- Africa Re to fund US$1.5 million over five years for climate education and green skills in Nigeria.
- Initiative aims to reach 4.8 million children and youth, focusing on climate resilience and job-ready green skills.
- Support includes digital platforms, teacher training, youth-led climate projects, and school infrastructure.
In a major step toward building climate resilience among young people in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) have signed a landmark agreement to promote climate change education and green skills development. The signing ceremony took place at Africa Re’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
As per the agreement, Africa Re will contribute US$1.5 million over the next five years to support UNICEF’s initiatives aimed at equipping children and adolescents with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle climate change and access employment in the growing green economy.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This partnership with Africa Re reflects our shared commitment to building a more climate-resilient future for children and young people. By supporting climate change education, we are giving young people the tools to protect themselves, lead action in their communities, and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable Nigeria”.
The programme will enable UNICEF to expand access to climate-resilient education and digital learning platforms such as the Nigeria Learning Passport and the Youth Marketplace Agency (YOMA). It also includes training for teachers, equipping schools with green infrastructure, and supporting youth-led climate action projects. Special focus will be placed on reaching vulnerable children and young people living in areas most exposed to climate-related risks.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Corneille Karekezi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Africa Re, Mr. Kiiza Bichetero, Deputy Managing Director and COO Elect, remarked: “Africa Re is proud to support UNICEF’s noble initiative of empowering youth through climate change education and green skills. This partnership will equip the next generation with the tools to respond to the climate crisis and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions in Nigeria”.
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This initiative aligns with UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to work with the Nigerian government in mainstreaming climate change into national education policies, curricula, and teacher training. The goal is to reach over 4.8 million children and young people with relevant climate knowledge and skills.
Additionally, the agreement includes plans for storytelling, media engagement, and field visits to amplify the impact of Africa Re’s support and highlight the voices of young climate changemakers across the country.
