Today, around 600 million people in Africa still lack basic electricity, and nearly one billion depend on traditional fuels for cooking. Although Africa contributes less than 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it faces severe climate risks. The ongoing push for renewable energy is crucial, especially with the Second Africa Climate Summit happening in Ethiopia this September. Abay Yimere, a specialist in regional development and climate change, highlights vital discussions ahead.
Why Hold a Climate Summit in Africa?
African nations have pledged to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving this requires a transition to renewable energy and moving away from fossil fuels. However, the reliance on coal, oil, and gas remains significant, with solar energy making up just 3% of electricity generation. Currently, renewable energy provides only 24.1% of electricity in Africa, with hydropower being the leading source.
To shift away from fossil fuels, Africa needs between $1.6 trillion and $1.9 trillion by 2030. Yet, much climate finance comes in the form of loans, adding to the continent’s debt. About 751 million Africans suffer due to government funds being spent on high-interest debts rather than climate resilience and sustainable projects.
Global initiatives often overlook Africa’s unique needs. The World Bank and the African Development Bank’s Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030, but another 300 million may be left behind.
At the recent COP28 climate conference, there was a global push to increase renewable energy investments. Nevertheless, Africa only receives about 4% of global climate funding. Doubling or tripling this funding barely scratches the surface.
For these reasons, a dedicated climate summit in Africa is essential. This gathering will unify nations to call for equitable actions, including emissions reductions from more industrialized countries. It aims to secure the finance and technology needed to help Africa tackle climate change.
Looking Back: The First Summit’s Impact
The first climate summit in 2023 established the Nairobi Declaration, which set a target for African countries to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030. It called for the global delivery of the long-promised $100 billion annual climate finance.
The summit also promoted a fair phase-out of coal and subsidies for inefficient fossil fuels while advocating for increased investments in renewable energy. Countries committed to growing green industries and reforming financial systems to support sustainable growth.
Progress since then appears limited, as there have been no detailed updates on the commitments. However, initiatives like the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative have emerged, aiming to promote sustainability across the continent.
Another project, the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (2024–2034), seeks to create green jobs and position Africa as a leader in sustainable growth.
Anticipating the 2025 Summit Agenda
The upcoming summit will cover various essential topics:
- Reimagining Climate Finance: Discussions on lowering lending barriers and using domestic currencies for funding.
- Renewable Energy Acceleration: Strategies to power the 600 million Africans without electricity by 2030.
- Nature-Based Solutions: The importance of community involvement and indigenous knowledge in climate action.
- Strategic Governance: Reviving partnerships to enhance technology and knowledge sharing.
- Responsible Mining: Ensuring Africa’s critical minerals are extracted fairly for green technology.
- Implementation Mechanisms: Bridging the gap between ambitious policies and effective execution.
Each of these points reflects core challenges African nations face regarding climate resilience. Integrating indigenous knowledge with modern methods can strengthen local communities and green economies. For example, decentralized renewable energy systems are crucial for providing reliable power during climate extremes while creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
Organizations like the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance are working to ensure local voices are heard. The challenge lies in building a cooperative spirit among African leaders to foster a united front. With a shared vision, Africa can not only tackle climate change but also emerge as a global leader in sustainability.
