For more than a decade, “net zero” has been the defining phrase of climate ambition. It signals a commitment to balance the greenhouse gases we emit with those we remove from the atmosphere. Governments have set targets, multinationals have published timelines, and investors have backed low-carbon innovations.
Net zero is vital, but it is not the end goal. It is the line between ongoing harm and a stable climate. In Africa, that line is not enough. From the oil-stained waters of the Niger Delta to the advancing deserts of northern Nigeria, environmental damage is already deep and urgent. To stop at net zero is to pause the decline; to regenerate is to reverse it.
The African urgency
Nigeria’s environmental challenges illustrate why a regenerative approach is essential. Oil spills, gas flaring, and waste dumping have poisoned ecosystems and disrupted livelihoods in the Niger Delta. Desertification in the north is stripping away arable land and forcing families from their homes. Across the continent, unregulated mining, intensive farming, and rapid urban expansion are eroding natural systems that communities rely on.
Net zero commitments can slow this harm, but only regeneration — actively restoring and revitalising damaged systems — can secure the future. Without it, degraded lands will continue to release carbon, biodiversity will keep shrinking, and vulnerable communities will remain exposed to economic and climate shocks.
What regeneration delivers
Regeneration means creating systems that actively replenish the resources they use. African traditions have long embraced such stewardship: rotating crops, protecting sacred forests, and conserving water sources. Modern regenerative practices build on these principles with technology and science.
In agriculture, regenerative techniques like crop rotation, agroforestry, and minimal tillage rebuild soil health, increase water retention, and capture carbon. In extractives, some companies are rehabilitating mined-out areas by planting native species, creating reservoirs, or repurposing land for community use.
Cities are adopting green infrastructure — wetlands, urban forests, rooftop farms — to reduce heat, absorb stormwater, and improve air quality. These initiatives deliver environmental benefits while creating jobs, improving public health, and strengthening resilience.
A business advantage
For African companies, regeneration is not just environmental responsibility; it is smart strategy. Markets increasingly reward sustainable products and services. Consumers, especially younger generations, want proof of positive impact. Investors are directing capital towards companies that can demonstrate climate resilience and social responsibility.
Restoration projects can also generate income, from selling carbon credits to premium pricing for products made with regenerative methods. Businesses that invest in their local environment often enjoy fewer community disputes, stronger partnerships, and more secure operations.
By shifting from a “less harm” approach to a “positive impact” approach, African businesses can lead globally — aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and national development plans.
Beyond carbon balance
Net zero focuses on emissions; regeneration adds the health of ecosystems, communities, and economies to the equation. It requires planning for restoration at the design stage of projects, not after damage occurs. It thrives on partnerships between business, government, and local communities. And it measures success in restored landscapes, clean rivers, sustainable jobs, and renewed biodiversity — alongside carbon reductions.
Africa has a unique opportunity to lead. Many of its economies are still developing infrastructure and industries, which means they can leapfrog outdated extractive models and build regenerative systems from the ground up.
True sustainability in Africa will come not just from slowing environmental decline, but from reversing it. Net zero is the milestone. Regeneration is the destination — and it is within reach if we act with purpose now.
At CSR-in-Action, we work with forward-thinking organisations that share this vision — helping them integrate regenerative thinking into their strategies, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Together, we can ensure that the actions we take today leave behind not only a balanced carbon sheet, but a thriving planet and communities empowered for generations to come.