Nairobi (WAM) – His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of the COP28 Conference of the Parties, emphasized the crucial role of small and medium-sized companies in creating sustainable technologies that can have a positive impact on small communities and remote areas. He also highlighted their contribution to achieving international climate goals and keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
During his visit to “M-Cuba,” a leading financial technology company in Africa and one of the winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, Dr. Al Jaber listened to a briefing by the company’s general manager, David Damberger. M-Cuba is known as one of the fastest-growing companies in Africa and has been recognized for its pioneering contributions in the fields of health, food, energy, water, and climate action.
Dr. Al Jaber also met Jesse Forrester, the CEO of “Mazy Mobility” and a previous winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Global High Schools category. Forrester briefed Dr. Al Jaber about his e-transportation company, which operates a fleet of bicycles and electric tuk-tuks.
Speaking about the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the important role of the Zayed Sustainability Prize in addressing pressing sustainable development challenges. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to achieve a fair transition in the energy sector, leaving no one behind. Dr. Al Jaber also stressed the significance of empowering entrepreneurs to accelerate emissions reduction and play an active role in climate action.
The visit took place on the sidelines of Dr. Al Jaber’s participation in the African Energy Forum in Kenya, as part of the UAE’s preparations to host the COP28 Conference of the Parties in Dubai at the end of the year. COP28 is a crucial event that aligns global efforts in implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement and assessing progress towards climate action targets for 2030.
The event also provided a platform to showcase the tangible impact of M-Cuba and previous winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize in addressing climate challenges in the most affected countries worldwide. M-Cuba has significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions, provided internet access to hundreds of thousands of users, and served millions of customers across sub-Saharan Africa. The company’s flexible credit model has enabled individuals to access daily necessities and digital financial services, contributing to women’s financial independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
David Damberger, General Manager of M-Cuba, expressed his pleasure at receiving Dr. Al Jaber and showcasing the company’s sustainable solutions. He highlighted M-Cuba’s commitment to enabling consumers without bank accounts and fighting the impact of climate change through their flexible credit model and clean energy solutions. Damberger hoped that M-Cuba’s success would inspire other small businesses and entrepreneurs in Africa to participate in the Zayed Sustainability Prize and benefit from its support.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, with a value of $3.6 million, has made a positive impact on the lives of over 378 million people worldwide through the innovative solutions presented by its 106 winners. The prize recognizes outstanding contributions in the categories of health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global secondary schools.
The UAE’s support for African small businesses and its commitment to empowering communities around the world were also highlighted during the visit. The Zayed Sustainability Prize continues to play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and building a better world where everyone has access to quality healthcare, healthy food, reliable energy, and safe drinking water.
As the UAE prepares to host COP28, Dr. Al Jaber reiterated the country’s determination to amplify the voices of young entrepreneurs and provide practical solutions that can positively impact millions of lives. The conference will focus on addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on the role of small and medium-sized companies.
The visit to M-Cuba and the participation in the African Energy Forum further underscored the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation in combating climate change and its dedication to achieving a sustainable future.
What is the significance of empowering entrepreneurs in the energy sector for a fair transition and sustainable future in addressing climate change and poverty
Ucing poverty levels.
Similarly, Mazy Mobility has played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable transportation solutions in Kenya. By operating a fleet of bicycles and electric tuk-tuks, the company has provided affordable and eco-friendly transportation options to local communities. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves access to transportation for those in remote areas.
Dr. Al Jaber’s visit to M-Cuba and meeting with Jesse Forrester highlights the UAE’s commitment to supporting innovative solutions and empowering entrepreneurs in the field of sustainability. By recognizing the achievements of companies like M-Cuba and Mazy Mobility, the Zayed Sustainability Prize plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and tackling climate change.
As the President-designate of the upcoming COP28 Conference of the Parties, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the role of small and medium-sized companies in achieving international climate goals. He acknowledged their capacity to create sustainable technologies that can positively impact small communities and remote areas. This is essential in the global fight against climate change, as these companies can help keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the significance of a comprehensive approach in the energy sector to ensure a fair transition and leave no one behind. By empowering entrepreneurs and supporting their efforts in emissions reduction, it is possible to accelerate climate action and create a more sustainable future.
Overall, Dr. Al Jaber’s visit to M-Cuba and Mazy Mobility showcased the tangible impact of sustainable solutions in addressing climate challenges. With the UAE hosting the upcoming COP28 Conference of the Parties, this visit further emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation in tackling climate change.
Minister Sultan Al Jaber’s visit to M-Cuba highlights the crucial role that SMEs play in finding sustainable climate solutions. The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes the significance of these solutions and supports the innovation and efforts made by small and medium-sized enterprises in addressing climate change challenges. It is inspiring to see various stakeholders prioritizing sustainability and working together towards a better future.