Energy transition, a major challenge for West Africa. As part of the Renewable Energy Forum 2024, a ministerial dialogue was held yesterday, 28 November, on the theme of a just energy transition in West Africa. The meeting brought together a number of African ministers to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities associated with this essential transformation.
The ministerial dialogue on energy transition in West Africa held on Thursday 28 November at the Ecowas forum on sustainable energy highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to harnessing the continent’s natural resources and stimulating sustainable and inclusive development. The discussions highlighted Africa’s unique potential, including 60% of the world’s solar capacity and 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, while also highlighting the challenges of harnessing technology, mobilising funding and devising appropriate strategies.
We believe that if we have access to gas, which we have underground, we need financing to access gas, which is an energy source that will enable us to switch to renewable energies. This will enable us to solve the problem of access to energy for the people of Africa and also prepare us for a complete switch to renewable energies.
MAMADOU SANGAFOWA, Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Energy – Côte d’Ivoire
With an electrification rate of less than 45%, and energy consumption dominated by fossil fuels, African countries face huge challenges in ensuring equitable access to energy. A just energy transition requires policies tailored to African realities, aimed not only at reducing the carbon footprint, but also at stimulating economic and social development.
And with the aim of increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, because in reality, once you do that, the rest is a corollary. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide, all these are consequences.
SÉDIKO DOUKA, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, ECOWAS
Thanks to its abundant natural resources, the continent has the potential to exploit renewable energies to develop new economic sectors, such as the production of green hydrogen or the export of clean energy molecules. But there are still major obstacles to overcome. Economic vulnerability, social disparities and limited access to finance are still holding back this transition. According to the experts, if they are to succeed, governments will need to harmonise their energy and climate policies, while involving local populations.
