Kenya, alongside 10 other African nations, has officially joined the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) during a key ministerial meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of a global effort to combat climate change through large-scale environmental restoration and green investments.
Announcing the move, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Aden Duale, emphasized that Kenya’s participation reflects its commitment to international cooperation in addressing climate challenges. Other African countries joining the initiative include Algeria, Chad, Senegal, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Nigeria, Guinea, and the Central African Republic. Lebanon also participated, while the United Kingdom attended as an observer.
The MGI, launched in 2021, aims to plant 50 billion trees across the region, representing 5% of the global reforestation target. It also seeks to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 670 million tons, which will contribute 10% of global efforts to reduce emissions. The initiative targets areas in Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, led discussions during the ministerial meeting to implement the initiative’s foundational phase and set up its General Secretariat in Riyadh. This marks a critical step in realizing MGI’s goals, which include improving air quality, reducing soil erosion, supporting wildlife, and capturing carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change.
Saudi Arabia introduced the MGI at its first summit in Riyadh in October 2021. At the second summit in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022, Saudi Arabia committed to financially supporting the initiative, covering operational costs for the next decade.
By joining MGI, African nations are taking proactive steps to confront climate change, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for the continent and the world.