How Africa can move closer to a greener future in 2024

As 2023 drew to a close, Africa found itself standing at a crucial crossroads in its pursuit of sustainable development. Over the preceding years, African communities, spanning from the vast savannas to bustling landscapes, made significant strides in interweaving innovation and development, propelling rapid economic growths. However, this progress has come at a cost, marked by escalating greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in climate-related disasters such as famine, floods, and cyclones.

Both the African Climate Summit and COP28 featured substantial discussions on harmonizing economic growth with climate change mitigation. These high-level dialogues advocated for an alternative trajectory, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize green growth in economic plans. The prevailing consensus by experts suggests that in many African countries, there should be no trade-off between economic transformation, poverty reduction, and the adoption of climate-friendly technologies.

Despite the global green technology market projected to reach $2.1 million by 2030, the majority of green technology development occurs outside of Africa. Hundreds of millions of Africa’s smallholder farmers remain heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture, while fossil fuel consumption continues to outpace investments in renewables. Recognizing the potential, transitioning to a green economy in 2024 holds numerous and substantial benefits, particularly in addressing the continent’s high unemployment rates among its largest demographic – the youths.

In 2024, the imperative is to forge a sustainable path that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility. The coming months are poised to witness a renewed global conversation on reforming the financial architecture, presenting an opportunity for Africa to assert itself as a leader in green innovation and sustainable development. The challenges are undeniable, but so too is the potential for Africa to redefine its narrative and emerge as a beacon of resilience and sustainability on the world stage.

“Africa faces not just incredible challenges on climate change, nature loss, and pollution, but has a uniquely dynamic economic landscape, youthful demographic, and opportunities for decarbonization, digital transformation and for leveraging an environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework for sustainability in the business sector,” remarked Rose Mwebaza, UNEP Director and Regional Representative for Africa, during the African Climate Summit in Nairobi.

Agriculture

By 2025, Sub-Saharan Africa countries will be importing food worth $110 billion every year. Currently, food imports directly impact the livelihoods of 2.17 million people, as food could be cultivated, processed and marketed locally instead of being imported.

Studies have continuously shown that the challenge of food insecurity is exacerbated by the reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Around 95% of staple food production in Africa relies on rain-fed agriculture, which receives only 5% of budgetary allocations. Moreover, 60% of the world’s unused agricultural land is in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Pursuing a greener future in 2024 demands tangible steps away from conventional farming practices, embracing technology, and integrating blockchain to propel agricultural production. A report released last year by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) reveals that agriculture constituted 17 percent of the continent’s GDP in 2023. The adoption of digital technologies in agribusiness not only offers a $1 trillion market but also presents a viable solution for feeding a population projected to grow by 2.4 percent annually.

The infusion of green technologies in Africa necessitates a commitment to organic farming, precision agriculture, and agroforestry, all while minimizing adverse effects on ecosystems and mitigating biodiversity loss. Rwanda’s “Green Revolution” exemplifies how a pivotal shift towards promoting sustainability and ecological resilience can work, with small-scale farmers receiving training and support to implement eco-friendly practices that enhance production without jeopardizing delicate ecosystems.

In regions grappling with desertification, such as Mauritania, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan, and Mali, the restoration of nature is paramount. Experts predict that this restorative effort could unlock a business value of $10 trillion and generate 395 million jobs by 2030. Simultaneously, a comprehensive strategy to combat soil erosion could avert malnutrition by safeguarding vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, valued at around $62.4 billion annually.

The ripple effects of increased sustainable agriculture in 2024 extend beyond land, potentially catalyzing growth in the blue economy and ecotourism. Research suggests that this sector holds the potential to generate $576 billion and create 127 million jobs over the next two decades. As nations delve into the development of offshore oil rigs, special attention must be devoted to preserving aquatic ecosystems and nurturing marine and coastal tourism. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector underscores the need for proactive measures to fortify resilience.

However, the journey towards sustainable agriculture cannot unfold in isolation. A critical global shortage in green skills, particularly in Africa, poses a challenge. Research data by ImpactAlpha indicates that 22.4 percent of the global workforce requires green skills to meet current demands, yet only 12.3 percent have acquired them. To bridge this gap, concerted efforts are needed to initiate programs that train young farmers in climate-resilient technologies.

Guinea Bissau serves as an illustrative example, where persistent seawater intrusion has affected agricultural livelihoods. A recent project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and a diverse consortium of local experts, private sector groups, academia researchers, and the national government, successfully trained 450 farmers in climate-resilient agriculture. The emphasis on skill development is as pivotal as building infrastructure in propelling the adoption and advancement of green technologies across the continent.

Energy

One statistic illustrates the pivotal juncture at which Africa stands in its quest for a greener future: while energy connections to households have doubled in the past decade, the average electricity consumption per capita has stagnated at 124 kWh over the last three decades. This imbalance underscores the urgency for sustainable energy solutions and strategic initiatives to propel the continent towards a greener economy.

Africa stands at the forefront of renewable energy solutions, poised to contribute to a 6.4 percent increase in GDP from 2021 to 2050. Realizing this potential requires a harmonious partnership between the public and private sectors, focusing on investments in street lighting systems, smart buildings, and clean cooking energy sources that can positively impact at least 900 million people. By doubling the African LED lighting market by 2028, reaching $5.49 billion, the continent can usher in an era of sustainable progress.

Amid this potential, significant reserves of critical minerals like bauxite, copper, cobalt, graphite, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, manganese, platinum, and zinc are already present. The challenge lies in how governments can meet the surging demand for energy while managing its environmental impacts. Reforming energy subsidies and taxes, particularly cutting fossil fuel subsidies that represent around 5% of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa, is crucial for redirecting resources toward sustainable practices.

Addressing carbon emissions from the automotive sector, predominantly dominated by used vehicles, is another imperative for a greener 2023. Advancements in vehicle and battery recycling, supported by regionally integrated supply chain systems, shared mobility solutions, and cross-border mass transit infrastructure, are essential to streamline connections and reduce the environmental footprint of long-distance transportation.

In conclusion, African policymakers have demonstrated their commitment to a green economy, with over 360 ongoing sustainable infrastructure projects valued at over $100 billion across energy, ICT, logistics, mining, and construction as of 2022. However, closing climate financing gaps and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are pivotal steps to elevate and accelerate the continent’s transition towards a sustainable and resilient future.

References

Otsuka, Keijiro, and Rie Muraoka. “A green revolution for sub-Saharan Africa: Past failures and future prospects.” Journal of African Economies 26.suppl_1 (2017): i73-i98.

ImpactAlpha. Preparing Africa’s workforce for a green future. Retrieved February 9, 2024, from

https://impactalpha.com/preparing-africas-workforce-for-a-green-future/

United Nations Environment Programme. Africa Environment Outlook for Business. Retrieved February 9, 2024, from

https://www.unep.org/resources/report/africa-environment-outlook-business