Offset8 and iRise plan to restore 6,000 hectares of land in Malawi by planting 10 million trees to improve food security and quality of life for 150,000 people
Abu Dhabi-based asset management company Offset8 Capital Limited has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with iRise . The project aims to restore 6,000 hectares of degraded land in Malawi, as well as provide clean cooking stoves and increase food security in the region. This initiative not only promises to plant 10 million trees, but also to sustainably improve the lives of around 150,000 people.
The iRise Climate and Community Transformation Program aims to plant 6 million native trees and prevent the deforestation of over 4 million trees through large-scale reforestation. These actions are critical for carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and soil regeneration.
Fight against harmful cooking methods
Another key objective of the project is to provide 140,000 clean cooking stoves to the population of Malawi, who are heavily dependent on firewood and charcoal. Over 3.7 million people die prematurely each year in Africa as a result of harmful cooking practices. These clean cooking stoves will help improve the health of the population while reducing deforestation.
Strengthening food security
Climate shocks have significantly affected agricultural productivity in Malawi. The iRise programme has responded by producing 3,000 tonnes of maize per year and supporting subsistence farming for 5,000 people. This not only improves food security but also provides additional income in rural areas.
Job creation and social impact
The project has the potential to create 300 permanent jobs and provide seasonal employment for 1,500 people. The combination of reforestation, clean cooking and sustainable agriculture forms a holistic approach to addressing the various challenges facing Malawi. Together, these measures could positively impact the lives of 150,000 people in the region.
Michael Usi , Vice President of Malawi and Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, spoke positively about the initiative: „Malawi is increasingly becoming an important destination country for carbon finance and we welcome this program.“
Offset8 and iRise have attracted international interest, particularly in Switzerland, Japan and Singapore, where demand for carbon credits is increasing. Both partners are committed to further amplifying the project’s impact through tailored financing solutions.
