Press Releases Archives - Offset8 Capital

Offset8 and iRise are proud to announce a historic expansion of their reforestation initiative in Malawi— securing land rights to scale from 6,000 to approximately 100,000 hectares. This landmark agreement represents the largest reforestation land commitment in Malawi’s history and paves the way for transformative environmental and socio-economic impact across the country.

Offset8 is committed to advancing high-quality Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), focusing on initiatives that deliver measurable, lasting benefits to both people and the planet. In 2024, Offset8 partnered with iRise to finance a 6,000-hectare reforestation project in Malawi, which also included the distribution of 140,000 clean cookstoves to rural communities.

Following the success of the initial phase, both organizations recognized the potential to achieve even greater impact. After extensive feasibility assessments, robust community consultations, and collaboration with local authorities, Offset8 and iRise have now secured a land expansion agreement for reforestation covering approximately 100,000 hectares.

This milestone opens the door for additional investors to join a holistic, high-impact solution — one that not only aims to restore ecosystems with native species but also strengthen food security, create local jobs and deliver millions of tonnes of CO₂ removals annually.

“Securing an additional 100,000 hectares is a testament to the success of our partnership with Offset8 and to the commitment of local communities,” said Alexander Pettefer, CEO of iRise Carbon. “Together, we’re not only restoring forests but also empowering communities and building climate resilience.”

Offset8’s Co-founder, Ivan Mozharov, added: “This milestone proves that carbon finance can be a powerful driver for nature-based solutions. By scaling this project, we are delivering real impact — for the climate, for biodiversity, and for the people of Malawi.”

The project will issue high-integrity carbon credits aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and ICVCM’s CCP label, supporting global climate goals while fostering inclusive economic growth in Malawi. This land expansion agreement sets the stage for the next phase of growth.

Together, Offset8 and iRise are helping to regenerate the Warm Heart of Africa, delivering trusted carbon credits to global markets—rooted in integrity, community, and climate impact.

About Offset8

Offset8 Capital Limited is an Abu Dhabi Global Market-based proprietary asset management firm and a financial advisor regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM. Offset8 seeks to finance climate mitigation and adaptation projects, with a focus on mangrove restoration, reforestation, and biochar. Of particular relevance will be projects that aim to support local communities in Africa and Southeast Asia and to contribute to both environmental conservation and sustainable economic development. Offset8 Capital Limited acted as a financial advisor to Offset8 Holding Limited that will finance the project.

About iRise Carbon

iRise is a mission-driven organization focused on addressing climate change while alleviating poverty. Its integrated model is designed for rural communities affected by severe land degradation, combining sustainable agroforestry with the development of community infrastructure. The result: scalable, high-quality carbon offset projects that deliver genuine economic, social, and environmental benefits. iRise is committed to a just, equitable transition to net zero, balancing impact across people, nature, and financial returns.

Disclaimer

This press release is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. Notwithstanding anything contained in this press release, this press release does not constitute, and no reader of this press release may treat the same as, an offer to sell, a solicitation or invitation for the sale and purchase of any securities, instruments or any other properties, and the information contained in this press release shall not form the basis of any offer or contract. Under no circumstances is this press release to be construed as an offering of an interest in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction. No action has been taken to permit an offering of interests in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose would be required.

None of Offset8, its affiliates and their respective partners, members, employees, officers, directors, agents, advisers and representatives (collectively, the “Offset8 Group”) have any liability for, and neither assumes nor accepts responsibility in relation to, the use of, or reliance on this press release by any person. The Offset8 Group makes no representation or warranty as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this press release (including statements of opinion or expectation) nor shall have any liability (whether arising from negligence or otherwise) for any representations (express or implied) contained in, or for any omissions from, this press release or for any written or oral communications transmitted to the recipient (or its advisors or representatives).

Offset8 Capital Limited, a proprietary asset management firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, is proud to announce its collaboration with DAI Labs Inc., a Japan-based AI technology company, to apply AI and GIS technologies in carbon credit projects.

Since 2024, Offset8 has been working in partnership with iRise Carbon to develop climate-focused projects in the Republic of Malawi. These initiatives, known as the iRise Project, include the restoration of 6,000 hectares of degraded land, the distribution of over 140,000 cookstoves, and improvements in local food security.

Today, DAI Labs proudly announced its selection as a recipient of a prestigious grant under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)’s “Subsidies for Global South Future Oriented Co Creation Project in the FY 2023 Supplementary Budget” program. The grant will support the implementation of an AI- and GIS-based carbon and land use monitoring system in Malawi, developed in collaboration with Offset8 Capital and iRise Carbon. The software demonstration project, covering a 6,000-hectare area, is scheduled for completion by February 2026.

Leveraging its expertise in satellite data analysis and image-based AI systems, DAI Labs will integrate spectral satellite imagery and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to monitor existing carbon stocks, identify high-potential reforestation sites, and forecast carbon sequestration. iRise Carbon will contribute on-the-ground data and technical support essential to training and validating the system. Offset8 will contribute its expertise in strategy and implementation support for the project.

This project forms part of a broader Article 6-authorized effort to restore degraded land and improve food security in Malawi. By the end of the grant period, the partners aim to deliver a cost-efficient, high-fidelity monitoring tool that improves the accuracy and transparency of carbon credit generation. The long-term ambition is to scale this technology to forest projects globally, helping reduce MRV costs and strengthening trust in the international carbon market.

Media Team
media@offset8capital.com
+97128124183

About DAI Labs

DAI Labs is an AI technology company headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The company specializes in developing and implementing cutting-edge AI systems for corporate and municipal clients, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality AI prototypes within short timeframes. With extensive experience in designing and operating advanced AI models, DAI Labs also contributes to addressing a wide range of social challenges.

The company applies its technologies across various fields, including the development of forest monitoring systems that combine AI and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Through the provision of flexible, client-tailored AI solutions, DAI Labs supports operational efficiency and promotes digital transformation (DX).

About Offset8

About iRise Carbon

iRise Carbon is a mission-driven organization with a focus on mitigating climate change while alleviating poverty. iRise Carbon delivers its integrated model in rural, underdeveloped communities with significant land degradation. The company combines indigenous afforestation, while integrating community infrastructure, to deliver high-quality carbon offset volumes and lasting, genuine economic and social development. The iRise Carbon program is scalable, prosperous, and equitable – driving a just net zero transition without compromising community or society, nature or returns.

Disclaimer

Offset8 Capital Limited, a proprietary asset management firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, has announced the signing of a financing transaction with iRise, the recipient of the NDC Investment Award at COP28 for Best Forestry Initiative in Africa.

With the project now well underway, Offset8 and iRise reported to the Government of Malawi on the progress of iRise’s Climate and Community Transformation Program, which focuses on restoring 6,000 hectares of degraded land in Malawi, deploying over 140,000 clean cookstoves, and improving food security.

At the heart of this initiative is a large-scale reforestation effort, with plans to plant 6 million indigenous trees and prevent the deforestation of over 4 million trees, all crucial for carbon sequestration, biodiversity resurgence, and soil regeneration.

Across Africa, over 3.7 million people die prematurely each year due to harmful cooking practices. 91% of Malawians rely on firewood and charcoal, leading to serious health issues and widespread deforestation. By providing clean cookstoves to local communities free of charge, the project directly improves public health and reduces deforestation.

Climatic shocks have severely reduced agricultural productivity among Malawi’s farming-dependent population. In response, the iRise program enhances food security by producing an additional 3,000 tons of maize annually to feed 25,000 people and supports subsistence farming for 5,000 people.

The project is expected to create 300 permanent and multi-year jobs and seasonal work for 1,500 people. This comprehensive program integrates reforestation, clean cooking, and sustainable agriculture into a synergistic solution. Each component strengthens the others, creating a holistic approach that meets the diverse needs of local communities. Combined, these efforts could positively impact the lives of 150,000 people in Malawi.

Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi stated, “I am pleased that Malawi is becoming a destination of choice for carbon financing, and we welcome this program to Malawi”. The project was issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) by the Government of Malawi. The LOA allows carbon credits issued by the project to be traded under Article 6 of the United Nations Paris Agreement.

Offset8 has observed significant international interest in the project from companies in Switzerland, which signed an Article 6 agreement with Malawi, and in Japan and Singapore, with increasing demand for high-quality carbon credits.

Jules Maitrepierre and Ivan Mozharov, Offset8’s co-founders, shared, “We are proud to support iRise for its holistic approach addressing the needs of local communities and its commitment to the ICVCM’s Core Carbon Principles, ensuring environmental integrity.”

Alex Pettefer, CEO of iRise, and Jason Rosamond, the architect behind iRise’s solution, stated, “Offset8’s ability to structure tailored financing and leverage a global network make them an ideal partner to amplify our impact in Malawi while respecting the local context.”

Offset8 Capital Limited, regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM, acted as a financial advisor to Offset8 Holding Limited that will finance the project.

Media Team
media@offset8capital.com
+97128124183

Regenerating the warm heart of Africa - Malawi:

About Offset8

About iRise

iRise is a mission-driven organization with a focus on mitigating climate change while alleviating poverty. iRise delivers its integrated model in rural, underdeveloped communities with significant land degradation. The company combines sustainable agroforestry with community infrastructure to deliver high-quality carbon offset volumes and lasting, genuine economic and social development. The iRise program is scalable, prosperous, and equitable – driving a just net zero transition without compromising community or society, nature or returns.