanding full community inclusion — this isn’t just about emissions; it’s about justice. As the world rushes toward net zero, we must ask: At what cost, and for whose benefit? It's time the global climate conversation included Africa not just as a victim or a resource, but as an equal voice with its own priorities, strategies, and solutions.
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https://youtu.be/iiYw09CkC1E?si=IwNyLjcAow5JBrnX
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