California Deepens Climate and Trade Partnerships in Africa
Kenyan President William Ruto and Team with California Delegation at State House
The Bay Area Council recently joined forces with the State of California and UC Davis to lead a powerful, multi-sector delegation across Kenya and Nigeria, building a bridge of innovation, investment, and shared climate action between California and the African continent.
Behind the leadership of Gov. Newsom and led by California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin, Energy Commissioner Noemí Gallardo, and Land Use and Climate Innovation Director Samuel Assefa, the delegation brought together state officials, business leaders, researchers, and investors around a single mission: to accelerate clean energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development across borders.
The journey began in Nairobi, where the group immersed themselves in Kenya’s rapidly evolving innovation and sustainability landscape. From a sunrise field briefing at Nairobi National Park to in-depth sessions at IBM Research–Africa, the delegation witnessed firsthand how Kenya is harnessing AI, climate data, and entrepreneurship to tackle global challenges. A site visit to Kibera, one of Africa’s largest informal settlements, showcased community-led solutions in clean water, solar lighting, microfinance, and youth empowerment—culminating in a rooftop performance by local artists that underscored the power of cultural connection.
At the California–Africa Climate & Economic Forum, co-hosted by Ambassador Ali Mohamed, Kenyan and California leaders came together to chart new ground in transport electrification, renewable energy, and climate-smart agriculture. A subsequent meeting at State House with President William Ruto marked a milestone moment—signaling formal alignment between California and Kenya on climate cooperation and green trade.
Kenyan President William Ruto with Delegation at State House
From Kenya, the delegation flew west to Nigeria, where the tone shifted to federal policy engagement and business development. In Abuja, delegates met with senior leaders across climate, foreign affairs, and digital innovation, discussing everything from carbon strategies to cross-border startup investment. Nigeria’s scale, youth population, and bold tech ambitions made it clear: this is a country ready to lead the green transition in Africa.
In Lagos, the delegation turned its focus to infrastructure and industry. Leaders toured the Port of Apapa to explore port collaboration, met with electric vehicle firms like MAX Drive and Saglev, and visited Semicolon Africa, a trailblazing venture hub training the next generation of African software engineers. A packed reception hosted by George Etomi & Partners brought together over 150 business leaders for a night of deals, dialogue, and possibility.
As Secretary Omishakin expressed: “Africa’s growth is inevitable—and California must be at the table as a partner, investor, and ally.”
This mission wasn’t just a diplomatic trip. It was a blueprint for how California can engage globally: by listening, co-creating, and unlocking climate and economic opportunity in tandem. The Bay Area Council is proud to have co-led this historic initiative and looks forward to deepening these ties in the months ahead.
