- At the Africa Climate Forum panel session themed “Optimised Strategies for Green Technology Adoption,” experts emphasised that technology is pivotal to driving Africa’s green transition.
- Stakeholders noted that strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers while fostering local innovation and green skills development is essential to ensure Africa’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
At the Africa Climate Forum panel session themed “Optimised Strategies for Green Technology Adoption,” experts emphasised that technology is pivotal to driving Africa’s green transition. They called for greater collaboration, research investment, and innovation to develop affordable, efficient, and locally relevant green technologies.
They stated this during the Africa Climate Forum 2025, themed “Bolder, Greener and Better Steps: Closing the Transition Gaps in Africa,” held in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 14 to 15.
Dr Ify Obiano, Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at Nile University of Nigeria, highlighted the growing adoption of smart systems in buildings, such as automatic doors and energy-efficient lighting, which reduce energy costs for individuals and industries.
She urged citizens to take small but intentional steps toward building sustainable homes, noting that these individual efforts can inspire broader actions by industries and governments—such as the deployment of smart grids and solar farms.
Similarly, Professor Emeka Oguzie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Development, and Innovation at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Centre Leader at the Africa Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACEFUELS), stressed the vital role of universities in national development.
He revealed that FUTO secured a $6 million grant to establish ACEFUELS, which is dedicated to addressing Africa’s energy challenges through advanced research.
According to him, the centre’s laboratories focus on next-generation technologies like perovskite solar cells and energy storage systems while training young Nigerians in renewable energy production. He therefore called for stronger synergy between academia, government, the private sector, and communities to maximise impact.
Meanwhile, Dr Esther Anosike Francis, Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Nile University, explained that mechanical engineering plays a central role in climate action by designing efficient systems that incorporate waste and energy recovery. She cited examples such as converting heat from turbines and solar panels into reusable energy and utilising agricultural biomass to generate electricity and biogas.
Additionally, George Kofi Appiah, Manager at the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, pointed out that Africa needs large, reliable, and affordable energy supplies to industrialise and compete globally.
He noted that electricity accounts for about 40 per cent of Ghana’s production costs, undermining its competitiveness. Thus, he argued that nuclear energy presents a viable, green, and sustainable solution for Africa’s energy needs.
Furthermore, Joannes Paul Yimbesalu, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Skills Alliance, underscored that Africa sits at the intersection of the green transition and the digital revolution.
He noted that harnessing this dual opportunity for youth empowerment is critical, as the continent’s green economy could create up to 3.3 million direct jobs by 2030.
Moderator, Olajumoke Delano, Managing Consultant at CBI Ltd and Advisory Board Member at Havenhill Synergy Ltd, concluded by reminding participants that sustainability is a shared responsibility. She emphasised that both governments and individuals must play active roles in embedding green practices in everyday life.
Stakeholders noted that strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers while fostering local innovation and green skills development is essential to ensure Africa’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.