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Kidan Araya

@kidanaraya.bsky.social
96 followers 42 following 97 posts

Founder creating community-informed strategies, dialogue, and technologies that turn ambitious ideas into real-world solutions for communities and the planet.

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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Major projects face disputed land claims worldwide, so seeing commentators blame activists here is lazy. The ruling may not stop the refinery but as Dangote notes, could affect site activity. Top priority should be strengthening community engagement strategy in Lamu. www.reuters.com/business/ene....
reuters.com
Dangote says Kenya court ruling won't halt refinery launch but may affect site activities
Nigeria's Dangote Group said a Kenyan court ruling on a land rights claim would not halt the ​groundbreaking ceremony for its planned 700,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) oil refinery in Lamu on Wednesday, bu...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I have so many thoughts on the Nikole Hannah-Jones article, but one takeaway is I hope it sparks more open communication and transparency between parents and children on why certain decisions are being made about their education. I think kids have way more agency than we give them credit for.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
With the rise of AI slop and AI-powered plagiarism, feeling like I made the right decision a few years back to slowly withdraw from social media and reinvest in personal connections, events, and spoken word as a means to connect with others and communicate my work.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
news like this just makes me feel like there are so many beautiful things in this world to still be encountered and discovered, we should really expect the best to come.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Frederick County, Maryland walking away from a data center deal w/ $110M in community benefits is telling. Developers need to rethink how to approach communications + engagement. Money can’t fix understanding and addressing community expectations too late. www.wypr.org/wypr-news/20...
wypr.org
Frederick County rejects agreement with data center developer amidst public outcry
Quantum Maryland, developer of the 2,100 acre Frederick Digital Campus, promised the county $110 million in community benefits. In return, the county would have been prohibited from changing its zonin...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Deciding which of my favorite pieces of frankincense resin I am going to pick for the new year's first burn like a kid at a candy store. So grateful for this sacred medicine and to celebrate the new year with family. Happy Ethiopian New Year/Enkutatash!
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Pleased to write for Alliance Magazine on the importance of resourcing frontline community leaders and treating them as strategic partners instead of passive recipients of funding and projects. #climateaction #climatephilanthropy #communityengagement www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/frontli...
alliancemagazine.org
Frontline leadership in a changing era of climate philanthropy - Alliance magazine
The Africa Climate x Nature Salon on resourcing the frontlines of the climate movement. I will always remember visiting an Indigenous community in the Congo Basin rainforest that kept up a poster of a...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
I love how they're bringing out all these American celebrities and the crowd very obviously doesn't care or is booing 🤐 They should have had Speed perform his song right before the game and not during the pre-show to tap into the global camaraderie of the fans watching right now. #WorldCup
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Just saw someone say Norway is an example of a country using their oil money well. They clearly invested in the improvement of their sports teams and it's paying off! With Erling Haaland being their glorious representative on the world stage. #WorldCup
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I don't know if my heart can take watching another African team disqualify but I am rooting for Ghana and watching the game so far #WorldCup
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I was telling colleagues in Zambia that more people are starting to dig up copper wires in the U.S. to steal and sell, and they hardly believed me. As the price of copper rises on the global market related to renewable energy + AI, copper theft also rises. www.wfla.com/news/sarasot...
wfla.com
Thieves dig up thousands of feet of copper wire from Sarasota County streets
Thousands of feet of underground copper wire have been stolen from Sarasota County roadway lighting systems, leaving some streets dark and costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
It's mind-boggling seeing $100 million dedicated to this when I've been to communities in DRC where a fraction of this would be enough to create local workforce development programs that provide people clear pathways into legal mining which is what many ask for. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
Congo Plans Paramilitary Unit for Mines with US, UAE Funding
The Democratic Republic of Congo will create a paramilitary unit to police its mines with funding from the US and United Arab Emirates, the country’s General Inspectorate of Mines said.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
"Overfishing and climate change are pushing South Africa's African penguins toward extinction" www.dw.com/en/starving-...
dw.com
Starving penguins: South Africa's iconic species in crisis
Overfishing and climate change are pushing South Africa's African penguins toward extinction. On Colombia’s Santa Cruz del Islote, nearly 1,000 people live on one hectare. Singapore shows how religiou...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Grateful to be doing this work in supporting innovative, grounded leadership in #Africa on climate, energy, and nature. And of course grateful to all the lands we've had discussion salons on who have held us in community! #EarthDay
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Reposted by Kidan Araya
Africa Climate x Nature Salon @africasalon.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
This #EarthDay, we’re grateful to everyone who has joined us for a salon, briefing, or public engagement. From Lusaka to Vancouver, we bring together leaders, practitioners, and frontline experts to discuss and pressure-test solutions for a prosperous climate, energy, and nature future for #Africa.
Group of Africa Climate x Nature Salon participants gather for a discussion on African mineral futures
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Reposted by Kidan Araya
Africa Climate x Nature Salon @africasalon.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Last call to sign up for our virtual briefing on how to engage communities in #criticalminerals projects in #Africa. We'll be sharing fresh insights from our latest policy salon in Zambia with #mining communities. #energy #energytransition luma.com/bvhz8rsq
luma.com
Critical Mineral Futures from the Frontlines: Social License or Strategic Failure? The Community Sentiment Controlling the Energy Transition · Luma
Critical minerals will shape the energy transition. But too often, strategies on these resources are built far from the communities expected to live with the…
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
With the Trump Administration expediting research reviews on the use of ibogaine to treat serious mental illnesses, it's a good time to revisit why Gabon and the indigenous community stewards of the iboga plant haven't financially benefited much from its popularity. www.france24.com/en/live-news...
france24.com
Gabon longs to cash in on sacred hallucinogenic remedy
Beneath yellow fruit, hidden within the roots of the iboga plant in the forests of Gabon, lies a sacred treasure that the country is keen to make the most of.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Cameroon is such a beautiful country with a rich history. Happy to see it get some positive spotlight with Pope Leo and his visit.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
When I testified in front of Congress in 2021 on illegal logging and its impact on communities, I recommended increasing funding for the U.S. Forest Service which got audible bipartisan support in my hearing. It's almost unbelievable how things have changed. These research stations are vital.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Conversations on critical minerals in #Africa are dominated by government + think-tanks. Their insights are needed, but excluding the expertise of communities + citizens living in mining regions creates blind spots that distort analysis. #energy africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com/p/creating-c...
africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com
Creating Critical Minerals Futures From the Frontlines
Reflections from our latest critical minerals strategy salon in Zambia, on meeting a robot for the first time, and the conversation we're bringing to SF Climate Week this month
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Reposted by Kidan Araya
Africa Climate x Nature Salon @africasalon.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Everyone's talking about critical minerals. Almost nobody is talking with the communities living on top of them. We went to Zambia and asked what they think. Investing in the #energy transition without community insights is a losing strategy. Read more here: open.substack.com/pub/africacl...
open.substack.com
Creating Critical Minerals Futures From the Frontlines
Reflections from our latest critical minerals strategy salon in Zambia, on meeting a robot for the first time, and the conversation we're bringing to SF Climate Week this month
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
I wrote about critical minerals, meeting a humanoid robot for the first time, and why excluding community and citizen voices from global decision-making on critical minerals is a strategic failure for #climate and the #energy transition. #Africa africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com/p/creating-c...
africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com
Creating Critical Minerals Futures From the Frontlines
Reflections from our latest critical minerals strategy salon in Zambia, on meeting a robot for the first time, and the conversation we're bringing to SF Climate Week this month
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Niger revoked the concessions of three gold mining firms, due to them not honoring "key commitments, including the payment of taxes, submission of annual technical and financial reports, and adherence to environmental regulations." #Africa africa.businessinsider.com/local/market...
africa.businessinsider.com
Africa’s top uranium producer Niger revokes gold mining concessions for three firms
Niger’s military government has cancelled concessions held by three gold mining and processing companies as it intensifies efforts to assert control over the country’s natural resources
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Reposted by Kidan Araya
Africa Climate x Nature Salon @africasalon.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
On this #WorldWildlifeDay, we honor the ecosystem services and beauty that African wildlife offers to the world. People and wildlife are worth protecting, and so are the futures they make possible. We are proud to support innovative leadership on nature and climate futures in #Africa.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
On this #WorldWildlifeDay, grateful for all the medicine, beauty, and ecosystem services that African wildlife provide us, and for their stewarding guardians and communities in #Africa I've gotten to work with. Photo of me and a beautiful elephant I recently met who outmogged me <3
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
It was an honor to guest lecture for the Global Politics course at York University in Toronto on what #climate and #energy diplomacy must become in a moment shaped by geopolitical tension, rapid technological acceleration, and escalating climate risk. Always a joy to engage with young leaders!
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
The race to access critical minerals heats up: A Belgian museum is refusing to share 1960's/70's DRC mining maps, stating that it would be unethical to share such information with companies that want to monetize the data and use for commercial interests. #Africa www.barrons.com/news/belgian...
barrons.com
Belgian Museum Blocks US Firm's Access To DRC Mining Files
Belgium's AfricaMuseum is the country's biggest dedicated to the Congo, displaying millions of colonial-era objects and zoological specimens.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
I gave a briefing three years ago on my analysis & predictions of how the energy transition + focus on rare earths / critical minerals would benefit African people and economies. Looking over my presentation now and realizing I'd been too optimistic.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Bad Bunny including power lines in his Super Bowl performance is a great example of accessible + engaging storytelling that the climate + clean energy community SHOULD do. Countless folks are now going to social media to ask questions/educate themselves on Puerto Rico's power crisis. Impact 💥
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
On Bad Bunny showing power lines in his Superbowl halftime performance: "Customers in Puerto Rico experienced on average 27 hours of power grid interruptions per year between 2021 and 2024" while U.S. mainland customers only experience two. Energy justice is needed. www.eia.gov/todayinenerg...
eia.gov
Even without hurricanes, customers in Puerto Rico lose about 27 hours of power per year - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
For anyone wondering why Bad Bunny would include power lines in his Halftime Super Bowl show, here's a recent article from San Juan on how "the island’s power system continues to operate with significant limitations in both generation and transmission." www.sanjuandailystar.com/post/power-s...
sanjuandailystar.com
Power system problems persist two years after launch of stabilization plan
By THE STAR STAFFTwo years after the launch of the Electrical System Stabilization Plan, the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) reported that the island’s power system continues to operate with signific...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Creative vision went crazy for this performance, like have we ever seen an entire little town set up for a halftime performance at the Super Bowl 😭 kudos to Bad Bunny 🙌🏽 #Superbowl
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
I'm kind of surprised they let them play American Idiot for the Super Bowl but Green Day is gonna Green Day 😂
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Reposted by Kidan Araya
Africa Climate x Nature Salon @africasalon.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Sustainable #AI is a hot topic at #Davos this week. In our latest #Substack post, we outline a series of key questions for experts to ask to determine whether AI for Good + AI for Nature programs can contribute to conservation in #Africa. africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com/p/aiforclima...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
You would never know this based on what gets discussed on social media the most, but #solar power and #renewables are apparently outpacing fintech in where VC's want to invest in #Africa. #energytransition #energy #venturecapital www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
Solar Power Eclipses Fintech as Africa’s New Investment Magnet
Solar and renewables are vying with fintech and payments as the top draws for African venture capital, with investors viewing energy projects as the most attractive on the continent’s startup scene, a...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Saudi Arabia will enter into their gold market "to provide Sudan with a more transparent and profitable channel for its mineral wealth, diverting from reliance on Dubai" and to curb gold smuggling. Fascinating... #Africa #trade #naturalresources #MENA africa.businessinsider.com/local/market...
africa.businessinsider.com
Saudi Arabia opens new gold market in Africa, ending Dubai’s long-standing dominance
Saudi Arabia has moved to position itself as a major player in Africa’s gold trade, announcing readiness to begin immediate purchases of bullion from Sudan
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Interesting lessons being learned in Rwanda on Kigali's quest to both reforest the city and restore the city's wetlands to help protect against deadly flooding, with implications for Africa’s other cities facing increased flooding amidst climate change. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
motherjones.com
A flood-plagued African city sets out to reengineer its wetlands
Kigali, Rwanda's capital, is embracing nature-based solutions, but there are challenges.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
“Ten thousand fools proclaim themselves into obscurity, while one wise man forgets himself into immortality.” - MLK Timely reminder with the state of geopolitics, AI, and social media: focus on the good work in service of humanity, not to the ego or algorithms. Thank you for Martin Luther King jr.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
The photo of MLK and Nkrumah of Ghana always circulates this time of year, but it's also important to acknowledge MLK met and was friends with many African leaders in the 60's. Here's a photo with him and former President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia. Leaders with integrity and aura 🔥 #africa #mlkday
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
So many crises of leadership across different spheres of the world right now. Supporting smart, ethical, and intentional leaders who can innovatively and effectively solve challenges that people face should be a top priority for any institution of influence right now.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
BYD has been expanding across Africa for the past year or so with the most affordable EV models hitting the African market. I’ll be curious which models and at which price points enter Canada with the new trade deal in place between them and China. africa.businessinsider.com/local/market...
africa.businessinsider.com
World's largest maker of new energy vehicles eyes Africa's untapped market
BYD, the world’s largest maker of electric vehicles, is set to transform South Africas EV landscape with hundreds of charging stations and solar-powered infrastructure, boosting its African footprint
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Sad to see deadly flooding in Southern Africa. Seeing they also had to evacuate safari tourists, it reminds me of how much climate change will influence tourism. Before you go on your next trip, can you afford evacuation insurance in case of an extreme weather event? www.nbcnews.com/world/africa...
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
This is a really good time to reevaluate your relationship to social media. In a time of painfully obvious algorithms prioritizing negativity, reactive clickbait, and other forms of shallow entertainment, I think it's valid to step back if participating is not giving you joy or paying your bills.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
IShowSpeed in Africa has been a great watch. There's something magical about seeing someone for the first time travel to new places and meaningfully learn and connect with the cultures and environment. The spirit of global community and collaboration ✨ #Africa #travel www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
IShowSpeed: YouTube star touches hearts in Africa during first tour
"I love the love in Africa. The energy here is crazy," he says on his maiden tour of the continent.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
As the Africa tour goes on, it's clear to see which countries put more thought + creative vision into iShowSpeed's visit vs countries who just put a bunch of random activities together. I'll be curious if there's a tourism boost for the countries who've been more strategic.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
So much of the "AI for good" and "AI for Nature" conversation consists of us hearing from companies or developers on how this area is promising, versus actually seeing results and hearing from people using AI to successfully solve real world challenges. More of the latter please.
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
If only all world leaders were required to read books about environmental justice and indigenous rights...!
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
AI for Nature is attracting funding + growing attention from private, public, and philanthropic investors, but is the investment producing societal + environmental benefits for the communities living in project sites? #Africa #conservation #AI africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com/p/aiforclima...
africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com
Africa in the Age of Environmental Intelligence: What the Frontlines Teaches Us About Using AI For Nature to Protect Climate and Nature Futures
Notes on the Africa Climate x Nature Salon's Innovating Conservation: AI and Environmental Futures Series
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Reposted by Kidan Araya
Africa Climate x Nature Salon @africasalon.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
What are the possibilities for using emerging technology like AI to build climate and nature futures that nourish communities and nature in Africa? Read what we uncovered in our first #Substack post. #ai #aiforgood #africa #climatechange africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com/p/aiforclima...
africaclimatexnaturesalon.substack.com
Africa in the Age of Environmental Intelligence: What the Frontlines Teaches Us About Using AI For Nature to Protect Climate and Nature Futures
Notes on the Africa Climate x Nature Salon's Innovating Conservation: AI and Environmental Futures Series
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Kidan Araya @kidanaraya.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Touched on this at the Africa Climate x Nature Salon in our AI series, but there seems to be a preconceived notion that Africa is a "free for all" when it comes to data capture when in actuality there's a few strong, model data privacy laws on record to protect consumers. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Kenyan court suspends US health aid deal over data privacy concerns
The landmark $2.5bn Kenya-US deal has been stopped until the court hears the case over data privacy.
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