AFRICA CAN LEAD CARBON REMOVAL AND SAVE THE WORLD’S CLIMATE
When people think about Africa’s role in climate action, they often see a continent at the mercy of forces beyond its control such as severe droughts, floods, and dwindling agricultural yields. Yet Africa holds a key to solving one of humanity’s greatest challenges. Despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, Africa has natural advantages to be a large scale producer of biochar, a simple yet powerful carbon removal technology. With it, Africa has the potential to become a global leader in both carbon removal and sustainable agriculture.
The Untapped Power of African Biomass
Africa’s abundance of land and sunlight provides ideal conditions for plant growth. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb CO₂ and release oxygen, storing carbon in the process. This natural phenomenon results in the production of one billion tons of biomass annually. However, much of this biomass holds little commercial value due to limited infrastructure for converting waste into useful energy. When left to burn or decompose, it releases carbon back into the atmosphere, continuing the carbon cycle.
From nut shells in Nigeria to corn husks piled up in Kenya, these so-called “waste” materials have untapped potential for carbon removal. The key is preventing the natural processes that release their stored carbon. This is where biochar comes in. Biochar is created by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen at extremely high temperatures. This controlled combustion process stabilizes the carbon within biomass in a solid form, preventing it from reuniting with Oxygen and becoming CO₂, the leading greenhouse gas.
Biochar production turns organic material into stable carbon, which is buried in soil. Not only does this process lock away climate change-causing carbon for hundreds of years, it also revitalizes depleted soils, making farming more productive. Farmers who struggle with poor yields due to degraded land see their fortunes shift with biochar-enriched soil that retains water better and releases nutrients more efficiently.
A Climate Solution Rooted in Justice
Despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, Africa faces some of the most severe consequences of climate change, including erratic rainfall, extreme weather events, and declining agricultural productivity. But rather than remain at the mercy of these challenges, Africa is poised to lead. By using its natural resources and innovative solutions like biochar, the continent has the potential to become the world’s first carbon-negative region, setting a precedent for sustainable development and climate resilience.
Instead of remaining on the receiving end of climate-induced disasters, Africa can position itself as a solution provider. By producing and selling biochar-based carbon credits, the continent could generate billions in revenue while actively reducing global CO2 levels. Unlike many other climate solutions that require expensive infrastructure or complex technology, biochar production is simple, scalable, and well-suited to Africa’s economic realities.
In 2023, 94% of carbon removal deliveries came from biochar. As biochar becomes the leading technology-based carbon removal method, organizations looking to meet their net-zero commitments can drive this industry forward by partnering with innovators in Africa.
Releaf Earth: Pioneering Industrial Biochar Production in Nigeria
By leveraging Nigeria’s vast agricultural biomass, Releaf Earth is transforming nut shells, once considered waste, into high-quality biochar. By integrating biochar into smallholder farming systems, the company is showing that climate action and economic empowerment can go hand in hand. Releaf Earth has a track record of developing technological solutions for smallholder farmers. The company created and patented Kraken, West Africa’s most advanced palm nut de-sheller, which operates 240 times faster than manual cracking and 25 times faster than local cracking equipment. Kraken processes 250 tons of nut shells, which are then repurposed for biochar production, supporting a circular economy.
The company started producing biochar after seeing the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers’ yields in Nigeria. Understanding the need for a scalable solution, Releaf Earth set out to improve agricultural productivity while addressing environmental challenges. As biochar markets grow, Releaf Earth shows how African businesses can drive global carbon solutions while creating real value for local communities. This is not just about sustainability. It is about reshaping Africa’s role in the global economy.
Africa’s Moment to Lead
Africa has the labor force to drive the biochar revolution, with costs up to 80% lower than in other regions. As carbon removal becomes a global commodity, Africa is uniquely positioned to be the lowest-cost producer, thanks to its abundant biomass and affordable workforce.
One of the biggest barriers to industrialization in Africa has been the inability of governments to finance large-scale infrastructure. Biochar, however, does not rely on massive centralized investments. It thrives in a decentralized model, particularly in rural areas where biomass is plentiful. With small solar kits, biochar production can run independently of external energy sources, making it a truly scalable and self-sufficient solution for economic growth and climate action.
For the past decade, Africa has been seen as a victim of climate change rather than a leader in solutions. That narrative can change. Africa has the potential to become the world’s first carbon-negative continent. To make this a reality, governments should support biochar initiatives with policy incentives, and investors should recognize that the carbon removal market will not be built in Silicon Valley, but in the fields of Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania.
Biochar is not just a tool for Africa’s development. It is a powerful solution in the fight to save the planet. If the world is serious about tackling climate change, it is time to partner with Africa and its vast natural resources to lead global climate action.
