HASAL MFB, AFOS Foundation, and CarbonConnect Launch Biochar Initiative at UN House
...German Ambassador, CBN, Oikocredit, and MFB CEOs Join Forces to Champion Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria
HASAL Microfinance Bank Ltd., in partnership with AFOS Foundation and CarbonConnect Global, formally launched the Biochar Initiative at the prestigious United Nations House in Abuja. The landmark event marks a critical step forward in Nigeria’s quest for climate-resilient agriculture and inclusive rural development.
The launch attracted a high-profile audience of policymakers, international development organizations, and financial sector leaders. Notably in attendance was Her Excellency, Annett Günther, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, who reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to sustainable development in Nigeria through partnerships and innovation. Also present were senior representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Oikocredit International, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Industrial and Financial Development (OSIFD), and several CEOs of Nigerian Microfinance Banks.
The Biochar Initiative is an environmentally friendly agricultural solution that converts organic farm waste into biochar, a nutrient-rich, carbon-based substance that improves soil fertility, boosts crop yields, and captures carbon from the atmosphere. The initiative is tailored to benefit Nigeria’s smallholder farmers who face growing threats from land degradation and food insecurity.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Rogers-Nwoke, Founder of HASAL Microfinance Bank Ltd., expressed strong support for the initiative, stating:
“This launch is not just about innovation; it is about equipping our farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Biochar will play a pivotal role in restoring soil health, reducing emissions, and improving yields. At HASAL, we are fully committed to supporting this solution—regardless of whether or not other microfinance banks choose to join.”
Mrs. Juliet Adekoya, CEO of AFOS INGO, spoke on behalf of AFOS Foundation, highlighting their long-standing commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and strengthening agricultural value chains: “Our mission is to build capacity and deliver scalable, impactful solutions to the grassroots. Biochar embodies our strategy for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
The technical backbone of the project was presented by Mr. Nando Knodel, Co-founder of CarbonConnect Global, who showcased the science behind biochar and its effectiveness in improving soil structure, water retention, and carbon sequestration.
The event also featured live demonstrations, interactive sessions with farmers, and stakeholder engagement dialogues positioning the Biochar Initiative as a replicable model for sustainable farming across Africa.
With the active support of key players such as CBN, Oikocredit, OSIFD, and the German Embassy, the project sets a new benchmark in environmentally responsible agriculture and financial inclusion.
For more information, please contact 07068339500 or visit www.hasalmfb.com.
