Nigerian Official: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Should Guide Africa’s Climate Action
Addis Ababa, July 30, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is a remarkable environmental achievement and should serve as a model for other African nations, according to Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement.
Speaking during his visit to Addis Ababa, Dr. Uzoma praised the initiative’s multifaceted impact. “What the Prime Minister is doing is not only addressing climate change, but also tackling food security and enhancing the nation’s economic potential,” he said. “Some of the trees being planted are economic trees—avocado, mango—so it’s like using one stone to kill multiple birds: addressing climate issues, improving oxygen concentration, and boosting agriculture.”
Launched in June 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy Initiative aims to combat land degradation, expand forest cover, and build climate resilience across Ethiopia. Over the past six years, the country has planted more than 40 billion seedlings, earning international recognition for its scale and ambition.
The 2025 campaign, launched on June 27 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed alongside Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries, set a target of planting 7.5 billion seedlings nationwide under the theme *“Renewal Through Planting.”*
As part of this year’s efforts, Ethiopia is preparing to plant 700 million seedlings in a single day tomorrow—an undertaking Dr. Uzoma described as “highly laudable and worthy of emulation by other African nations.”
“As we all know, climate change is real and affecting us all. In high-altitude cities like Addis Ababa, ensuring high oxygen concentration is vital. Tree planting helps stabilize oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure, while also creating new opportunities in agro-commodity trade,” he noted.
During the launch of this year’s campaign, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the growth of Ethiopia’s avocado exports to Europe, pointing to the continent’s geographic advantage in reaching global markets.
“This will help Ethiopia—and Africa as a whole—take control of high-demand commodity markets: oranges, mangoes, bananas, and avocados, which is now a globally sought-after super crop,” the Prime Minister told local news agency ENA.
Dr. Uzoma added: “This is an exceptionally commendable initiative. I believe our Vice President and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu—an accomplished strategist, technocrat, and administrator—will replicate this model. Working hand-in-hand, Ethiopia and Nigeria, as Africa’s two largest population centers, can drive the continent toward self-reliance and global environmental leadership.”
As part of Ethiopia’s cross-border outreach, the Green Legacy Initiative has previously deployed youth to support tree-planting efforts in neighboring countries including South Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan—further demonstrating the country’s commitment to regional climate action.
The Green Legacy Initiative continues to stand out as a powerful symbol of African leadership in environmental protection, sustainability, and climate resilience.