Africa has long been at the forefront of corporate exploitation, facing the devastating consequences of environmental harm. The continent grapples with the disappearance of wildlife, escalating environmental degradation, and the erosion of long-standing traditions as climate change intensifies. The delicate balance of nature is being further disrupted, with industries prioritizing profit over environmental sustainability. Many cities once thriving with productivity, are now suffering from the consequences of oil facilities situated on their shores, further exacerbating the damage to the environment and local livelihoods.

CAPPA’s projects focus on holding corporations responsible for their role in Africa’s crises, particularly their influence over government policies that disregard the needs of local communities. The goal is to demand reparations and compensation, not as determined by the perpetrators but based on the needs of those affected. Their initiatives aim to empower communities, provide evidence of corporate infractions, and advocate for reparatory justice while ensuring that people have control over their land and environment.

‘People should have assets and full control of their land‘

One the main challenges in addressing loss and damage in Africa is the lack of capacity to measure these impacts, despite the real and visible harm caused by climate change. While some advocate for immediate financial solutions, historical damages must be acknowledged, and corporations held accountable. Efforts to gather evidence from affected regions in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Kenya aim to highlight the true impacts of climate change and push for climate projects that focus on the needs of frontline communities rather than just carbon-based solutions.

‘People should be held accountable for the damages that they’ve done in the past‘

The climate and water crises are closely linked, with climate change worsening water scarcity and harming communities that rely on local water sources, while corporate activities exacerbate pollution and the lack of public water systems. Efforts to privatize water resources often prioritize profit over people’s survival, and addressing these crises requires a holistic approach with accountability in both government and private management.

‘When you think about profit making for public water, you are no longer thinking about the need for people to survive‘

The corporatization of public water resources in Africa is a growing issue, driven by debt-driven demands from international financiers like the World Bank, which require governments to privatize water systems. This has led to widespread privatization, making water services unaffordable and ineffective, with many people, especially women and girls, still forced to rely on unsafe water sources. The privatization model has resulted in job losses and poor service delivery, with no accountability for failed projects, while governments continue to pay off loans for these unsuccessful ventures. The solution lies in reaffirming the government’s responsibility to provide essential public services like water, as they have historically done, and shifting away from profit-driven models that harm communities.

‘Water is such an important factor that the government cannot afford to allow it to go into the hands of private actors‘

Zikora Ibeh is a researcher, content creator, program manager and aspiring techie with years of experience in the non-profit sector. She is particularly passionate about the struggle for social justice, and open civic space. She works to make a difference through social and public policy advocacy, action research, and digital influencing. She holds a Degree in Economics Education from the University of Ibadan, is a fellow of the Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and has published her research papers, articles and works in newspapers, academic and professional journals.

An avid reader and passionate writer, Zikora is no doubt a leading voice of the new generation of young people in Nigeria who are striving to be heard.

Reach out to her for any follow up at zibeh@cappaafrica.org.

Ogunlade Olamide Martins is a social advocate and development enthusiast. With over six years’ experience in the social space, he has built capacity in social research, baseline analysis, policy advocacy, impact assessment, environmental governance, and climate change. Originally trained as a geologist in the University, his passion for social work influenced his career choice. He is a course graduate of the University of Washington Leadership and Management in Health LMIH 2017 and a certified facilitator from the same institution.

Olamide Martins was once the watershed consultant to the World-Bank Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Ekiti State and have also managed projects supported by National Democratic Institute (NDI), UKAid, USAid, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), African Women Development Fund (AWDF) among others successfully.

He is a He4She Champion, an award given to him by Ekiti State Government in 2020 in recognition of his contribution to gender justice and women socio-political emancipation.

He adds his voice to challenge and halt corporate abuse especially as it relates to climate change and the extractives.

Reach out to him for any follow up at ogunladeolamide@cappaafrica.org.