{"id":63244,"date":"2024-04-29T11:48:01","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T18:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/energi.media\/?p=63244"},"modified":"2024-04-29T11:48:01","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T18:48:01","slug":"africa-takes-the-lead-to-champion-innovative-approach-for-its-energy-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/energi.media\/news\/africa-takes-the-lead-to-champion-innovative-approach-for-its-energy-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa takes the lead to champion innovative approach for its energy transition"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was published by the International Renewable Energy Agency<\/a> on April 18, 2024.<\/em><\/p>\n

Deploying renewable energy is key for Africa to achieve climate goals and meet its massive economic and development needs. Despite being endowed with an abundance of renewable resources, Africa\u2019s energy transition has not picked up its pace yet.<\/p>\n

With less than 2 per cent of global investments in renewable energy received over the past two decades, Africa has historically been left behind in the global energy transition. This underinvestment has left three-quarters of the world’s population without adequate energy access. Therefore, accelerating the shift to a sustainable energy future requires significant and rapid growth of investments in the African energy system.<\/p>\n

Today, a transformative change is underway, signalling a pivotal moment in the continent’s developmental trajectory.\u00a0Launched at the COP28 last year<\/a>, the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) built on the\u00a0Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change announced during the Africa Climate Summit<\/a>, Kenya in September 2023. APRA spearheads a unique collaborative platform which puts the African nations in the steering wheel.<\/p>\n

The Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call for Action underscore Africa’s inherent capacity to lead a climate-compatible industrial revolution. The Declaration set an ambitious target to increase the continent’s renewable capacity from 56 GW in 2022 to 300 GW by 2030. This aligns with the broader goals of COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity and double efficiency measures globally.<\/p>\n

To discuss APRA\u2019s implementation strategy and explore ways to maximize efforts towards the above capacity target, the International Renewable Energy (IRENA) as APRA\u2019s secretariat organized a plenary session on the last day of its 14th<\/sup> Assembly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The session emphasized on the diverse circumstances of African countries and regions, advocating for a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.<\/p>\n

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Delivering a scene-setting speech at the session, Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Ministry of Energy, Kenya, said, \u201cWe need an approach tailored to the unique needs of our countries. The lack of proper infrastructure causes stagnation and delays progress. We advocate for a climate change finance model that equips Africa in combatting climate change alongside counterparts worldwide. Initiatives like APRA drives tangible change in infrastructure and promotes green industrialization.\u201d<\/p>\n

APRA’s objectives are clear; mobilize finance, engage the private sectors and provide targeted technical assistance and capacity building. APRA’s innovative approach is guided by national plans crafted by member countries, thereby ensuring that initiatives are tailored to specific needs and circumstances.<\/p>\n

During the moderated discussions, panellists pointed out the importance of contextualized support, reiterating the fact that each African country is unique in its needs and priorities. However, Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe\u2019s Minister of Energy and Power Development, also emphasized, \u201cAPRA membership should not merely be seen as support for individual countries, but as a collective effort representing the entire continent of Africa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the need for additional resources and mechanisms to amplify the impact of international cooperation in advancing renewable energy adoption in Africa. Building a robust local private sector was recognized as crucial for fostering resilience in the renewable sector, with APRA and other partnerships playing a vital role in this endeavour.<\/p>\n

In this regard, Kornelia Shilunga, Namibia\u2019s Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy said, \u201cAPRA should be used to unlock affordable finances to support local private sector. The partnership should serve as a vehicle for green growth and green industrialization which will generate meaningful socio-economic impact.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Africa stands at this crossroads, the commitment and collaborative efforts must be directed at addressing challenges faced by APRA members*. The partnership offers a hopeful glimpse into a future, where renewable energy not only powers the continent but also propels it towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth.<\/p>\n

*Presently, APRA members include Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe, with support from global partners such as Denmark, Germany, the UAE, and the USA.<\/sup><\/p>\n