Lagos partners Climate Action to advance sustainable finance at London Climate Week

The Lagos State Government has partnered Climate Action, a leading international climate organisation, to strengthen sustainable finance and accelerate climate implementation as part of activities lined up for the London Climate Action Week (LCAW) 2026.

The partnership, facilitated through the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), is aimed at advancing innovative climate finance solutions and supporting the transition to resilient, low-carbon and inclusive economies across Africa and the Global South.

According to a statement, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will lead the state’s delegation to the Local Climate Action Summit hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies at Guildhall, London. The summit, regarded as the flagship gathering for subnational governments during London Climate Action Week, will bring together governors, premiers, presidents, ministers and regional leaders to deepen collaboration on climate action ahead of COP31.

The state government said Sanwo-Olu is also expected to formalise Lagos State’s intention to join the Under2 Coalition, the world’s largest network of states and regions committed to net-zero emissions and climate resilience.

The proposed move involves the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Climate Group, the secretariat of the Under2 Coalition. The state described the agreement as a non-binding commitment that aligns with its existing climate goals.

As a supporting partner, Lagos State will also participate in the Sustainable Finance Stage, hosted in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). The platform will convene leaders from banking, investment, policy and development finance sectors to promote investment-driven climate solutions.

Titilayo Oshodi, the special adviser to the governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, is scheduled to speak at a high-level session titled, “Unlocking Sustainable Finance Opportunities in Emerging Markets.”

At the session, Oshodi will present Lagos State’s State-Determined Contributions (SDCs) framework as a model for transforming climate commitments into investment-ready opportunities.

She will join a panel that includes Trevor Manuel, Chairperson of the Africa Expert Panel; Sean Kidney, Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Bonds Initiative; and Jamie Fergusson, Global Director for Climate at the World Bank Group. Discussions will focus on attracting private capital, improving project bankability and strengthening local financial systems in emerging markets.

The Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy will also host a private executive roundtable on June 22 titled, “Financing State-Determined Contributions: Connecting Climate Capital to Africa’s Most Investment-Ready Cities.”

The session will bring together investors, climate funds, development finance institutions, policymakers and technical partners to explore ways of mobilising funding for Lagos State’s climate priorities through its SDCs framework.

Participants will include Ope George, commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, and Olayinka Ojo, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Speaking ahead of the engagements, Sanwo-Olu said: “Lagos State is committed to demonstrating that climate action and economic growth are mutually reinforcing. Through strategic partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms, we are building a resilient and sustainable future while positioning Lagos as a leading destination for climate investment and implementation. Our participation at London Climate Action Week reflects our determination to collaborate with global partners and deliver measurable outcomes for communities and economies.”

Oshodi said the state was moving beyond climate pledges to practical implementation.
“Climate leadership is no longer measured by commitments alone. Through our State-Determined Contributions framework, Lagos is building a transparent and scalable model capable of unlocking capital, strengthening partnerships and accelerating climate implementation across Africa and the Global South,” she said.