by Faridat Salifu
Communities across Africa have celebrated one year of the REPower Afrika campaign, renewing their call for decentralized, people-driven renewable energy systems that prioritizes justice and equity.
The anniversary was marked by community events in Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing together civil society groups, local leaders, and residents to reflect on the campaign’s impact and future goals.
In Hoima, Uganda, the Oil Refinery Residents Association (ORRA) hosted a community forum that allowed farmers and resettled families affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to share their experiences and advocate for a just energy future.
In Tanga, Tanzania, the Partnership for Green Future (PGF) held a similar gathering, where youth leaders, policymakers, and community members discussed policy gaps and sustainable energy solutions.
The events included storytelling sessions, open forums, and interactive stations such as the “Vision Wall” and “Call to Action” space, which encouraged participants to share their energy dreams and sign up for ongoing advocacy efforts.
“This is a celebration of action, resilience, and community power,” said Lynn Kamande, Regional Campaign Organiser at 350Africa.org.
She noted that the campaign represents more than opposition to fossil fuels—it is about building a collective, people-centred energy transition across the continent.
In Kinshasa, DRC, the Mouvement des Jeunes pour la Protection de l’Environnement (MJPE) staged a creative protest at the Échangeur de Limete, where 30 volunteers from Greenpeace Africa and the Laudato Si Movement called for a clean, locally led energy shift.
To mark the milestone, 350Africa.org and the Afrika Vuka network launched “Solar Samurai: The Comic Book”, a storytelling project that illustrates the fight for energy justice through visual art.
The comic book, freely available online, follows African communities resisting fossil fuel expansion and championing community-owned solar energy systems.
It forms part of the campaign’s broader public education strategy aimed at inspiring youth, students, and activists across the continent.
Since its launch on July 18, 2024, REPower Afrika has facilitated over 25 local actions in multiple countries, building grassroots networks and expanding the visibility of energy and climate justice narratives.
Campaign organisers said the one-year anniversary is not only a reflection on progress made but a renewed call to intensify organising, mobilise investment in decentralised renewables, and ensure communities remain central to Africa’s energy transition.
