Welcome to NET Africa
Natural Environment Technology in Africa
Technological, institutional, and financing factors are major barriers to climate adaptation feasibility in Africa
ABOUT
NET Africa (Natural Environment Technology) was initiated in response to the outcome of COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015. Parties to the UNFCCC reached a landmark agreement to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future. The organization was then officially registered in Brussels, Belgium in July 2017 as a AISBL.
NET Africa specializes in natural resource economics. Natural resource economics is a trans-disciplinary field of research within economics that aims to address the connections and interdependence between human economies and natural ecosystems. Its focus is on how to operate an economy within the ecological constraints of the earth's natural resources. The objective of NET Africa is to work in partnership with key stakeholders who are engaged in these interactions. We work with civil society, natural resource intensive industries, SMEs, universities, and governmental bodies.
About Our Network
NET Africa consists of a network of policy makers, decision makers, investors, statisticians, accountants, bankers, auditors, SMEs, academics, environmentalists, farmers, ESG specialists, and NGOs.
We specialize in natural resource economic management, data, statistics to create better leadership decision-making for natural resources.
We focus on the following sectors:
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries
- Renewable Energy Projects
- Water Projects
- Air Projects
- Land Projects
- Ecosystems Projects
We use dynamic management models, digital tools, Earth Observation, AI and machine learning.
We also have a number of working groups, provide analysis, research, pilot projects to full-scale and publications.
Natural Resource Economics - Africa 2023
New Report coming soon!
Join our working groups
Working Group 1 Governments.
The harmonization of Statistics & Climate-related data comparisons across government departments
Working Group 2 Industry.
The harmonization of Climate-related data comparisons within industrial sectors
Working Group 3 Cities
The harmonisation of Climate-related data Comparisons across cities
Working Group 1: Governments
The harmonization of Statistics & Climate-related data comparisons across government departments.
Our mandate is based on the Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (SHaSA) by African Union.
Why are we launching this working group on the harmonization of statistics and climate data in Africa?
We launched this working group in response to the findings of a session we hosted on Monday 26th September 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm BST at the 77th United Nations General Assembly Science Summit on the harmonization of climate-related data in Africa with the following outcomes on the state of affairs in Africa on the following.
(1) Climate-related Data
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Fragmented and complex landscape -Scattered initiatives and standards increase complexity and result in a lack of comparability of disclosures across organizations.
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Lack of guidance on KPIs and metrics - In part, the current standards lack detailed guidance for the development of consistent KPIs and metrics that allow meaningful analysis across companies.
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Insufficient ESG data quality - The quality of available ESG data differs widely across organizations. Many organizations struggle to compile, refine and verify ESG data promptly.
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Definition of “material” climate risk - Given the long timeframes, stakeholders still have conflicting ideas about what constitutes “material” climate risk
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Different Frameworks were adopted. Many organizations tend to follow the country framework of the parent company.
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Lack of laws/regulations and often ineffective enforcement.
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Masses are not aware of the impact of climate-related risks and how to mitigate them.
There was also an acknowledgement that Africa is the world's most data-sparse continent.
Another outcome was that Africa is one of the least recipients of climate finance flows as illustrated in the chart below:
Another outcome is that the global demand for climate finance outstrips the supply of climate finance
There was also an acknowledgement of the environmental degradation and the lack of official climate data to properly record the pollution and that small islands around Africa such as Mauritius are experiencing high levels of pollution.
GRI Sustainability Reporting
(2) Improving Statistical indicators for Africa
Statistical Indicators for Good governance
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National Identity registration, ICT and e-governance requires modification or implementation, as well as coordination and cooperation of different ministries to improve civil registration and identity of African citizens.
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Investment is needed in improving national well-being statistical indicators.
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We need to improve the measurement of Minimum Basic Needs (MBN).
Working Group 2: Private Sector
The harmonization of Statistics & Climate-related data comparisons within the private sector.
Why are we launching this working group on the private sector?
We launched this working group in response to the findings of a session we hosted on Monday 27th September 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm BST at the 77th United Nations General Assembly Science Summit on the harmonization of climate-related data in Africa with the following outcomes on the state of affairs in Africa on the following.
Main obstacles facing the private sector in Africa
Main obstacles facing the private sector in Africa by size
AgriFinance
Main Obstacles
Electricity and access to finance are the main obstacles facing micro, small and medium enterprises in Africa.
Electricity, access to finance and political instability are the three main obstacles facing large enterprises.
Source: World Bank Enterprise Survey, 24 June 2019.
Another outcome for the private sector- Agriculture/agribusiness
Challenges in Kenya for small-holder farmers
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Weather forecasting & harmonized data on climate patterns.
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Harmonized data on food production
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Compiling customer data through technology
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Advanced and effective e-commerce platform
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Harmonized Data on the value chain.
Challenges in Zambia for small-holder farmers
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Gender gap in agriculture as women tend to have:
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less access than men to credit,
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land rights, and extension services,
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Results constraining their capacity to adapt to climate change,
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Digital divide limiting access to climate /weather data
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Financial literacy issues – limited access to finance
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Informality – limited access to formal business support (Government funding)
To find out more about our work in agriculture click here
Working Group 3: Cities
The harmonization of Statistics & Climate-related data comparisons within cities
Why are we launching this working group on cities?
We launched this working group in response to the findings of a session we hosted on Monday 28th September 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm BST at the 77th United Nations General Assembly Science Summit on the harmonization of climate-related data in Africa on cities with the following outcomes on the state of affairs in Africa on the following:
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The population living in urban areas is growing rapidly and expected to be 68% by 2050. Most of this increase will take place in Africa and Asia.
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Highest GHG emissions are from cities, more than 60%
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Cities consume more than 78% of global energy but take up only 2% of land globally
Important questions to ponder over making-smart cities
1.Is there a city budget dedicated to sustainable development?
2. How does your city municipality take into account regulations which encourage carbon neutrality?
3. How is your knowledge of the energy system of your city?
4. Are there public companies owned or co-owned by your municipality?
5. Is there land available for energy equipment needed to reach carbon neutrality?
6. How is your knowledge of the building stock of your municipality (consumption, need for renovation…)?
7. Are energy topics taken into consideration by all your municipality divisions?
8. Does the city municipality have a good problem-solving mind for technical issues?
9. Does your municipality have a good knowledge of the city business ecosystem (actors that deliver urban services: energy, transport, building...)?
10. Is there a good level of citizen engagement in your municipality?
GHG Emissions Avoidance Calculations
Accounting, Tax and Sustainability Training
360 Degree Leadership
We aim to help your organization meet its compliance obligations. Provide conformity with supply chain requirements. Reduce risks and protect the business. Improve environmental performance. Increase resource efficiency. Increase competitiveness. Reduction in waste and emissions. Provide cost savings. Enhance reputation and inspire trust
Data Science, machine learning & AI
Harmonising climate-related data for your needs.
Learn how to improve your data management for 21st century technology.
Join our training program and let us help you become more compliant with sustainability and environmental disclosures for your company, city or country.
AgriTech Value Chain Management
Research & Publications
PODCAST SERIES
Female-Led Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs
Welcome to the podcast series for female-led renewable energy entrepreneurs.
This podcast series was started to address an enduring perception that women are less suited to technical fields. In emerging economies, notably in rural contexts, there is little or no technical training for women or it is often discouraged altogether. In general, fewer women than men will choose to go into STEM fields, however, providing girls with better information on career opportunities and female role models can help to increase numbers.
We talk to a number of female-led renewable energy entrepreneurs
Coming soon in December
Network of Participation
Partners
