By Comfort Apeh Francis, Founder of Climate Advocacy and Fight against Misinformation

My name is Comfort Apeh Francis, and my journey as a climate communicator and social entrepreneur began with one simple realization: climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a human issue. Growing up in Nigeria, I saw how farmers in my community struggled with erratic rainfall, how households depended on unsafe cooking methods that harmed both health and the environment, and how misinformation often left people powerless to act. These experiences shaped my passion and ignited my determination to find solutions that were practical, inclusive, and community-driven.

My first step was education and advocacy. I founded CAFI (Climate Advocacy and Fight against Misinformation), a platform that brings together researchers, activists, and content creators to challenge the spread of climate misinformation. Through CAFI, I have organized campaigns, created resources, and built a space where young people can access credible information. One of our flagship initiatives is Climate Saturday, a weekly conversation on XSpaces that became a podcast where climate experts engage with young people across Africa. This space has grown into a hub of learning and empowerment, breaking down complex climate issues into relatable discussions and inspiring many to take action in their own communities.

But advocacy alone wasn’t enough. I wanted to move from awareness to tangible solutions.

That desire led me to found GreenBridge Africa, a social enterprise that addresses the disconnect between African farmers and the global carbon market. Although smallholder farmers practice sustainable agriculture that captures carbon, they often remain excluded from climate finance opportunities. GreenBridge Africa bridges this gap by connecting farmers and households to carbon markets through clean cooking and sustainable farming practices. Our model boosts farmer incomes, reduces emissions, and provides businesses with access to verified African carbon credits. In doing so, we are turning climate challenges into economic opportunities for communities that are often overlooked.

Our work has already started making an impact. Farmers practicing regenerative agriculture are beginning to see their livelihoods improve, households adopting clean cooking methods are experiencing better health outcomes, and businesses seeking to meet net-zero targets are now seeing Africa as a key partner rather than a forgotten region. What excites me most is that this solution is scalable, from one household to an entire community, from one farmer to thousands across the continent.

Beyond projects, I am passionate about climate communication. I created The Green Shift, a television program designed to bring climate education to mainstream audiences. Television allows us to reach people who may not engage with social media or research reports but are still deeply affected by climate change. By amplifying voices, sharing solutions, and spotlighting innovations, The Green Shift makes climate knowledge accessible and engaging for everyday people.

What drives me is the belief that young people, especially in Africa, are not just victims of climate change but leaders of climate solutions. Every initiative I have led is rooted in the conviction that empowerment comes from both knowledge and innovation.

I am motivated by the resilience of farmers who continue to cultivate despite challenges, by the determination of young activists who refuse to be silent, and by the global urgency to secure a sustainable future. My story is one of building bridges between knowledge and action, communities and opportunities, Africa and the world. I am committed to continuing this work, scaling solutions that empower people, and ensuring that those most affected by climate change are also at the center of shaping the solutions.

For me, this is not just a career; it is a calling. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and my purpose is to ensure that we respond not with fear, but with courage, creativity, and hope.