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DMVRT integrates satellite sensing, machine learning, and ground data to track carbon sequestration across vegetation

byNetGreen Foundation

February 24, 2025

Ogah Abeni, Co-Founder, CarbonEx, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

a. What inspired you to combine your background in chemistry and innovation management with sustainability?

Growing up in Nigeria, I was fascinated by the potential of science to solve real-world problems. One of my early projects as a child involved creating a mini power backup system from batteries for my parents, which inspired me to pursue green solutions that address climate challenges. As I progressed through my academic and professional journey, particularly in chemistry, I realized that combining my scientific knowledge with innovation management could help create scalable, impactful solutions for sustainability. This realization fueled my work in green technology and led to the founding of CarbonEx, where we bridge the gap between environmental conservation and economic opportunities.

b. How did your experiences at Dangote Cement and Climax Lubricants influence your leadership style and problem-solving approach at CarbonEx?

My time at these companies instilled in me the importance of operational efficiency, strategic thinking, and resilience in business. Working in high-stakes industrial environments allowed me to develop a keen sense of managing large-scale projects, which has been invaluable in building CarbonEx. These experiences have shaped my ability to lead diverse teams, manage resources effectively, and drive innovation in a field as critical as sustainability.

c. Could you tell us about the founding of Isunder Technology and how it paved the way for CarbonEx?

The foundation of Isunder Technology was driven by my deep interest in clean energy, particularly electric vehicle technology. At the time, I was focused on tackling the limitations that hindered electric vehicle adoption to promote widespread use of electric mobility, which directly contributes to the decarbonization of the transport sector. I worked on an efficient electric motor design, the Switched Mode Power (SMP) electric motor, aimed at addressing the issue of range anxiety in electric vehicles. This project not only garnered global recognition for me but also laid the groundwork for CarbonEx by reinforcing my commitment to innovation-driven sustainability. The lessons learned at Isunder regarding clean tech solutions translated into CarbonEx’s mission of leveraging technology to combat climate change.

2: Transition into Sustainability

a. What were the key motivators behind your shift towards green technology and carbon sequestration?

My motivation stems from a lifelong passion for science and a deep-rooted concern for the environment. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the effects of environmental degradation, agricultural decline, and energy insecurity. My early experiments in creating green solutions, such as a battery-powered backup system, laid the foundation for my pursuit of more sustainable technologies. The urgency of addressing climate change, combined with the potential to improve lives by empowering communities through carbon farming and other carbon savings initiatives, compelled me to shift towards green technology and carbon sequestration. I recognized the need for innovative solutions to combat environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities, which inspired the formation of CarbonEx.

b. How has your academic and professional background helped shape the innovative direction of CarbonEx?

My background in chemistry provided me with the scientific foundation to understand environmental processes and the impacts of carbon emissions, while my experience in innovation management has been crucial in translating that knowledge into scalable, practical solutions. Working on clean technology projects, such as the SMP electric motor for electric vehicles, gave me a strong understanding of energy efficiency and carbon reduction. This combination of academic insight and hands-on project development has been instrumental in shaping CarbonEx’s innovative approach, leveraging digital tools like satellite remote sensing and machine learning for environmental carbon reduction.

c. Can you discuss some key leadership lessons learned while leading multiple teams and projects?

One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability—each project and team is unique, and as a leader, you must be flexible in your approach. Another lesson is the value of clear communication and collaboration. Ensuring that all team members understand the vision and have the resources to succeed is crucial. I’ve also learned that leadership requires patience and resilience, especially when tackling complex challenges like climate change. Trusting the team, empowering them to innovate, and being open to learning from failures are all essential parts of the leadership journey that has shaped my work at CarbonEx

3: CarbonEx and Technology Innovations

a. How does CarbonEx empower farmers to participate in carbon markets, and what are the tangible benefits for them?

CarbonEx provides farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to practice carbon farming, which sequesters carbon in the soil. Through our platform, we measure the amount of carbon savings or reductions achieved through these practices and sell the resulting carbon credits on global carbon markets, creating a new revenue stream for farmers. The tangible benefits include increased farm productivity, improved soil health, and financial rewards from sustainable practices, contributing to both economic development and climate change mitigation.

b. How does your carbon farming initiative help improve soil health and increase agricultural productivity?

Our carbon farming initiative focuses on regenerative practices such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and cover cropping, which help restore soil fertility. These practices enhance the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, leading to healthier crops and higher yields. This directly impacts food security while also reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture.

c. How do you ensure the scalability of CarbonEx’s technologies to support more farmers across Nigeria and Africa?

Scalability is central to our platform’s design. We use satellite remote sensing and machine learning to monitor large areas of farmland, allowing us to extend our solutions across regions. Additionally, our partnerships with organizations like the Global Sustainable Futures Network (GSFN) and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Company Limited have helped us reach more farmers and amplify our impact. While we are currently based in Nigeria, we plan to scale our initiatives to other countries across Africa.

4: Digital Monitoring and Trading of Carbon Credits

a. Could you explain how CarbonEx’s patented DMVRT methodology works and how it ensures transparency in carbon credit tracking?

The DMVRT (Digital Measuring, Verification, Reporting, and Trading) methodology integrates satellite remote sensing, machine learning, and ground data collection to track carbon sequestration activities across various vegetations. This system provides real-time data on carbon levels across large-scale agricultural or forestry projects. By using machine learning to process satellite imagery, we can accurately measure the amount of carbon stored in vegetative lands, ensuring that each carbon credit generated is verified and traceable. The DMVRT system creates a transparent link between carbon sequestration sources and their endpoints with buyers in the global carbon market, ensuring trust and accountability.

b. How do you integrate satellite remote sensing and machine learning into carbon monitoring and reporting?

We use satellite imagery to continuously monitor spatial carbon distribution across vegetation. Machine learning algorithms analyze these images to estimate carbon sequestration levels, enabling us to track carbon storage without requiring constant on-site visits, which enhances scalability. This technology also allows us to produce detailed reports that validate the amount of carbon stored, a critical component for issuing and trading carbon credits accurately.

c. What are some of the challenges you face in implementing these advanced technologies on vegetative lands, and how do you overcome them?

One key challenge is data variability due to weather conditions, which can obscure satellite imagery. We address this by using high-resolution satellite data capable of penetrating cloud cover and by supplementing it with ground-level data to fill any gaps. Another challenge is ensuring that local farmers and landowners feel comfortable with the technology. To overcome this, we provide education and training to help them understand the benefits of our monitoring system and how it can enhance their farming practices and livelihoods.

5: Clean Energy Initiatives

a. How do smart cookstoves align with your overall mission of reducing household emissions?

Smart cookstoves are a natural extension of our mission to reduce carbon emissions while improving livelihoods. Traditional cooking methods, which rely on wood or charcoal, contribute significantly to deforestation and household air pollution. By introducing smart cookstoves that use cleaner fuels and burn more efficiently, we help reduce these emissions. This aligns with our broader goal of addressing climate change through sustainable solutions that also improve health outcomes in rural communities.

b. How do these initiatives contribute to both climate change mitigation and health improvement in rural communities?

In addition to reducing carbon emissions, smart cookstoves significantly lower indoor air pollution, which is a major cause of respiratory diseases in rural areas. By decreasing the need for firewood, these stoves also help alleviate deforestation pressures, contributing to environmental conservation. This dual impact on climate change mitigation and health improvement makes smart cookstoves an essential part of our clean energy strategy, especially in communities that rely heavily on traditional biomass for cooking.

c. What are the next steps for CarbonEx in the clean energy space?

The next steps for CarbonEx involve expanding our clean energy solutions to include tracking carbon for solar energy systems aimed at rural electrification, as well as clean transport initiatives. We plan to offer comprehensive energy packages to communities that can benefit from cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Our goal is to promote the adoption of these technologies within these communities, further reducing carbon emissions from these sectors.

6. Partnerships and Scaling Impact

a. How have partnerships with organizations like the Global Sustainable Futures Network (GSFN) and NIGCOMSAT contributed to CarbonEx’s growth?

Partnerships with organizations like GSFN and NIGCOMSAT have been crucial for scaling our impact. GSFN has provided invaluable expertise and resources in sustainable farming practices and the establishment of carbon baselines for onboarded farmers, helping us connect them with international carbon markets. Meanwhile, NIGCOMSAT has enhanced our capabilities by providing satellite technology that allows for precise monitoring of carbon sequestration activities. These collaborations have accelerated our ability to deliver reliable and scalable solutions to rural communities and businesses alike.

b. Can you share insights into how these collaborations help you scale your initiatives and provide more support to rural communities?

These collaborations grant us access to technology and expertise that would otherwise be out of reach. Through GSFN, we have extended global best practices for carbon farming to local farmers, while NIGCOMSAT’s satellite services have enabled us to enhance our monitoring systems. Together, these partnerships allow us to support rural communities by improving their access to global carbon markets, offering new revenue streams while promoting sustainability.

c. What are some of the critical roles your technical partners play in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of your carbon monitoring systems?

Our technical partners, such as NIGCOMSAT, play a crucial role in providing the satellite data necessary for monitoring carbon sequestration. They ensure that our monitoring system is both accurate and reliable by supplying high-quality data, which is essential for effective carbon analysis. Additionally, GSFN contributes by developing methodologies and best practices for carbon farming, ensuring that our systems are not only technically sound but also aligned with international standards.

7. Expanding Global Reach

a. As CarbonEx grows, how are you planning to expand your initiatives beyond Nigeria and Africa?

As CarbonEx scales, we aim to expand our carbon monitoring and trading platform to regions facing similar climate challenges, such as Southeast Asia and South America. Our technology is adaptable and can be customized to fit various environmental and regulatory contexts, allowing us to enter new markets. We are also open to exploring partnerships in India and plan to engage with stakeholders in other regions to replicate our success.

b. Are there any international markets, such as India, where you see potential for growth and collaboration in carbon farming or clean energy solutions?

Yes, India presents significant potential for growth in carbon accounting and trading, especially within clean energy initiatives such as solar power and electric mobility. We are particularly interested in India’s commitment to decarbonizing key sectors like energy and transport, and we believe our technology can play a pivotal role in helping businesses and communities achieve their sustainability goals.

c. How do you adapt your technologies to different regions while maintaining their effectiveness?

We adapt our technologies by customizing our carbon monitoring platform to fit the specific environmental conditions and regulatory frameworks of each region. We also work closely with local stakeholders to ensure that our systems comply with regional standards. This flexibility ensures that our solutions remain effective while being scalable across different markets.

8. Leadership and Event Participation

a. What leadership strategies have you found most effective in fostering innovation and sustainability at CarbonEx?

At CarbonEx, fostering a culture of learning and adaptability has been essential for promoting innovation and sustainability. We encourage our team to explore new ideas, experiment with emerging technologies, and remain open to collaboration with external experts. Transparency is another key strategy; everyone on the team understands our goals and the impact we aim to achieve. By nurturing curiosity and empowering team members to take ownership of their contributions, we create an environment where innovation can thrive. At the same time, we collect baseline data and develop our carbon monitoring projects.

b. How do you balance technical innovation and practical application in rural communities?

Striking a balance between innovation and practical application is essential, especially when working with rural farmers and communities. While our technology—such as satellite monitoring and data analysis—provides sophisticated insights, we present it in a simple and accessible manner for the farmers on the ground. As we collect data to establish baselines for carbon sequestration, it’s crucial to involve farmers in the process and consider their practices. We focus on practical training, open communication, and gradual implementation to bridge the gap between high-tech innovation and hands-on farming.

c. Can you share an example of a project where creative problem-solving led to a breakthrough in carbon sequestration?

One breakthrough moment occurred when we encountered challenges in encouraging farmers to adopt new carbon farming practices. Many were apprehensive about the short-term impact on their yields. To address this concern, we collaborated with agronomy experts to develop a hybrid approach that allowed farmers to gradually integrate sustainable practices, such as cover cropping, without disrupting their regular operations. This creative solution not only facilitated baseline data collection but also fostered farmer buy-in for our long-term carbon sequestration goals, paving the way for more widespread adoption of sustainable practices.

9. Participation in Global Events

a. How has participating in COP29 impacted CarbonEx’s mission and strategy?

Attending COP29 has been a transformative experience for CarbonEx. Engaging directly with global leaders, policymakers, and climate-tech innovators provided us with a deeper understanding of the latest advancements in climate policy and carbon market frameworks. The discussions at COP29 have reinforced our commitment to precision and transparency while highlighting the importance of scalability in our solutions. This participation has allowed us to refine our mission, aligning more closely with international standards and paving the way for impactful global partnerships.

b. What key insights have you gained from engaging with other global leaders at COP29, and how have they influenced your work?

Our interactions at COP29 have been incredibly enlightening. Collaborating with global leaders and industry experts underscored the critical need for scalable, tech-driven solutions to ensure the efficacy of carbon credit systems. These insights have influenced our work by inspiring advancements in our carbon monitoring platform, enhancing baseline data collection, and fostering innovation in our carbon farming techniques. COP29 also emphasised the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange, further driving our efforts to contribute meaningfully to the global climate agenda.

c. What future events do you plan to participate in to further your mission of promoting carbon sequestration and clean energy?

Building on the momentum from COP29, we are excited to engage in future COP events, regional climate summits, and specialized forums for climate-tech startups. These events will be instrumental in scaling our impact, forming strategic alliances, and staying ahead of emerging trends in carbon markets and clean energy. Our focus will remain on participating in platforms that promote actionable solutions and collaborative progress, ensuring CarbonEx continues to make a significant contribution to global climate goals.

10. Impact and Future Vision

a. How does CarbonEx contribute directly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)?

CarbonEx is actively aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). While we are in the early stages of establishing baselines for our carbon farming projects, our initiatives focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance productivity and sequester carbon in the soil. By reducing emissions and creating pathways for carbon credits, we contribute to climate mitigation. Additionally, our efforts to improve agricultural resilience directly support food security in rural communities. As we scale our operations, we envision making significant strides toward achieving these critical SDGs.

b. What are some of the measurable outcomes you’ve seen in terms of reducing carbon emissions and improving agricultural resilience?

While we are currently in the process of collecting baseline data for our carbon farming initiatives, early indicators show promising outcomes. Adoption rates among farmers utilizing our solutions have been encouraging, reflecting a clear pathway toward enhanced soil health and more sustainable land use. As we advance our monitoring of carbon sequestration, we expect to see measurable reductions in emissions, alongside improved crop yields resulting from better soil management practices. These outcomes will not only lay the groundwork for issuing carbon credits but also provide tangible benefits for both farmers and the environment.

c. How do you foresee CarbonEx’s role in contributing to these global goals evolving over the next decade?

Over the next decade, CarbonEx envisions becoming a leader in carbon monitoring, accounting, and trading through a comprehensive platform that effectively tracks emissions reductions across various sectors. As we expand our reach beyond Nigeria and Africa, we anticipate playing a pivotal role in supporting global decarbonization efforts. By merging innovative technology with sustainable practices, we aim to facilitate a substantial reduction in global emissions while empowering rural communities to adopt clean technologies and economically benefit from participation in carbon markets.

11. Future Innovations and Trends

a. What upcoming innovations or technologies do you believe will play a significant role in carbon sequestration and clean energy?

Looking ahead, we believe that innovations in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) will be pivotal in enhancing the monitoring of carbon sequestration across vegetation and clean energy projects. AI will enable us to optimize land use and identify regions with high sequestration potential, while IoT will enhance the accuracy of real-time ground-truthing of carbon data from these initiatives. These emerging technologies are set to drive decarbonization efforts across various sectors, both in rural and urban settings, and will create new opportunities for diverse stakeholders in the climate space.

b. How do you stay ahead of industry trends and continuously integrate cutting-edge technologies into CarbonEx’s platform?

To stay ahead of industry trends, we prioritize continuous research, collaboration, and adaptability. We actively monitor global climate forums, technological advancements, and regulatory changes to ensure that CarbonEx remains a leader in the carbon market. Our partnerships with technology providers allow us to integrate the latest innovations in satellite imaging, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into our carbon monitoring processes. Additionally, we invest in learning from our peers in the climate-tech space, which keeps us competitive and agile as we grow.

c. What role do you see for artificial intelligence and data analytics in the future of sustainable development?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics will be transformative in the realm of sustainable development. AI can optimize carbon distribution by analyzing vast datasets to predict carbon sequestration potential and monitor changes in real time. Meanwhile, data analytics will be essential for making sustainability efforts measurable and accountable, empowering businesses and governments to make informed decisions. As we enhance our carbon monitoring platform, we view AI and data analytics as vital components for ensuring precision and scalability in carbon monitoring, reporting, and trading.

12. Personal Motivation and Legacy

a. What drives your passion for sustainability and innovation, and how do you stay motivated?

My passion for sustainability began in childhood, inspired by the vision of creating solutions that could enhance both my community and the environment. One of my early projects—a battery-powered backup system for my family—provided a glimpse into how technology can address local challenges. As I’ve matured, this passion has evolved to tackle global climate issues, fueling my desire to leave a lasting legacy of impactful change. Witnessing the tangible results of our work at CarbonEx—whether it’s helping farmers increase their income or improving environmental outcomes—continues to motivate me every day.

b. Looking back at your career, what accomplishment at CarbonEx are you most proud of?

I take immense pride in developing a platform that enables African communities to participate in global carbon markets through their local carbon-saving projects. This initiative not only provides financial support to these vulnerable populations but also plays a crucial role in combating climate change. The positive impact we’ve created inspires me and reinforces the importance of our mission.

c. What legacy do you hope to leave through your work with CarbonEx and your contributions to the global fight against climate change?

I aspire to leave a legacy where sustainability and economic opportunity are intertwined, particularly for underserved communities. My vision is for CarbonEx to emerge as a global leader in delivering impactful solutions for climate change, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future. I want future generations to inherit a world in which businesses like CarbonEx have made substantial strides in reducing emissions while simultaneously enhancing livelihoods.

13. Indian Market and Opportunities

a. Given India's focus on decarbonization, how do you envision CarbonEx's solutions contributing to the Indian market?

CarbonEx’s solutions are well-suited to the Indian market landscape. India’s ambitious decarbonization goals present an exciting opportunity for us to expand our carbon monitoring platform across various sectors. Initially, we focused on agriculture, but our technology can also effectively track and trade carbon savings from clean cooking, transportation, and energy solutions. By leveraging our platform, India can accurately monitor carbon reductions from smart cookstoves, electric vehicle initiatives, and renewable energy projects, creating a robust framework for carbon credit trading. CarbonEx’s ability to provide reliable, sector-specific carbon data ensures that industries can engage meaningfully in global carbon markets while propelling the country closer to its net-zero targets.

b. Are you currently in talks with any Indian organizations or government bodies for partnerships?

We are actively exploring opportunities in India and are eager to engage with relevant stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. Our goal is to forge partnerships that align with India’s climate objectives, ensuring that CarbonEx’s technology and methodologies can be effectively implemented to support the country’s sustainability initiatives.

c. What unique challenges and opportunities do you foresee when bringing your technologies to India, and how do you plan to address them?

One of the main challenges in India will be navigating the complexities of carbon tracking initiatives for diverse carbon-saving and reduction practices, as well as ensuring local buy-in for our solutions. However, India’s strong commitment to decarbonization presents a significant opportunity for CarbonEx. Each industry has distinct decarbonization needs, and our platform is designed to be flexible, allowing us to tailor our solutions to various sectors, including clean transport, renewable energy, and clean cooking.

Our advanced use of satellite remote sensing and machine learning will enable us to monitor emissions reductions across multiple projects with high accuracy. By effectively tracking carbon savings, we can facilitate smooth carbon credit trading across sectors, empowering businesses to monetize their sustainability efforts while advancing India’s climate goals.