With July 2024 tagged as the World’s Hottest Month, following the effect of climate change on African continents, stakeholders are advocating more investments in renewable energy on African continent.
Africa is disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change, with 17 out of the 20 countries most threatened by climate impacts located on the continent. Recent severe weather events, including severe droughts in Southern Africa and heavy rains in Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi have caused food shortages, fatalities, and displacement.
Despite these alarming trends, plans to expand fossil fuel infrastructure, like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), continue to threaten both people and the planet.
To this end, 350Africa.org and partners launched REPower Afrika, an ambitious campaign uniting regional community renewable energy projects to urge financiers and governments across the world to prioritise and increase investments in affordable, reliable and clean energy, especially in Africa.
The REPower Afrika campaign showcases the power and potential of community-led efforts igniting a renewable energy movement across the continent as communities are standing up against harmful fossil fuels and demonstrating that renewable energy is a viable, equitable alternative.
For Africa to realise a just transition to renewable energy, significant investment from financial institutions and developed nations, according to experts, is essential and urgent.
Speaking on this development, Africa regional director at 350.org, Landry Ninteretse, stated that, REPower Afrika marks the beginning of a transformative journey where communities at the frontline of the climate crisis take the lead in demanding accessible, affordable, and safe energy for all while creating millions of green jobs.
To Ninteretse, “Africa’s wealth of renewable energy potential presents a great opportunity for the continent to not only address its own energy needs but also potentially lead the global energy transition. By working together with governments, civil society, and community leaders, we can create a supportive environment for community-centred renewable energy solutions, avert climate disaster, and ensure a sustainable future for all. This is the time for Africa and the Global South to replace the obsolete energy model and fuel a development powered by renewables.”
On his part, the director at Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment, Edwin Mumbere, disclosed that Uganda faces a significant energy access challenge which hinders economic development and negatively impacts the quality of life for many Ugandans.
The high upfront costs, limited financing options, policy and regulatory barriers, and competition from other energy sources are major obstacles to improving electrification rates, he noted. To address these challenges, he stated that REPower Afrika advocates for off-grid solutions like solar home systems and mini-grids and supports innovative financing models, adding that policy reforms and community engagement are crucial for creating a supportive environment for private sector investment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of solar projects.
Similarly, founder of Partnership for Green Future, Rehema Peters said: “We are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change across Tanzania and Africa. From deadly floods and erratic rainfall to prolonged droughts devastating crops and livelihoods, the toll on our communities is profound. Despite global agreements like the Paris Agreement, there’s a glaring gap between promises made and the real-life struggles of those most affected.
“Climate funding often misses the mark, neglecting projects that could directly benefit vulnerable communities. It’s time for actionable policies that prioritise clean energy solutions, including tax incentives and local manufacturing of renewable technologies, to secure a sustainable future for Tanzania.”
However,, Global Campaigns director at 350.org, Agnes Appiah-Hall said, the main barrier to renewable energy across Africa is finance, adding that, “for the sources of finance, we must turn to the rich countries and corporations that have exploited African countries for fossil fuels and have imposed huge amounts of historical debt to drive their own prosperity within rich nations, with no regard for the development or harmful impacts on communities within Africa itself.
“It’s time to expose the super-rich and the most polluting industries and tax their billions. The money generated by a global wealth tax could help drive forward the renewable energy transition with the kinds of community-driven projects REPower Afrika is putting centre stage.”
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