- Ford Foundation partners are developing community-driven solutions to address the impacts of climate change and energy transitions across West Africa.
- The discussions emphasised the need to ensure that the shift to clean energy protects community rights, livelihoods and ecosystems.
Ford Foundation’s grantee partners across Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana are advancing innovative approaches to address the social and environmental impacts of extractive industries, climate change and the global energy transition on communities across West Africa.
The initiatives were highlighted during a convening hosted by the Ford Foundation in Lagos, where partner organisations gathered to share experiences and explore collaborative strategies for a fairer and more inclusive energy future.
The meeting, attended by Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken, focused on the role of partnerships and locally driven leadership in shaping Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Regional Director for West Africa at the Ford Foundation, Dr Chi Chi Aniagolu, said the discussions reflected the complex pressures facing communities in the region.
She explained that West Africa faces overlapping climate, social and economic challenges. At the same time, the energy transition presents both risks and opportunities. According to her, local partnerships help ensure that clean energy expansion strengthens community rights and delivers sustainable benefits.
Emmanuel Kuyole, NRCJ Programme Officer for West Africa, facilitated sessions on green industrialisation and energy access. Participants also discussed strategies for transitioning away from fossil fuels while protecting livelihoods.
During the convening, partners shared practical examples of community-focused initiatives.
Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri of Spaces for Change highlighted the link between energy poverty and gender-based violence in extractive communities in Nigeria. She noted that limited energy access exposes women to health risks and economic vulnerability. Therefore, promoting clean cooking fuels and safer energy solutions can reduce both emissions and social risks.
Lanre Shosore, Senior Advisor for Africa at Sustainable Energy for All, emphasised the role of reliable electricity in economic empowerment. He said energy access supports productivity and livelihoods. For example, it enables farmers to process produce and small businesses to operate efficiently.
Fatima Diallo, Executive Director of the Centre for Research and Action on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in shaping equitable energy policies. She explained that countries across West Africa face similar pressures from debt, climate risks and energy poverty. Collaborative platforms allow governments and civil society groups to exchange lessons and strengthen policy advocacy.
Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, highlighted the importance of protecting ecosystems during the energy transition. He warned that energy transitions that damage ecosystems or exclude communities cannot remain sustainable. Consequently, civil society groups are equipping communities with information and advocacy tools.
The convening highlighted the growing influence of civil society organisations in shaping West Africa’s energy transition. Participants emphasised the need for policies that combine environmental sustainability with economic inclusion and social justice.