Africa’s Green Future on Display as IPU Delegates Tour Sleeping Warrior Climate Hub

Delegates attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Regional Seminar on African Parliaments for Climate Action were taken on an eye-opening tour of the Sleeping Warrior Special Economic Zone, where African-led climate solutions are reshaping a once semi-arid landscape into a center of green innovation.

The visit, attended by Esther Passaris and other parliamentarians from across the continent, showcased practical initiatives focused on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, carbon removal technologies and climate-smart investments.

Speaking during the visit, Passaris said Africa must move beyond being viewed solely as a victim of climate change and instead be recognized for its capacity to generate solutions.

“One of the strongest messages emerging from the visit is that Africa must not only be viewed through the lens of climate vulnerability. Africa must also be recognized as a continent of innovation, resilience and solutions,” she said.

The Sleeping Warrior Special Economic Zone has become a symbol of Kenya’s growing green economy ambitions. Delegates toured projects involving geothermal energy, silk farming, carbon innovation and environmentally friendly manufacturing initiatives aimed at creating jobs while protecting the environment.

The transformation of the area from dry and underutilized land into a thriving climate innovation hub impressed many of the participants, who described the project as a model for sustainable development across Africa.

The IPU seminar has brought together lawmakers, climate experts and policymakers to discuss strategies for reducing methane emissions while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Participants noted that investments in renewable energy and green industrialization could help African countries address climate challenges while unlocking new economic opportunities for communities.

Passaris emphasized that local research, long-term planning and African-driven solutions remain key to building climate resilience across the continent.

The field visit formed part of wider discussions at the seminar aimed at strengthening parliamentary action on climate policy and encouraging partnerships that support sustainable development initiatives in Africa.