Not Just Consumers, But Creators: A New Dawn for Africa’s Renewable Energy
ECO went to bed full of optimism a couple of nights ago. A sleepy ECO started thinking about how the Triple Renewable Energy pledge could not only light up Africa with 100% renewable energy, but also transform the continent into a powerhouse of renewable technology production. ‘Certainly the answer lies in shifting from mere consumption and extraction to technological self-reliance and equitable mineral use’ ECO thought. But then, zzzzzzzzz!
Harnessing Africa’s Mineral Wealth for Its Energy Revolution
ECO saw Africa’s treasure trove of critical minerals, essential for renewable energy technologies in its dream. And saw a new dawn where these resources do not merely fuel the energy ambitions of the Global North while leaving Africa in the dark. ECO saw the potential of the pledge becoming a beacon guiding Africa to use its minerals – lithium, cobalt, and rare earths – not for export, but through sustainable mining which centers communities and workers’ rights as the building blocks of its own renewable energy infrastructure.
From Extraction to Innovation: A Blueprint for Africa
ECO saw Africa become its own powerhouse, investing in local production: African nations becoming producers, not just exporters of raw materials. Investments flowing into building facilities for processing minerals and manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries right in Africa. A just energy transition led by Africans on African soil!
ECO witnessed in its dream, African talent and ingenuity developing homegrown renewable energy technologies: why import when you can innovate? All this is possible with support for research institutions and incentives for startups to spark a technological revolution made in Africa, for Africa without privatization of the energy sector as seen with the big oil companies.
ECO saw fair trade, not exploitation through the global rush for Africa’s minerals which repeats a history of exploitation. It saw the renewable energy pledge emphasize fair trade practices, ensuring that African nations receive just compensation and that mining does not come at the cost of environmental degradation or human rights.
It saw adequate capacity building to facilitate Africa’s renewable energy future with skilled hands and bright minds. As well as effective education and training programs to equip a new generation of African engineers and technicians.
ECO heard a common African saying, “if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”. It saw a united and stronger Africa. Regional collaborations that pool resources, share knowledge, and create a unified market for African-made renewable technologies.
ECO saw prioritization of energy access and equity: a leap to 100% renewable energy that illuminates every corner of the continent, ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left in the shadows.
The Road Ahead: A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step
“Bzzzzt! bzzzzt! bzzzzzt!” ECO’s alarm bell goes off in the early morning of 3rd December 2023. ECO must wake up and quickly get ready to beat the long queues and crazy detours at Expo City! But ECO had a few reflections before getting out of bed:The pledge to triple renewable energy is just the beginning. For Africa, the journey towards 100% renewable energy, intertwined with technological sovereignty, and equitable resource use is long but promising. It’s a path of transforming potential into power – not just electric power, but the power to shape its future, and redesign its economy on its terms. As the sun rises in this new era, Africa stands at the crossroads of a green revolution. The choice is clear: forge a path of self-reliance and innovation, turning the continent into a beacon of sustainable progress.
ECO got up from bed with a gleaming hope that the necessary financial commitments required to support a renewable energy dawn in Africa will be made by developed countries at COP28 for climate and social justice.