California Forging Climate and Trade Partnerships in Africa, Accelerating International Sustainable Innovation and Cooperation

AMTV, Sacramento, Aug 21 – California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin recently led a distinguished climate and economic trade delegation to Kenya and Nigeria, marking a significant step in strengthening California’s international partnerships focused on climate action, sustainable development and job creation.

Organized by California state government leadership in collaboration with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and the Bay Area Council, the delegation included industry leaders, academia, policy experts, the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the City of Los Angeles. Travel for California state government leadership was funded by the Bay Area Council, a non-profit public policy organization that works to grow the economy, address California’s most serious challenges and deepen the state’s economic connections around the world.

“Governor Newsom has set the stage for California to solidify its reputation as a global leader for climate action and sustainable economic development,” said Secretary Omishakin. “With Africa poised to have the world’s largest and youngest population by 2050, this is a pivotal moment to deepen our climate and trade partnerships with the continent. Kenya and Nigeria are already leading with bold climate policies, and we’re eager to build on that momentum through meaningful collaboration.”

The delegation held high-level meetings with Kenyan President William Ruto, the Ministry of Nairobi County Sakaja Johnson, Nigerian State Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, Jr.

Delegates also explored formal cooperation in clean energy and transportation, sustainable growth and development, climate-smart agriculture, digital technology, creative economies and both university and institutional partnerships.

Kenya derives about 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, and Nairobi, the capital city, is often referred to as “Silicon Savannah.” President Ruto chairs the African Union’s Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, and Nairobi is a member of C40 Cities, which has an ambitious Climate Action Plan and a target of net-zero by 2050. Nigeria is often referred to as the “Giant of Africa.” In Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja, delegates visited the U.S. Embassy, followed by meetings with several ministers.

This visit was built on recent climate engagement, including Climate Week NYC meetings in September 2024 and the California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum held during San Francisco’s 2025 Climate Week.

The California-Africa Climate and Economic Partnership is a unique opportunity to shape the world for our future generations. Ensuring that we are able to address climate vulnerabilities while advancing economic growth will lead to resilient long-term prosperity for our people…California and Kenya share a common vision for their people and this partnership should and will enable a new global model for a better world. – Kenyan President William Ruto

Nigeria and California may be separated by oceans, but we are united by a shared urgency to tackle the climate crisis and unlock the economic opportunities of a green transition. With Nigeria’s vast resources, youthful population and ambitious climate goals, and California’s proven leadership in clean technology and policy innovation, this partnership has the potential to deliver solutions with global impact.- Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria

California and Kenya share a vision of climate leadership through innovation. Whether it’s electric mobility, sustainable agriculture, green finance or renewable energy, there is a strong convergence of priorities. This forum offers a unique platform to scale joint ventures in green infrastructure and manufacturing and promote export-oriented value chains connecting Kenya to the US market… – Ambassador Ali Mohamed, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Executive Office of the President, Republic of Kenya

As Los Angeles looks ahead to hosting the World Cup next year and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is vital that we continue to promote inclusive economic development and deliver tangible benefits to all Angelenos. L.A. is fueled by innovation, technology, and trade and we recognize the importance of diplomacy in forging ties with international partners. – Los Angeles Mayor Bass

Nairobi and Los Angeles are global cities bound by a shared spirit of innovation, resilience and diversity. Our collaboration is more than an exchange of ideas—it is an investment in cleaner transportation, stronger creative economies and sustainable growth that uplifts our people. By linking Silicon Savannah to the City of Angels, we are proving that cities can lead the way in shaping a greener and more inclusive global future. Indeed, a tale of two cities. – Governor of Nairobi County Sakaja Johnson

The subject of multimodal transportation systems matters deeply to Lagos State. Our city, just like California, is built on resilience, innovation and diversity. We are to Africa what California is to the rest of the world and technology is at the centre of our progressive economic policy aimed at improving the lives of the citizens. Therefore, we see a strong partnership between Lagos and California as very strategic at this time that the global focus is on innovation and green energy. Lagos is happy to deepen the relationship. – Nigerian State Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

By fostering partnerships with African nations, California is opening pathways that reflect and respond to shared global challenges. As we strengthen ties across sectors, from climate solutions to creative industries, we are helping shape a future where economic opportunity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. – Samuel Assefa, Director of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation

California’s commitment to sustainable innovation and clean energy is about creating a future where every community thrives. It’s not just about policies, but about people, innovation and a shared vision of a sustainable world. – CEC Commissioner Noemí Gallardo

The Port of Los Angeles recognizes the significance of the APM Terminal at Nigeria’s Port of Apapa in Lagos. Both ports are leaders in innovation and sustainability, showcasing the potential for growth and improved efficiencies in international trade. – Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka

The emerging partnership between California and African countries is a historic step toward economic opportunity and environmental benefits. Through increased cooperation, including the launch of the Africa Clean Transportation Initiative, a UC Davis collaboration with the Government of Kenya, we have the opportunity to spark a sustainable transportation revolution—delivering clean, affordable, reliable and accessible mobility while advancing shared prosperity. We are proud to be part of this collective effort. – Aditya Ramji, Director, Global South Clean Transportation Center, UC Davis

Bay Area Council applauds Governor Newsom and Secretary Omishakin for their leadership and vision in advancing economic cooperation with partners across Africa to address our biggest challenges, promote deeper understanding and create opportunities for exchange. – Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council