Last year, the Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Microgrants were launched to support local civil society initiatives across Africa addressing environmental and climate challenges. The program encourages innovative outreach activities that integrate reporting supported by the Pulitzer Center to raise awareness, promote free expression, and inspire climate action. Over 500 applications were received, reflecting African civil society’s strong commitment to environmental justice, climate action, and sustainable solutions. Eight projects were selected to engage young professionals and local communities in impactful initiatives from July to November 2025, focusing on deforestation, aquatic ecosystem preservation, and climate impacts on labor and livelihoods.
In Ghana, the Youth Alliance for Community Change implemented Intergenerational Storytelling for Climate Justice in Nakori, connecting local experiences of erratic rainfall, land degradation, and reduced crop yields to global climate narratives. Multi-stakeholder dialogues, social media storytelling, and radio sessions reached over 100,000 people, prompting commitments from both community members and the Agricultural Department to adopt sustainable practices and prioritize irrigation planning. The initiative also created a “Climate Knowledge Circle” blending youth engagement with elders’ traditional knowledge.
In Zimbabwe, the Earth Co-Existence Initiative led Sustainable Waters: A Dialogue on Climate, Labor, and Fisheries in Binga, addressing challenges in small-scale fisheries under climate change and labor pressures. Using Pulitzer Center-supported reporting as a foundation, the project facilitated inclusive discussions among fishers, authorities, civil society, and media, promoting sustainable practices and collective ownership of fisheries management.
The Mzimba Youth Organization in Malawi focused on Voices for Transparent Climate Governance, using storytelling, an art exhibition, and radio dialogues to raise awareness about poor management of boreholes and rivers. Participants reported increased knowledge, confidence to report irregularities, and willingness to engage in decision-making processes, strengthening community governance of environmental resources.
In Cameroon, the Climate Life Movement’s Stolen Forest, Awakened Voices connected urban youth with rural realities through civic dialogue, art, and journalism, engaging over 220 participants. Activities included a drawing competition, workshops, and online campaigns, helping young people understand logging-related environmental challenges and encouraging collective action.
Pauly Afrique Bio in Benin implemented Mangroves in Flames, raising awareness of bushfire risks in the Kpomassè region through radio, social media, plays, and floating campaigns across eight villages. Communities co-signed eight charters against bushfires, monitored by designated relays, promoting enforcement and local ownership of environmental protection measures.
In Idjwi, the Strengthening the Role of Young People in Protecting Lake Kivu project trained 20 youth ambassadors through workshops, film screenings, dialogues, and digital campaigns inspired by Pulitzer Center reporting. The initiative engaged over 600 people, created green clubs, and established murals to symbolize community participation and environmental stewardship.
In the Ivory Coast, Zero Décès en Donnant la Vie’s project Voices of the Forest addressed deforestation and illegal gold mining’s impact on forests, food security, and water quality. Through plays, workshops, and radio testimonies, communities gained knowledge about environmental solutions and strengthened confidence in their capacity to act and seek technical and institutional support.
Finally, in Benin, ONG Education et Environnement implemented Community Resilience to Climate and Ocean Challenges, targeting coastal communities in Cotonou, Grand-Popo, and Ouidah. Activities included awareness workshops, digital campaigns, and multi-stakeholder dialogues that reached thousands, improved understanding of climate and marine issues, and produced actionable recommendations for lagoon management, artisanal fisheries regulation, and ecosystem protection.
Together, these eight ACE Microgrant projects demonstrate the power of locally led, youth-focused, and community-centered initiatives to combat environmental degradation, climate change, and ecosystem loss across Africa, using journalism-supported storytelling to drive engagement, awareness, and sustainable action.
