As the world shifts toward green energy, experts at the recent Carnegie Africa Forum discuss the place of Africa in achieving a carbon net zero and global transition to green energy.
In a panel session on Africa’s Natural Resources in the Global Race to Net Zero moderated by Professor Howard of Columbia University, four experts discussed solar energy, mineral mining, and the place of hydrocarbon energy in Africa.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo, former President of Nigeria, opened with the importance of Africa’s unity in striking a balance and getting the commensurate compensation it deserves for its natural resources mined by external parties for centuries.
He said, “the legacy of extraction has at least taught us one thing which is that we cannot but function together. Unity is crucial… I think that why it was so easy for the West in particular and you know subsequent entities that have engaged Africa to get away with some of the atrocious behavior was in account of the fact that as we all know Africa is several countries. It isn’t one country, and those that have had to engage with us came more or less as you know United one way or the other. So I think that a very crucial thing is that Africa simply has to speak more and more with one voice and the truth is that that is difficult but not impossible.”
He also highlighted the continued importance of natural gas for Africa’s development, while stressing the continent’s potential to become “the first truly green industrial civilization” with proper investment in renewable energy.
Katie Auth, a scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, urged a shift in U.S. policy to support more local processing of minerals in African countries, rather than exporting raw materials for processing elsewhere. She advocated for a “more cohesive approach” in crafting bilateral partnerships that focus on economic development and manufacturing opportunities.
Raul Alfaro Pelico, Director of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), pointed out the stark disparity in global clean energy investments, with only 2% currently going to Africa. He called for a fundamental change in the international finance system to better address Africa’s needs.
The panelists agreed that Africa has immense potential for renewable energy development, particularly in solar power. However, they stressed that realizing this potential will require a significant increase in investment and a more equitable approach to global energy transition efforts.
The discussion also touched on the challenges of competing with China’s dominance in clean tech manufacturing and mineral processing. Experts suggested that framing Africa as a partner in diversifying the global supply chain could lead to more mutually beneficial outcomes.
As the continent grapples with energy poverty and the need for industrial development, the panelists emphasized the importance of putting African countries and leaders in the driver’s seat of their own energy transition, calling for a balanced approach that considers both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
