Financing Africa’s Future

Direct Air Carbon Capture in Africa

Can Africa lead the global race to reverse climate change?

In this episode of The Financing Africa’s Future Podcast, we speak with Martin Freimüller, CEO and Co-Founder of Octavia Carbon, Africa’s first Direct Air Carbon Capture (DAC) company, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Octavia Carbon is pioneering technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the air, using renewable energy and Kenya’s unique volcanic geology for permanent CO₂ storage.

While Direct Air Carbon Capture is one of the most promising carbon removal and climate innovation technologies in the world, it has yet to scale due to high costs. Supported by FSD Africa through Cohort 11 of the Catalyst Fund, Octavia Carbon is the only DAC company in the Global South, uniquely positioned to lower costs and make carbon capture accessible and impactful. This conversation goes beyond the science, exploring how climate finance, clean-tech entrepreneurship and African innovation are transforming the continent’s role in the global push towards net zero. Martin shares insights on how technology can create new industries, generate skilled jobs and turn Africa into a leader in the carbon capture and storage economy.

🎧 Listen now to discover how African ingenuity is redefining climate action, sustainability and the financing of our shared future.

Improving carbon markets in Africa

The global carbon markets are projected to hit US$1.2 trillion by 2029. The key question is Africa ready to tap into this emerging and promising climate finance tool for her greener transition?

In this episode of The Financing Africa’s Future Podcast, Kaara Wainaina, Ag. Director Strategic Communications, FSD Africa speaks with Bianca Gichangi, Regional Lead for Africa at the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI). Together, they unpack how high-integrity voluntary carbon markets can help mobilise climate finance, accelerate sustainable development and ensure that African nations and communities reap fair value from their natural assets.

🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The evolving landscape of carbon markets in Africa and lessons from the Africa Climate Summit
- The role of integrity, transparency and standardisation in building trust in carbon trading
- How African countries can develop policy and regulatory frameworks to participate effectively in global carbon markets
- Why data, quality, and community benefits are key to unlocking higher prices for African carbon credits
- The importance of aligning voluntary and compliance markets under frameworks like Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

🔔 Watch the full conversation on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes of Financing Africa’s Future. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and Podbean.

Transforming Africa's Financial Markets

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, Joy Kendi, Associate, Programmes, Financial Markets at FSD Africa, joins Kaara Wainaina, Acting Director of Strategic Communications, for an insightful conversation on the future of Africa’s financial markets. Joy highlights how FSD Africa’s programme work is helping to strengthen African capital markets, broaden access to finance, and ensure that markets are more inclusive and sustainable.

She also discusses the role of innovation, partnerships and capacity building as essential drivers of transformation, laying the foundations for resilient financial systems that can support Africa’s long-term growth. This discussion goes beyond theory, offering practical insights into how financial markets are evolving across the continent and the steps being taken to unlock new opportunities for businesses, investors and communities alike.

🔔 Watch the full conversation on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes of Financing Africa’s Future. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and Podbean.

Financial markets that meet Africa’s needs

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, we are joined by Jemima Gathumi, Lead, Programmes, Financial Markets at FSD Africa, for an in-depth discussion on the future of African finance. Jemima explores how well-designed programmes and strategic partnerships are strengthening African capital markets, unlocking investment opportunities, and ensuring that financial systems work for businesses and communities across the continent.

She also highlights the growing importance of sustainable finance in Africa, sharing insights on the building blocks that will drive the financial transformation of Africa in the years to come. This is a timely and forward-looking conversation for policymakers, investors, and development partners interested in the evolution of financial markets in Africa and their role in enabling inclusive and sustainable growth.

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The Role of Policy Reform in Deepening African Financial Markets

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, we explore the critical role of policy reform in strengthening Africa’s financial markets.

Mary Njuguna, Principal, Capital Markets (Policy & Regulation) at FSD Africa, shares her insights on how effective policy and regulatory frameworks can help deepen markets, attract investment and create systems that are both inclusive and resilient. She reflects on the progress achieved so far, the barriers that continue to hold markets back and the importance of aligning regulation with Africa’s broader development ambitions.

Mary also highlights how FSD Africa is working with policymakers and regulators across the continent to design reforms that enhance efficiency and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.

This conversation is an essential listen for policymakers, investors and development partners who want to understand how capital market reform can shape the future of African finance.

🔔 Subscribe to the channel to stay updated on upcoming episodes of Financing Africa’s Future, where we explore the systems and solutions driving Africa’s economic transformation.

African Financial Markets | Financing Africa’s Future Podcast

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, Evans Osano, Chief Financial Markets Officer, FSD Africa, offers his perspective on the state of African financial markets and what their evolution means for the continent’s future. The discussion explores:

• The progress made in developing capital markets in Africa
• The challenges that continue to hold markets back
• Opportunities to strengthen Africa’s financial systems
• The role of FSD Africa in deepening markets, driving innovation and expanding access to finance

Evans highlights why capital markets are critical for unlocking investment, supporting economic growth and enabling more inclusive and sustainable development across Africa. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in African finance, market development and the future of investment and growth on the continent.

🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more episodes of Financing Africa’s Future and stay informed on the trends shaping Africa’s financial landscape.

The State of Carbon Markets in Africa | Financing Africa’s Future Podcast

Episode 1 | Financing Africa’s Future Podcast

In the very first episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, host Kaara Wainaina speaks with Reshma Shah, Lead, Carbon Markets, FSD Africa, about the state of carbon markets in Africa. Their discussion explores the progress made so far, the challenges that continue to limit growth and the role carbon markets can play in mobilising climate finance for the continent.

The Financing Africa’s Future podcast is produced by FSD Africa, a specialist development agency working to build and strengthen financial markets across sub-Saharan Africa. Through this series, we share insights from experts and practitioners who are shaping financial innovation and driving sustainable development.

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