Africa’s energy path is at a critical juncture. Although the world is moving more and more towards renewable energy, the continent is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly in West Africa. Natural resource extraction, an industry that has fuelled local economies but also made them susceptible to outside economic forces, is intricately intertwined into the economic structure of this region.
Dr Chichi Angiolu-Okoye, Regional Director for Ford Foundation, West Africa, emphasised the importance of a regional strategy for West Africa’s energy transition at the recently held SITEI 2024 Conference, . During her remarks, she called attention to the urgent issues of community resilience, technological access, and sustainability. Her observations are expanded upon in this piece, which suggests a more complex, locally led energy policy for Africa.
The Current State of Africa’s Energy Sector
The energy landscape of Africa is marked by extreme disparities. West and Central Africa are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, while North and Southern Africa have started to tap into the possibilities of renewable energy. Oil is a vital component of the economies of countries such as Nigeria and Angola. However, these nations must decide whether to diversify or fall behind in the renewable revolution as global attitudes change and climate policies become more stringent.
The problem is compounded by the absence of agency over extraction procedures, which are mostly managed by international businesses. Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels is frequently a result of necessity rather than choice, stemming from a lack of the infrastructure, resources, and technology necessary to make autonomous investments in renewable energy. For a continent that experiences some of the worst effects of climate change despite making a negligible contribution to global emissions, this status quo is untenable.
The need for inclusive, locally led transition plans
Africa’s energy transition needs to be grounded in local reality in order to be successful. Climate measures spearheaded by the West sometimes fail to take into account the socioeconomic realities of African populations that mainly depend on extractive industries. It is necessary to reframe the idea of a “just transition” for African contexts, giving people and place priority.
This involves ensuring that green technologies and knowledge are accessible. Renewable energy resources like solar and hydropower are already present in many African countries, but these resources cannot be scaled up into profitable companies. In order for Africa to benefit from its inherent advantages, local governments must work with civil society and international organisations to make sure that the technology transition is both fair and accessible.
Protecting Resource-Dependent Communities
Communities whose livelihoods are directly dependent on fossil fuels face substantial obstacles as a result of the shift away from these industries. These regions could become unstable due to abrupt changes in policy, which would result in employment losses, economic migration, and urban overpopulation. Programs for alternative livelihoods that provide retraining opportunities and investments in new green sectors must be given top priority by governments. Beginning with small-scale renewable energy-focused community projects, like mini-grids or solar-powered water pumps, communities could be empowered to take an active role in the green economy.
Promoting economic resilience
African economies must be resilient for the energy transition to be successful; this can be achieved by empowering local stakeholders and diversifying revenue streams. Policies that support both sustainability and economic independence are necessary to reverse the historical tendency of Africa’s resource wealth being exported with little local benefit. Strengthening economies against external shocks and promoting sustainable growth can be achieved by increasing local ownership of natural resources and reinvesting revenues in regional initiatives.
Building local capacity for sustainable growth
Investing in local education and technical know-how is also essential to Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future. The next generation of engineers, technicians, and policymakers who will spearhead the green transformation should be trained at African universities, technical schools, and research institutes. Furthermore, collaborations with international educational and technological establishments might facilitate the transmission of information, enabling indigenous innovation in African nations.
Africa’s energy revolution calls for a paradigm change that gives local viewpoints and capabilities top priority. International organisations and businesses must acknowledge the particular difficulties Africa faces and support structures that let African countries lead their own transition, rather than enforcing external solutions. African leaders can rebuild their economy and address climate concerns by concentrating on a just transition based on resilience and inclusivity.
Overall, the transition process in Africa presents an opportunity to construct a continent-centred development model that capitalises on local assets in addition to rethinking energy. Africa can successfully negotiate this change and become a leader in sustainable growth on its own terms with a well-thought-out strategy.