TAF Environment leadership will be responsible for unit-level objectives, activities and impact which are integrated and aligned with those of The African Federation at a global level. The tentative TAF Environment Focus unit Leadership structure is to be comprised of:

• CEO - Teresa Muliro
• Deputy CEO
• General Counsel 
• Senior Counsel - Emmy Agaba
• Head of Support Units
• Head of Communications & Engagement - Dylan Munashe Dzenga
• Head of Partnerships & Advocacy
• Head of Research & Policy Development
• Senior Researcher and Policy Development - Faith Atieno
  Research Officers by expert area
  - Environmental Health
  - Freshwater
  - Conservation

Renewable Energy & Decentralised Energy Sources
TAF recognises that energy security is a prerequisite for economic growth. We support the continent’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy, particularly through decentralised energy initiatives that empower local communities. Africa's population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, leading to increased energy demand. Sustainable energy can provide a scalable and environmentally friendly solution to meet this growing demand. Decentralised systems in particular, can rapidly improve energy access, supporting economic development and social well-being.

Currently over 75% of the 2.6 billion people who lack access to clean fuels and technologies are in Africa. Additionally, 600,000 people in Africa, mostly women and children, die every year because of the adverse health impacts of cooking using Charcoal and firewood. Despite being blessed with abundant sources of renewable energy like solar, hydropower and wind, Africa’s energy sector is still characterised by inefficiency and sub-market pricing which is not attractive for investors. 

TAF will pave the way for the upgrade and expansion of energy infrastructure to support the integration of renewable energy into the grid. Emphasis will be placed on smart grids, energy storage systems and transmission networks that can accommodate decentralised energy sources such as mini-grids and off-grid systems, especially in rural and remote areas. This approach will enhance energy access, resilience and adaptable to technological innovations, while reducing the reliance on centralised fossil fuel-based energy sources, such as coal and gas, which contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.

We will prioritise investments in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal. We will develop policy and regulatory frameworks and financial mechanisms that attract investments in renewable energy projects and encourage the growth of the sector throughout our African continent. We will promote partnerships and increased collaboration, including encouraging the involvement of local communities in the planning and implementation of renewable energy projects. TAF also aims to raise awareness of the benefits of sustainable energy and energy conservation practices. 

Biodiversity & Climate Change
Africa is well endowed with tropical forests, agricultural lands, water resources and ecosystems. It is estimated that the continent hosts a fifth of all known species of mammals, birds and plants. Unfortunately, the continent is experiencing a biodiversity decline due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, unsustainable agricultural practices and climate change.

Climate change is in fact expected to be a leading driver of biodiversity loss on the continent over the next 50-100 years. The negative impacts of climate change however go beyond biodiversity loss and include food security impacts, health impacts and economic impacts, among others. TAF believes that Africa should make the protection of its natural capital and biodiversity one of its priorities.

We will therefore seek to promote nature-based solutions that help to restore degraded ecosystems and encourage climate change adaptation. TAF will also work with like-minded entities to reduce climate related risks and extreme event impacts, particularly, in the Agricultural sector. Efforts will also be directed towards unlocking climate financing and improving investments in conservation and environmental services.

Natural Resource Exploitation

Historically Africa’s emission levels were low, however the continent’s CO2 emissions are now the fast growing. This is driven by increased natural resource extraction and consumption linked to growing material use on the continent and abroad.

A multifaceted approach involving strategic policies, diplomatic efforts, and regional cooperation will be required. TAF will aim to strengthen regulatory frameworks to enhance transparency. This includes environmental protection measures, community engagement, and fair labour practices. We will develop recommended codes of conduct for foreign investors to ensure responsible business practices in resource-rich areas. 

TAF will advocate for resource extraction agreements that prioritise the interests of African nations. This includes fair revenue sharing, technology transfer and local job creation, enabling African nations to actively participate in and benefit from the entire value chain of resource exploitation. We will engage in diplomatic dialogue with resource-extractive countries to address concerns, share best practices, and foster mutual understanding. We will establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the environmental, social, and economic impacts of resource exploitation projects. This will help ensure compliance with regulations and agreements. We will also promote Intra-African Trade and regional economic integration reducing Africa’s vulnerability to external pressures and enhancing the bargaining power of African nations.

Pollution, Chemicals & Waste
Africa produces and consumes less than 5% of the global plastic, but this is increasing due to population growth and urbanisation. This has negative impacts, particularly on human health and ecosystems.Contaminated drinking water and the risk of microplastic transfer to the food chain can have adverse health effects including increased cancer risks. Improper disposal of plastic waste can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In addition, the burning of plastic waste, a common practice in some regions of Africa, releases toxins into the air.

TAF will address pollution, chemicals and waste management by focusing on comprehensive policies and strategies that encompass prevention, regulation, and sustainable practices to mitigate pollution, manage chemicals, and improve waste management across the continent.

Intergenerational Equity
This policy underscores the importance of ensuring that the needs of present generations are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. By adopting sustainable practices, promoting responsible resource management, and addressing environmental challenges, the focus unit aims to uphold the rights and interests of future African citizens. Through proactive measures and forward-thinking strategies, we strive to create a legacy of environmental stewardship that benefits generations to come.

Freshwater & Sanitation
Our continent is vast and diverse with varied climates, landscapes, and water availability. Many regions in Africa face water scarcity issues creating a significant need for sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation methods, and the development of water infrastructure. As an example, in 2020, an estimated 387 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were living without basic drinking water and the number continues to grow throughout the region.

TAF will address the need for the construction and maintenance of water supply systems, sewage treatment plants, and sanitation facilities. We will consider the impact of climate change on water availability, and we will develop strategies for adapting to changing climate patterns.

Access to clean water and sanitation is directly linked to public health. As TAF, we will prioritise the prevention of waterborne diseases by promoting proper sanitation practices, hygiene education, and the provision of safe drinking water. We will support partners that can advance innovative technologies to improve water and sanitation infrastructure. This includes water purification technologies, efficient waste treatment methods, and the use of digital tools for water management. We will advocate for effective policies and governance structures and funding mechanisms for the success of water and sanitation initiatives and the ongoing maintenance and operation of water and sanitation infrastructure.  Public awareness campaigns and education programs will also be essential for promoting hygiene practices and ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. This includes building a culture of water conservation.

Displacement of Indigenous People, Population Growth & the Future of Land Use
Throughout the continent of Africa, governments, which are meant to serve their people, find themselves increasingly in conflict with citizens for interfering with their land rights. For Africas, land loss means loss of cultural heritage and loss of means of livelihood, disruption of economic activities, persistent land-related disputes, relocations to poorly developed areas and eventually more people migrating to urban areas. Indigenous populations are being displaced in favour of land acquisition for foreign interests grabbing large expanses of land for natural resource extraction and speculative investment that are often harmful to the environment.

Additionally, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania are all projected to join Nigeria among the 10 most populous countries by 2100. As birth rates shrink in many parts of the world, most of Africa’s population will continue to grow rapidly this century. With the growth of our continent, Africa will be faced with significant challenges and opportunities regarding the issue of land.

TAF will adopt a forward-looking perspective to address the issue of land and the environment. Africa’s land management will play an important role in sustainable development, environmental conservation and the well-being of its growing population. Issues of land tenure and governance play a critical role in shaping the future of land use in Africa. Clear and secure land tenure systems are essential for sustainable development, preventing conflicts over land and ensuring responsible land management. Transparent and inclusive land policies that consider the needs of local communities, indigenous people, and small-scale farmers are needed and emphasis must be placed on prioritising the retention indigenous land ownership.

Increased focus should also be placed on traditional knowledge and the coexistence of indigenous populations with their environments. TAF will leverage existing and emerging partnerships across sectors to converge interest for the sake of indigenous land ownership and environmental protections.

Mitigation Measures
Mitigating environmental challenges in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that considers the continent's diverse ecosystems, socio-economic conditions, and the impacts of climate change. TAF will support like minded partners working to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We will advocate for sustainable forestry practices and community-based forest management. We will promote sustainable agricultural practices, including agroecology and conservation agriculture, to enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and improve resilience to climate change. We will also support the development of environmentally friendly technologies to support sustainable development by encouraging research and development in green technologies and promoting innovation for environmental conservation.

TAF will develop recommendations and strategies to address the impact of changing weather patterns on agriculture, water resources and ecosystems. We support the expansion of integrated water resource management strategies to ensure the sustainable use of water resources, especially in water-scarce regions and we will develop comprehensive waste management policies to reduce pollution and promote recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. We will foster regional cooperation and collaboration on environmental issues, including the sharing of information, joint research initiatives, and coordinated policy development.

Our 5 core focus areas will be Governance, Economy, Environment, Wellness and Narrative - and we will develop thought leadership positions in each. As part of this, the focus area units will: promote dialogue, develop information & intelligence and publish policy options; plan & advocate for change & implementable solutions on a prioritised basis; and publish measures of impact. These units will be coordinated but otherwise autonomous and their leadership will be responsible for unit-level objectives, activities & impact which are integrated & aligned with those of TAF at a global level. The units’ broad scopes of pan-African advocacy will be:

TAF Governance
Transparent for unity

Our systems of control & accountability within & between government, the economy & civil society, including the law; with an emphasis on convergence & sovereignty, for effective leadership & peace

TAF Economy
Vibrant for prosperity

Our systems of production & consumption and the supply of money; with an emphasis on integration & innovation, for efficient public & private markets for goods & services

TAF Environment
Flourishing for prosperity

Our abundant natural world as affected by human activity; with an emphasis on protection & equitable exploitation of indigenous natural resources, for productive sustainability

TAF Wellness
Thriving for prosperity

Our systems of healthcare & education; with an emphasis on proactive multi-dimensional approaches & the provision of basic services, for informed choices & flourishing lifestyles

TAF Narrative
Authentic for unity

Our history, culture & potential; with an emphasis on Africans amplifying our story & purposeful communication, for a stronger pan-African mentality and therefore clearer identity & objectives