By Endurance Olowo
As the world intensifies efforts to combat climate change, Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads. While global leaders in the United States and Europe push forward with ambitious emission reduction goals, African nations face a unique set of challenges in their decarbonization journeys. For countries like Nigeria, the path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is intertwined with the pressing needs of economic development, energy access, and social equity. Amid these complexities, effective carbon accounting emerges as a critical tool that can guide African nations toward sustainable growth while contributing to global climate goals.
As African economies grow and industrialize, the importance of accurately measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cannot be overstated. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, the oil and gas sector is a significant contributor to both economic output and GHG emissions. Accurate carbon accounting in this sector is therefore crucial to set realistic emission reduction targets and track progress over time. Without it, the country risks underestimating its environmental impact, missing out on opportunities for meaningful reductions and attracting capital.
While carbon accounting is recognized as essential in the United States and Europe, the African context presents additional hurdles. In the Global North, advanced technologies, regulatory frameworks, and financial resources are more readily available to support accurate carbon accounting. In contrast, many African nations grapple with limited infrastructure, insufficient data collection systems, and a lack of technical expertise. Hence, inaccurate carbon accounting poses substantial risks for African nations including the potential for greenwashing.
Despite the challenges, accurate carbon accounting can serve as a strategic asset for Africa. By providing a clear picture of their emissions profiles, African nations can set realistic and achievable targets. This is particularly important in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and transportation, which are key contributors to emissions on the continent.
Some African countries have already begun to integrate carbon accounting into their national strategies, with promising results. In South Africa, for example, the carbon tax, implemented in 2019, is supported by a robust carbon accounting framework that helps companies monitor and report their emissions, incentivizing businesses to reduce their carbon footprints and invest in greener technologies.
Regulations enacted in the Global North have resulted in a mature market for carbon credits in addition to broader decarbonization strategies. These examples underscore the potential for African nations to learn from global best practices while designing a local approach.
What should the approach be? African nations must adopt standardized reporting frameworks, such as the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, which provides guidelines for measuring and reporting emissions. Additionally, leveraging advanced technologies, such as AI and blockchain, can improve data collection and management, making it easier for companies and governments to track emissions in real-time, presenting a massive opportunity for tech startups within the ecosystem. Regular audits and third-party verification are also essential for maintaining data integrity and credibility.
Africa’s rise in this sector will contribute to global climate goals, and secure a prosperous future for the continent.
About the author
Endurance Olowo is energy consultant and sustainability advocate. He earned his degree in Oil and Gas Engineering from the University of Benin and an MBA with a focus on Energy and Environmental Markets from the University of California, Berkeley. Reach him on @olowo_benard on X.