Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said Africa can be the solution to the net zero ambitions of the entire world because of its numerous renewable resources and youth population.
Osinbajo said this on Sunday, when he participated in a meeting with the Africa Europe Foundation (AEF) in Nairobi, Kenya, which focused on the “Earthshot 2023 Milestone,” as part of the Ibrahim Governance weekend program.
According to him, the notion of a win-win situation is essential to highlight, rather than the common perception of Africa as the least emitter and most affected.
He said advocating for an African agency that can present a solution to the net zero goals of the world will be possible through Africa’s possession of a youthful population and extensive renewable resources that surpass any other region.
“We have abundant natural resources as well and if Africa does not go the carbon-intensive path to upper-middle-income growth that others have gone, then it means that we make that sacrifice in order to be able to get everyone to their net zero ambitions but at the same time, we are able to assure growth for Africa.” Osinbajo said.
He also advocated for an equitable and fair carbon market where there will be access for everyone as well as capital to drive the process.
“Capital is important because the investments that are required in other to make these things happen will not come from Africa; they are going to come from our partners in the rest of the world.
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“So, I think that we have a long way to go, but I am excited that we are gaining consensus every day, and that everyone seems to agree that this is a pathway.
“I am very excited about the prospects and I believe that Nigeria will be a very strong partner in this journey, and I look forward to working with all of our partners in Africa and Europe to make all these happen,” the Vice President added.
The vice president also urged African governments and leaders to unite in order to develop a common resolve to push the Climate Positive Growth Agenda.
“The Climate Positive Growth Agenda is important. For me, the next steps are crucial; first, we need to get African governments and heads of state around this agenda and that is crucial because the Climate Positive Agenda is a win-win situation for Africa and the rest of the world.
Setting Nigeria as an example, Osinbajo said “We may not probably be a country you think of when it comes to a green economy, but the truth is that Nigeria’s hydropower is the core of its energy resources, our Energy Transition Plan as well as renewable energy plan both emphasise great ambitions for renewable energy.
“We are a gas-rich country, so the question is how do you make that case for Nigeria in such a way that you are able to emphasise the trade-offs and the actual benefits.
“And I think, it is a straightforward enough case, but we have to present to each government where the benefits lie and where the trade-offs may lie so that we get a consensus as quickly and as effectively as possible.” Osinbajo said.
