Hosted in collaboration with the Remaking Trade Project, Strathmore University, the Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), the Trade Negotiations & Investment Forum (TNIF), the World Resources Institute (WRI), UNCTAD, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), this workshop will bring together policymakers, business leaders, academics, youth, and civil society for inclusive dialogue on how trade and investment can accelerate Africa’s green industrial transformation.

Africa has a critical role to play in the global green transition, drawing on its renewable energy potential, growing markets, and commitment to sustainable development. At the same time, the continent faces important policy choices on how trade, investment and cooperation frameworks can best support inclusive, climate-resilient growth. From sustainable mineral supply chains to carbon markets and the AfCFTA, participants will explore bold, practical strategies to help shape Africa’s green trade future from the front row.

Day 1: Thursday 24 July 2025

Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Dr. Jane Wathuta, Dean of Law School, Strathmore University
• Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, Strathmore University
• Dr. Jan Yves Remy & Dr. Joel Trachtman, Co-Leads Remaking Trade Project

Session 1: Green Industrialisation in Africa: From Policy to Practice

This session, in framing the trade context, will explore how trade policy and agreements can support Africa as it becomes a leader in green industrialization, non-industrial green sectors (such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism) and sustainable supply chains by leveraging its renewable energy advantage and integrating green policies within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It will examine how global trade frameworks can adapt to support Africa’s climate-positive growth and participation in the green economy.

Carlijn Nouwen, Co-Founder, Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), in conversation with:

• Elizabeth Press, Director of Planning and Programme Support in the Executive Office of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
• Hans Van Toor, Chair of EV Sub-sector Kenya Association of Manufacturers & Director of Strategy and Innovation at Roam Electric
• Anthony Kuria, Project Coordinator and Legal Advisor at Mumbi Limited & Sleeping Warrior Special Economic Zone
• Rebekah Shirley, Deputy Director, World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa

Session 2: Africa in Regulated Carbon Markets: Leading, Trading, Shaping

With strengths in renewable energy and reforestation, Africa is uniquely positioned to expand high-integrity carbon credit markets, monetize co-benefits, and drive government-to-government credit trading. Guided by initiatives like the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative, the discussion will focus on aligning trade policy with climate commitments and maximizing Africa’s participation in regulated carbon markets and climate finance flows.

Keshinee Shah. Director, Climate Policy. Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), in conversation with:

• Ousmane Fall Sarr, Director in charge of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency & Coordinator, West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance
• Sophie Odupoy, Director, Public Affairs, KOKO Networks
• Paul Muthaura, CEO of the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI)

Session 3: From Mine to Market: Building Sustainable Mineral Supply Chains

Africa holds 40% of the world’s critical minerals essential for the global energy transition, positioning the continent as a key player in future-focused value chains. This session will explore how Africa can leverage its mineral wealth to promote ethical mining, local processing, and transparent supply chains, while aligning with global ESG standards. The discussion will highlight the potential for value addition within Africa, fair trade beyond the “critical” label, and strengthened regional and international partnerships for sustainable resource governance.

Yasmin Ismail, Senior Policy Advisor, Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs, in conversation with:

• Abbi M. Kedir, Director of Research at the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) (TBC)
• Sarah Logan, Director, Msasa Consulting & Visiting Fellow in the Africa programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations
• Dr. E. D. Wala Chabala,Independent Economic Policy and Strategy Consultant and MBA Lecturer
• Joshua Tiampati, Vice Chairman, Mining Committee (KNCCI), President and Founder, Youth in Extractives Consortium (YEC), CEO JHR Africa

Keynote Address on Financing Africa’s Green Future

H.E. Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed, Former Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and for Education, Government of Kenya; Former Chair of the WTO General Council and Candidate for WTO Director-General.

Session 4: Rewriting Trade Rules for African Green Growth: Standards, Subsidies, Regulations

This session will explore how global and regional trade rules—including those related to standards, subsidies, and regulatory frameworks—can be reshaped to better support Africa’s green industrial ambitions. As African countries pursue inclusive, sustainable development pathways, questions arise around how trade systems can promote fair participation, facilitate green innovation, and address structural inequities. The discussion will examine how African economies can play a more active role in shaping global trade norms, ensure fair treatment across sectors, and leverage trade tools to accelerate green growth while safeguarding developmental priorities.

Dr. Jan Yves Remy, Co-Lead Remaking Trade Project, in conversation with:

• Dennis Muhambe, Deputy Director, Economic Affairs and Commercial Diplomacy, State Department for Foreign Affairs, Kenya and former Kenya Mission Geneva
• Saweria Mwangi, International Trade Lawyer, VVGB
• Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder, Green Generation Initiative (TBC)
• Dr. Patrick Low, former Chief Economist, WTO Secretariat

Session 5: Transforming Approaches to African Sustainable Development through Trade Enabling Finance and Investment

Achieving sustainable development in Africa requires new approaches to financing and trade opportunities that can fuel green industrialization without compromising environmental or social integrity. This session will discuss how trade rules - whether those relating to special and differential treatment/CBDR-RC, standards, finance, or other - can and must be re-envisioned to support Africa’s green industrialization goals. It will also focus on creating export-led opportunities for sustainable industries and promoting both concessional and market financing options for green industrialization.

Sen. Oketch Eddy Gicheru, Member of Senate, Parliament of the Republic of Kenya, in conversation with:

• Dr. Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, Director, Department of Green Economy and Climate Change in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Zambia
• Jane Nalunga, Executive Director, Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI)
• Obadiah Kung'u Mungai, Environmental Finance Lead, World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa

Reception

Day 2: Friday 25 July 2025

Session 6: AfCFTA and the Path to Sustainable Trade

This session will explore the crucial role of the AfCFTA in promoting sustainable trade across the continent. It will discuss how the AfCFTA can embed sustainability within its regional trade frameworks, ensuring that trade policies support both social and environmental resilience. The session will highlight policy tools that can drive sustainability in trade, as well as the potential for AfCFTA countries to adopt common positions in multilateral negotiations on trade and sustainable development. Special focus will be given to the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) and its potential to influence global trade policies for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Janet Macharia, Strathmore University Law School, in conversation with:

• Azapmo Jean Bertrand, Principal Adviser to the African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals
• Phyllis Wakiaga, Senior Advisor, Industrialisation Practice; Private Sector Development at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and former Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (TBC)
• Nadia Hasham, Independent Consultant, Trade Policy Expert

Session 7: The Next Steps for Africa’s Green Future

This session will focus on how technological innovation can drive green growth and how trade systems must evolve to support these emerging industries. It will examine the synergies between technology and trade in securing Africa’s green future and outline actionable steps for governments, businesses, and international partners to collaborate in scaling Africa’s green industries on the global stage.

Mishael Wambua, Trade Policy Advisor, GIZ Kenya, in conversation with:

• Abidah Ferej, Nairobi Chapter Lead and Communications Lead, Nairobi Climate Network.
• Dr. Lucy Lu Reimers, Trade and Environment Expert, African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) within the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) of the UNECA
• Dr. Kennedy Liti Mbeva, Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), at the University of Cambridge

Keynote Address on Crafting a Woman-Led Sustainable Development Strategy

Prof. Tabitha Kiriti-Nganga, Professor of Economics, School of Economics, University of Nairobi; Former Chair of the WTO Chairs Programme – Kenya.

Session 8: NextGen Exchange: Youth as Stewards of Africa’s Green Future

Hear from the next generation of African leaders as they reflect on the key themes, debates, and ideas emerging from the two-day workshop. This session invites participants to co-create the path forward by identifying actionable commitments that can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Dr. Jan Yves Remy, Co-Lead Remaking Trade Project, and Janet Macharia, Strathmore University Law School, in conversation with:

• Clare Kaira, WTO Moot Court Strathmore Cohort
• Anthony Mburu, WTO Moot Court Strathmore Cohort
• Mario Javier, WTO Moot Court Strathmore Cohort

Closing Remarks & Next Steps

Optional Side Event for University Students

Youth as Stewards of Africa’s Green Future. A conversation with:

• Prof. Joel Trachtman, Co-Lead Remaking Trade Project
• Dr. Jan Yves Remy, Co-Lead Remaking Trade Project
• Carlijn Nouwen, Co-Founder, Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A)
• Yasmin Ismail, Senior Policy Advisor, Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs
• Janet Macharia, Strathmore University Law School

This workshop builds on the discussions launched at our convening in Cape Town (May 2025), which explored how trade and sustainability cooperation can support Africa’s development priorities in a changing global context.