Africa accounts for fewer than 3% of the world’s energy‐related greenhouse emissions. However, the continent is already facing more severe impacts of climate change than other parts of the world. This emphasises the need for the continent to spearhead the global clean energy transition, which also holds economic and social development promises.
As of May 2022, countries that emit over 70% of global CO2 have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by around mid‐century. This includes 12 African countries representing over 40% of the continent’s total CO2 emissions. These targets help to pave the way for the global energy sector. This global transition is bolstered by declining clean technology costs and shifting global investment. As a result, African countries – nearly all of which are party to the Paris Agreement on climate change – are poised to benefit from this global trajectory and attract increasing flows of climate finance.
The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its Africa’s Energy Outlook 2022, surveys a Sustainable Africa Scenario (SAS) where Africa attains its energy-related development goals on time. The report notes that expanding and modernising Africa’s power infrastructure requires a thorough improvement in the financial health of public utilities. These utilities have been hammered by recent economic crises and longstanding under‐pricing of electricity. In addition, regulatory reforms are a priority, particularly cost‐of‐service electricity pricing reforms, which are in place or under discussion in 24 African countries.
The report advises African countries to take the lead with clear strategies and policies, while international institutions must reinforce their commitment to increase their levels of support significantly.
Click here to access the report.