Lagos, Nigeria | November 13, 2024 — TIME has named Uka Eje, CEO and co-founder of ThriveAgric, to the 2024 TIME100 Climate List, celebrating the 100 most influential leaders driving business to real climate action. This recognition highlights Eje’s impactful work at ThriveAgric, where he is pioneering climate-smart agricultural initiatives that empower smallholder farmers to foster both food security and climate resilience across Africa.

Under Eje’s leadership, ThriveAgric is implementing a transformative carbon credit initiative that supports farmers in nine Nigerian states—including Kaduna, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Jigawa, Niger, Nassarawa, and Kano. Through regenerative practices like agroforestry and advanced agricultural technology, these farmers are creating additional income streams from carbon credits while actively working to mitigate climate change. ThriveAgric aims to sequester 1.3 million metric tons of carbon removal units (CRUs) and generate over $50 million in carbon credit revenue, directly benefiting the agricultural sector across Africa.

“Our goal is to make climate-smart agriculture accessible to the farmers who are the backbone of our economy,” said Eje. “By equipping them with the resources to cultivate both food and environmental resilience, we’re building a scalable model for sustainable, long-term impact across the continent.”

ThriveAgric’s program aims to reach 30,000 farmers in Nigeria, with plans to expand to 200,000 farmers across Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya. This initiative illustrates how agriculture can drive both economic growth and climate action in African communities.

Uka Eje’s recognition among global changemakers—including leaders like World Bank President Ajay Banga, Prince Harry, and Bill Gates—underscores the impact of ThriveAgric’s mission. Our work goes beyond farming; it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods that contribute to a climate-resilient future for Africa.

See the full list here