By Fatima Saka
The sixth summit of European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) heads of state and government is scheduled to take place in Brussels, Belgium on 17 and 18 February, under the joint chairmanships of the host country and Senegal, aiming at reset the Europe–Africa relationship in the context of post-Covid-19 green recovery, and the entire questions of climate change as a looming emergency.
It is coming in a year in which both continents seek to extend their geopolitical roles and create economic transformation of their peoples after suffering the consequences of the pandemic. Therefore a crucial event to reorient Europe-Africa relations and to create a coherent, encompassing, and truly collaborative strategy that builds on previous successes, through Renewable Energy (RE), innovation and implementation of strategies and issues agreed on in past events.
Climate change and energy transition are a key agenda at the event, and are of great importance to both continents. It is on this agenda that both sides can start rebuilding trust by demonstrating willingness to move from words to action. However, Africa can firmly assert its own transition priorities and link them to its development goals.
Africa can use the summit to demonstrate global leadership on climate, doing so by bringing adaptation to the heart of the discussions and help Europe form a more well-rounded international climate strategy. At the same time, Africa can take advantage of Europe’s expertise in clean energy transition, technology and innovation, and financial instruments.
In this regard several areas of collaborations emerge including increasing clean energy transition and access, by taking advantage of Africa’s untapped RE potential.
Also Africa has the world’s largest RE resources, enough to meet a quarter of its energy needs by 2030, create jobs and offer unlimited benefits. This is critical on a continent where 580 million people have no access to power and almost literally live are living in darkness.
All collaborations are critically in climate adaptation, resilience, in developing a robust and equitable trade between the continents, and in leadership in climate innovation with a focus on Green Hydrogen, an area in which Africa could become a leader.
With the election of President Uhuru Kenyatta as Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) during the recent 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, calls have been made on him to take the responsibility and lead governments through “concrete actions” to overcome the climate crisis facing the continent.
Therefore greenpeace Africa for instance has asked the CAHOSCC to lead efforts in utilising our huge RE potential, to up the continent’s push in tackling climate emergency, pleading with African governments to halt new investment in fossil fuels and shift to safer, more sustainable energy including wind and solar. Sadly 60% of international public finance for energy funds fossil fuels, compared to 18% for clean energy projects.
With a switch from dirty fossil fuels to RE, Africa has a huge potential in building resilience for communities against impacts of climate change, driving inclusive economic growth while creating jobs.
The summit is an opportunity for Africans to seek an update on clean energy initiatives such as the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), an ambitious multimillion dollar programme conceived during the COP20 in 2015 in Paris, France.
With financing from the EU, this initiative had set the goal of achieving 10 gigawatts of RE by 2020, and have Africa produce 330 gigawatts of energy by 2030.
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