In response to the escalating global climate crisis, Energy and Sustainability Consultant, Endurance Benard Olowo, has introduced ScopeShift, a practical innovation designed to accelerate the transition to net zero, with relevance across African industries and supply chains.
While global efforts to reduce carbon emissions have often focused on developed countries, Olowo emphasizes that Africa, especially Nigeria, must design and lead its own climate strategies. “Climate change is a global challenge, but solutions must be tailored to local realities. Africa cannot be left behind in the net zero transition,” he stated.
ScopeShift provides a structured and scalable method to reduce Scope 3 emissions, which are the indirect emissions across a company’s value chain. These emissions often represent more than 70 percent of a company’s total carbon footprint. For countries like Nigeria, where supply chains are largely informal and driven by small and medium enterprises, Scope 3 emissions are both a critical issue and an opportunity for meaningful change. According to Olowo, the innovation gives African companies the tools to take measurable climate action. It helps them identify carbon hotspots, prioritize impactful strategies, and collaborate across sectors for stronger results.
Beyond reducing emissions, ScopeShift supports broader social and economic goals by building trust, equity, and inclusion across value chains. Olowo believes that climate action must be inclusive to be effective. “Whether in Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra, consumers and communities want to see real integrity in how companies tackle climate change,” he explained. “ScopeShift creates transparency and accountability. It also helps small and underrepresented suppliers access the tools, training, and resources needed to reduce emissions and participate in sustainable growth.” This model of inclusive climate action supports both environmental outcomes and economic empowerment, making it highly relevant for developing markets.
Africa’s energy and natural resource sectors are vital to the continent’s economy, but they also face significant Scope 3 challenges. Emissions from sold products such as fuels and from complex supplier networks are increasingly coming under scrutiny from investors, regulators, and local communities. According to Olowo, ScopeShift enables companies in these sectors to engage suppliers on low-carbon technologies, support customers in adopting cleaner energy options, and integrate emissions considerations into project planning and product development. These actions position African companies as leaders in the continent’s low-carbon transition.
The innovation is also highly relevant for financial services and technology firms across Africa. These sectors face Scope 3 emissions from financed emissions, data center operations, and product usage. ScopeShift provides tools to influence vendor practices, integrate climate data into financing decisions, and support clients in reducing their own environmental impact. By embedding sustainability into both internal operations and customer offerings, businesses can deliver long-term value while aligning with climate goals.
Olowo has contributed to the development of low carbon strategies for major multinational oil and gas companies with combined revenues of over 250 billion dollars. His work has included identifying key opportunities in decarbonization, carbon capture, and building long-term roadmaps for sustainability. Now, he is applying that expertise to support African companies and governments in leading climate innovation, not just following global trends.
“In the African context, ScopeShift is more than a sustainability tool. It is a platform for economic development, climate resilience, and shared responsibility,” Olowo concluded. “It offers a path for Nigeria and other African nations to build a climate-smart economy that works for our people and our planet.”