Reflecting the First Quarter of 2026

Since the start of 2026, Surge Africa has continued to deepen its commitment to advancing climate narratives, strengthening youth engagement, and bridging critical gaps between knowledge, policy, and action.

In January, we kicked off the year in Abuja, Nigeria, with an interactive lab under the Climate Reporting Gap Fellowship titled “Hands-On Workshop on Curating Impact Stories.” This session brought together emerging storytellers and climate practitioners to explore how compelling, evidence-based narratives can shape public discourse and influence policy. Participants engaged in practical exercises to refine their storytelling techniques, with a strong emphasis on translating complex climate realities into accessible and impactful stories.

In February, we convened a high-level reflective dialogue titled “After COP30: Securing Peace in a Warming World.” This session examined the intersections between climate change, security, and peacebuilding. Featuring leading experts from global institutions, the discussion unpacked key outcomes from COP30 and explored how climate risks are increasingly shaping conflict dynamics and stability. The session created space for critical exchange, connecting global insights to regional realities across Africa.

March was marked by both celebration and new opportunities. To commemorate International Women’s Day, we relaunched the “Women in Climate” campaign, spotlighting eight exceptional women driving climate action across Africa; from Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes to Tunisia’s agricultural frontlines. Their stories highlighted the depth, diversity, and impact of women’s leadership in the climate space.

We also proudly launched the Bridje Fellowship in partnership with the University of Birmingham under the Climate Reporting Gap Initiative. This fellowship is designed to support emerging voices in climate reporting, equipping them with the tools, networks, and platforms needed to tell stories that matter.

Together, these milestones reflect our ongoing mission to amplify voices, foster dialogue, and drive meaningful climate action across the continent.