As the global debate on transitioning from fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas to renewable energy intensifies, Africa’s role and potential to emerge as a key player in this shift has become a priority topic. The question remains: Can the continent move beyond the challenges posed by climate change and leverage the energy transition for economic transformation?
This question was central to the maiden edition of the Africa Climate Academy, held in Accra in October 2024. Organised by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), the one-week event brought together a diverse group of African policymakers, scientists, academics, civil society activists, and media professionals. The aim was to enhance knowledge, foster collaboration, and advocate for a sustainable future through dialogue on Africa’s contribution to addressing global climate and energy challenges.
Building a Network of Climate Practitioners
ACEP’s Executive Director, Benjamin Boakye, explained that the Academy seeks to establish a network of practitioners who can engage continuously on climate issues, challenge existing narratives, and explore opportunities for the continent. “We need to clarify misconceptions, unpack the current narratives, and determine how to optimise the climate conversation for the benefit of our people,” he stated.
Boakye emphasised that while Africans often question who is driving the climate agenda, others are capitalising on the situation by producing and exporting renewable energy technologies to the continent. “Africa has often been late and missed the resource boom, but not this time,” he remarked. He urged participants to think economically and become part of the energy transition, which offers new economic opportunities and a chance to lift the continent out of poverty.
The Reality of Climate Change
Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Ghana and Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, highlighted the severe impact of climate change on human life. Citing evidence from the IPCC, she noted that regional temperatures are rising, extreme weather events are more frequent, and agricultural lands are being affected, making food scarce and expensive.
She expressed concern over the lack of progress in meeting international climate commitments, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. “Current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are insufficient to limit global temperature increases to below 2°C,” she warned and called for “urgent and ambitious action, including phasing out fossil fuels and increasing the use of nuclear and solar energy.”
Climate Action as a Human Rights Issue
A lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Yome Ama Abledu, stressed that human actions are a significant driver of climate change, hence, climate action now increasingly framed as a human rights issue. “So, now, we can establish how climate action affects vulnerable populations, emphasize environmental justice and equitable transitions in climate policy,” she noted.
Acting Director of the Climate Change Unit at Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Daniel Tutu Benefoh, facilitated a session on integrating climate change into development planning. He highlighted the need to focus on the most climate-vulnerable populations in Africa’s resource-rich regions.
Financing the Energy Transition
Regional Principal Officer at the African Development Bank, Dr. Olufunso Somorin, discussed the importance of scaling up climate finance for adaptation projects. He urged African nations to transition from a “being helped” mindset to a “partnership” approach, focusing on developing bankable projects and exploring innovative financial instruments beyond traditional grants and loans.
ACEP’s Dr. Charles Ofori underscored the economic opportunities presented by the energy transition but emphasised the need for intentional investment and policy support to fully realise these benefits.
Localising Green Technology and Strengthening Governance
Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Francis Kemausuor, highlighted Africa’s potential for innovation in the green economy. He advocated for localising the value chains of emerging energy technologies.
Director of the Pan African Think Tank, Enzi Ijayo Africa Initiative, Charles Wanguhu, called for stronger governance frameworks and accountability mechanisms in climate action. He argued that this would ensure effective management of climate funds, promote transparency, and combat corruption, contributing to poverty reduction across the continent.
ACEP’s Policy Lead on Climate Change and Energy Transition, Kodzo Yaotse, emphasised the importance of collaborative approaches involving policymakers, media, civil society, and academia to build a climate-resilient Africa.
A Transformative Conclusion
The first edition of the Africa Climate Academy concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing having experienced a shift in perspective on how Africa can benefit from the energy transition. Many saw the gathering as a multidisciplinary task force, rich with ideas and expertise, capable of influencing research, shaping policy analysis, and providing advisory services to governments and the private sector in support of Africa’s energy transition.
In summary, the Africa Climate Academy has set a new standard for dialogue and action, challenging participants to rethink simplistic narratives and seize the opportunities presented by the green energy revolution.
By Ama Kudom-Agyemang
