2026 California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum in San Francisco

What you need to know: California joined with African and state leaders during San Francisco Climate Week to accelerate partnerships on clean transportation, energy and economic development – strengthening global collaboration on climate solutions.

The forum included representatives from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to deepen collaboration on climate action, clean transportation and sustainable economic growth – areas critical to both regions’ futures.

“Today’s conversations showed the scale of opportunity between California and our African partners,” said Secretary Omishakin. “As we advance Governor Newsom’s vision for a cleaner, more connected global economy, we are turning shared priorities into action – expanding trade, investing in clean energy, fostering sustainable agriculture, accelerating clean transportation and delivering real benefits for communities.”

What They’re Saying:

“California, the world’s fourth-largest economy, partnering with Africa – the fastest-growing region, rich in human and natural capital – underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration for both sides, said H. E. Ali Mohamed, Kenya Special Envoy for Climate Change. “This partnership presents significant opportunities to advance climate and economic cooperation in areas such as technology and innovation, critical minerals, human capital development, sustainable transportation and clean energy.”

“The CACEF partnership is significant in that it moves us from dialogue to delivery,” said Dr. Omotenioe Majekodunmi, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change. “It brings together California’s global strengths in green technology, innovation, and venture capital with Nigeria’s fast-growing fintech sector and youthful talent, creating a high-impact ecosystem for exchange, investment, and problem-solving. More than a diplomatic engagement, this is a strategic blueprint for sub-national cooperation in climate resilience, digital infrastructure, transport, aviation, critical minerals, and emerging energy systems. It is through partnerships like this that we can drive mutual economic prosperity and build a stronger transatlantic corridor for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth”

“In a world that is exposed to climatic degradation California and Africa are forging a ‘blueprint for a new model of international climate cooperation,’ moving beyond traditional aid toward a high-impact economic partnership which we hope will lay the bulwalk for safeguarding the world now, and for future generations,” said Dr. Gokum E. Richard, CEO of Veritas University Endowment Foundation.

“Strengthening partnerships between the State of California and African nations is critical to developing innovative solutions to global climate and economic challenges,” said Sam Assefa, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. “It’s never been more important to work together – across borders and oceans – to build a collective future where economic opportunity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

“In a world fraught with such turmoil right now, this partnership is an immensely positive story that deserves a spotlight,” said David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission. “These African nations are stepping up to model what clean energy can do for growing economies. The discussions happening today, and in the years to come, will trigger California innovation, economic opportunity and prosperity in Africa, and emissions reductions around the world. It’s a win-win-win, and I’m privileged to be a part of it.”

Panelists and speakers, including representatives from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, University of California, Davis and international partners – highlighted the importance of aligning innovation, investment and policy to deliver scalable climate solutions.

The forum was organized by the California State Transportation Agency’s international team, in partnership with the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies’ Center for the Global South and the Bay Area Council – laying the groundwork for continued collaboration and future trade delegations. Leaders from the state of California participated throughout the forum – reinforcing California’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that advance climate action and economic opportunity.

Advancing Partnerships Through Action

California has formalized international collaboration through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with African partners, including Kenya and Nigeria, to advance clean transportation, climate action and economic cooperation.

These agreements establish a framework for collaboration in key areas such as zero-emission transportation, sustainable freight, clean energy innovation and resilient infrastructure. They also support knowledge exchange, workforce development and expanded trade opportunities across regions.

Learn more about CalSTA’s international partnerships and initiatives at https://calsta.ca.gov/subject-areas/international

The California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum builds on this foundation – strengthening these partnerships while identifying new opportunities to translate commitments into action and deliver shared economic and climate benefits.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, projected to account for one in four people globally by 2050. Its growing economic and geopolitical influence, including the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, positions the continent as a critical partner in advancing global climate and economic priorities. In 2022, California exported nearly $800 million in goods to African markets, underscoring the opportunity to expand mutually beneficial trade relationships.