With COP 28 set to conclude in the coming days, a COP where African countries fiercely defended the role oil and gas plays across the continent, it has become clear that developed nations seem committed to phasing out fossil fuels, advocating for an anti-fossil fuel energy transition that does not take into account the needs of the developing world. If endorsed, this approach would cause detrimental impacts on Africa’s economies, and the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly urges African countries to reject any and all anti-fossil fuel policy that may arise.
Earlier this week, Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), issued a similar remark, urging member countries to reject any agreements that target fossil fuels during the climate negotiations. Advocating for focus to be placed on reducing emissions rather than reducing energy, Al Ghais noted that, “It seems that the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences, as the draft decision still contains options on fossil fuels phase out.”
Phasing out fossil fuels and opting for a ‘western approach’ to the energy transition is simply not an option for Africa. The continent has not only contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions – less than 2% – but faces the worst impacts from climate change, owing largely to the actions taken by developed countries for centuries. For decades, Africa’s oil and gas resources have been extracted and exported for the benefit of wealthy nations, while the continent has been left with inadequate resources to meet its growing demand. Wealthy nations have not only used these resources to develop but have positioned themselves as financially and infrastructurally ready to transition away from fossil fuels. Now, Africa is trying to take the same path, and is being directed to abandon an approach taken by those that went before it.
With oil and gas, Africa is seizing control of its energy future. By directing substantial investments towards these resources, the continent will not only be able to bolster industrialization, alleviate energy poverty and join the world in its development, but strengthen its capacity to deal with climate change. By phasing out fossil fuels, Africa will not only reduce its inconsequential emissions, but essential phase out energy in almost its entirety. Remember, the main sources of energy in Africa are oil (42%), gas (28%) and coal (22%). If Africa were to phase out these resources, it would be transitioning from dawn to darkness.
As Al Ghais put it, “What we will continue to advocate for is reducing emissions, not choosing energy sources. The world requires major investments in all energies, including hydrocarbons, all technologies, and an understanding of the energy needs of all peoples. Energy transitions must be just, fair and inclusive.”
“Last year, I wrote that I was going to COP 27 because I believe that if Africa is not on the table, it will be on the menu. It is unfortunate that a year on, we have seen little to no progress by western nations to take into account the developmental needs of Africa. A year on, we are faced with the same threat: developed nations telling the world to abandon fossil fuels, thereby abandoning any chances of economic growth. Africa cannot afford to adopt the western-centric energy transition. Doing so would eliminate any chance of making energy poverty history, of industrializing economies and improving the lives of millions of people,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Africa and the developed world are at vastly different stages of their development. Why then, is the continent required to follow the same approach to transitioning? Why is the continent being told to abandon any chance of lighting its economies? Why do the wealthy nations of the world continue to choose politically-driven agendas over Africa? Phasing out fossil fuels might reduce emissions but it will surely send Africa into irrevocable economic decline.
“The green agenda promoted by the wealthy nations continues to ignore how instrumental oil and gas is in Africa. Climate panic and fear mongering continues to be alive and well, and Africa should remain strong in its commitment to utilizing oil and gas for the betterment of its people,” concluded Ayuk.
