Civil Society Organizations and grassroots groups within the Afrika Vuka network have initiated a research project aimed at examining the obstacles to renewable energy and climate change policies in certain regions of West Africa.
The study identified several key barriers hindering the adoption of renewable energy in the area, including a lack of awareness, limited technical expertise, insufficient investment, inadequate financial mechanisms to facilitate renewable energy projects, absence of tax incentives, absence of local manufacturing and assembly facilities, and inadequate policy and regulatory frameworks.
The research primarily focused on Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria to highlight potential areas where intervention is needed to support the adoption of renewable energy and facilitate a just transition to renewable energy across the continent.
The report emphasized the necessity of promoting renewable energy consistently and effectively in the targeted countries by raising awareness about its benefits and opportunities, removing financial obstacles, implementing supportive policies, encouraging innovation and research, and enhancing the skills of the workforce.
Furthermore, the report called for collective actions throughout Africa to underscore the role of renewable energy as a solution to the region’s energy and climate crises. It emphasized the urgency of addressing the barriers to establishing community-centered renewable energy systems and phasing out fossil fuels to prevent worsening climate impacts, especially considering that the continent already suffers disproportionately from these impacts.
Landry Ninteretse, the Regional Director of 350Africa.org, stated that Africa possesses abundant renewable energy potential, presenting an excellent opportunity not only to meet its own energy requirements but also to potentially lead the global energy transition.
To achieve this, concerted efforts by governments and other stakeholders are required to overcome the barriers to renewable energy, starting with finance and policy. This includes creating a regulatory environment that facilitates its adoption, accelerating the shift away from polluting fossil fuels, and consistently investing in community-centered renewable energy solutions, which are crucial for averting catastrophic climate impacts and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Michael Terungwa, a climate activist and founder of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem (GIFSEP) in Nigeria, emphasized the need for safe, reliable, and sustainable energy systems to drive economies.
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He stressed that continuing to rely on polluting fossil fuels is not an option, as it has led to a devastating climate crisis, including severe flooding that caused significant loss of life and displacement of communities.
He expressed hope that Nigeria’s new leadership will demonstrate the political will necessary to enable a just transition by implementing relevant policies that create an enabling environment for the adoption of renewable energy.
Portia Adu Mensah, the National Coordinator of 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350GROC), highlighted the importance of an ambitious and concrete renewable energy plan for Ghana. The aim is to achieve at least 30% renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2030.
She emphasized the need to break free from fossil fuels and ensure that small-scale, off-grid renewable energy solutions are accessible to all. Involving communities in these plans is crucial to incorporate their perspectives and interests while safeguarding the environment.
Raïssa Oureya, representing the Renewable Energy Coalition, discussed the launch of the coalition in Benin and Togo. This grassroots group aims to advocate for renewable energy adoption in these two countries, which have significant renewable energy potential but still heavily rely on energy imports.
The coalition seeks to promote a sustainable energy future built on renewables, enhancing energy security and addressing the climate crisis. In addition to the research project, they are organizing various awareness-raising actions to emphasize the role of renewable energy in fostering sustainable development, with the hope of driving a much-needed transition to clean energy.
Ferron Pedro, a Senior Campaigner at 350Africa.org in South Africa, highlighted the country’s energy crisis as a clear indication of the risks associated with fossil fuel dependency. He emphasizes that it is both feasible and imperative to establish a fair energy future based on renewable energy that is owned by the community.
Such a future would guarantee access to affordable and safe energy for everyone while simultaneously generating millions of green jobs. Pedro advocates for transparency and meaningful public involvement in the implementation of just energy transition programs.
This approach ensures that the needs and interests of workers, communities, and marginalized groups take center stage in the development of local renewable energy industries that create employment opportunities.
