California and African Leaders Meet in San Francisco to Advance Climate, Transportation and Trade Partnerships

SAN FRANCISCO, April 23 – During San Francisco Climate Week, California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin brought together state of California climate officials, along with international dignitaries and external partners for the 2nd Annual California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum (CACEF) at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

The forum included representatives from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to deepen collaboration on climate action, clean transportation and sustainable economic growth – areas critical to both regions’ futures.

“Today’s conversations showed the scale of opportunity between California and our African partners,” said Secretary Omishakin. “As we advance Governor Newsom’s vision for a cleaner, more connected global economy, we are turning shared priorities into action – expanding trade, investing in clean energy, fostering sustainable agriculture, accelerating clean transportation and delivering real benefits for communities.”

Throughout the day, sessions focused on actionable pathways to strengthen California-Africa partnerships across key sectors. Discussions explored expanding sustainable aviation connectivity, accelerating transportation decarbonization across ports and urban systems, advancing clean energy solutions and unlocking climate finance to support long-term economic growth.

Panelists and speakers, including representatives from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, University of California, Davis and international partners – highlighted the importance of aligning innovation, investment and policy to deliver scalable climate solutions.

The forum was organized by the California State Transportation Agency’s international team, in partnership with the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies’ Center for the Global South and the Bay Area Council – laying the groundwork for continued collaboration and future trade delegations. Leaders from the state of California participated throughout the forum – reinforcing California’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that advance climate action and economic opportunity.

Advancing Partnerships Through Action

California has formalized international collaboration through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with African partners, including Kenya and Nigeria, to advance clean transportation, climate action and economic cooperation.

These agreements establish a framework for collaboration in key areas such as zero-emission transportation, sustainable freight, clean energy innovation and resilient infrastructure. They also support knowledge exchange, workforce development and expanded trade opportunities across regions.

Learn more about CalSTA’s international partnerships and initiatives at https://calsta.ca.gov/subject-areas/international

The California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum builds on this foundation – strengthening these partnerships while identifying new opportunities to translate commitments into action and deliver shared economic and climate benefits.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, projected to account for one in four people globally by 2050. Its growing economic and geopolitical influence, including the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, positions the continent as a critical partner in advancing global climate and economic priorities. In 2022, California exported nearly $800 million in goods to African markets, underscoring the opportunity to expand mutually beneficial trade relationships.