Make Big Polluters Pay: CAPPA, Corporate Accountability launch innovative storytelling platform

October 27, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the United States-based Corporate Accountability (CA) are set to launch the Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) Storytelling Platform on October 28, 2024.

This initiative provides a platform for African communities at the forefront of climate change and extractive industry devastation to share their experiences and stories in the pursuit of climate justice.

The MBPP Storytelling Platform is designed to shed light on the devastating impacts of transnational corporations’ extractive activities, debunk false climate solutions, and champion real and sustainable alternatives in Africa.

The platform’s unique virtual fireplace model will host monthly digital gatherings, bringing together regional MBPP partners and frontline communities to share their stories, breathe life into the struggles for climate justice, humanize the issues, and inspire others to join the cause.

Visitors to the website will have the opportunity to meet the people at the heart of the climate crisis, hearing their stories of resilience, resistance, and hope in the face of environmental challenges caused by corporate exploitation.

The platform aims to provide clear evidence and strengthen demands for reparative compensation that addresses the full scope of economic and non-economic losses suffered by frontline communities.

According to Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, “In light of the global politics that have characterized agitations for climate justice in the Global South, a platform like this is necessary to provide clear evidence and strengthen demands for reparative compensation that addresses the full scope of economic and non-economic losses suffered by frontline communities.”

The launch event will feature presentations on “Snippets from the Ayetoro documentary” and “Maximizing Media Opportunities in African Climate Change Stories.” Additionally, there will be pre-COP29 prioritized events and solidarity messages from MBPP partners.

A distinguished lineup of speakers will participate in the hybrid press conference, including Neima Hellen, Corporate Accountability Africa Climate Director and Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coordinator, Zikora Ibeh (Nigeria), Olamide Ogunlade (Nigeria), Robert Egbe (Nigeria), Kpondzo Kwami (Togo), Godsent Wheidarger (Liberia), Labram Musah (Ghana), Wale Obayanju (Nigeria), and Hilda Nakabuye (Uganda), among others.