SAN FRANCISCO – On Earth Day during SF Climate Week, Secretary Toks Omishakin joined Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and the Mayor of San Francisco, Daniel Lurie, as they welcomed dignitaries from Kenya and Nigeria for the California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum. Hosted at the Bay Area Council’s headquarters on the Historic Klamath, the forum centered on building a collaborative future of strong, green trade and climate partnerships between California and African nations.
“The nation-states we each call home are powerhouses of economic growth and innovation,” said Secretary Omishakin. “I strongly believe now is the time to forge stronger climate action and economic relationships between California and Africa.”
The forum featured opening and key remarks from several leaders and visiting dignitaries, including Kenya’s Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change Ambassador, Ali Mohamed; Nigerian Ambassador, Samson Itegboje; Nigeria’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe; Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles, Ambassador Ezra Chiloba; University of California Davis Chancellor, Gary May; and President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, Jim Wunderman.
Panel discussions centered on the critical need to engage with key African nations and the opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in areas related to sustainable development, clean energy, transportation decarbonization and land use. It also featured key leaders of Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration, including Director of the California Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, Samuel Assefa, and California Energy Commission Chair, David Hochschild.
The forum was organized by the California State Transportation Agency’s international team, along with critical support from the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies’ Center for the Global South and the Bay Area Council – both partners in advancing long-term strategic engagement, including potential future trade delegation visits.
Following the forum, the African delegation traveled to Sacramento, where they were welcomed by Governor Newsom during a meeting with members of his climate cabinet to further discuss opportunities for engagement and the potential for formal partnership aimed at advancing shared goals for sustainable development.
By 2050, Africa will have the world’s largest and youngest population – one in every four people on the planet will live on the African continent. Africa’s geopolitical influence is also growing. In 2023, the African Union was made a permanent member of the G20. While most Sub-Saharan African economies are developing, 10 out of 20 of the world’s fastest growing economies and emerging markets are on the continent. In 2022, California exports to Africa reached $800 million. Both Kenya and Nigeria are English-speaking countries with significant regional, cultural and economic influence. Event photos:
Governor Gavin Newsom and California Dignitaries with African Delegation
"Why Africa? Why Now?" Panel Discussion
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