COP29: “Africa can become a green energy powerhouse” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres

November 12, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has emphasized Africa’s potential to become a green energy powerhouse, driving industrialization and prosperity for its people.

Speaking at the launch event for the High-Level Dialogue on Complementarity and Coherence of Loss and Damage Funding Arrangements in Baku, Guterres stressed the need for urgent action to harness Africa’s renewable energy resources.

“All countries must produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans (NDCs) by next year, aligning with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius” Antonio said.

He continued, “It is a pleasure to join you today and I thank Kenya for bringing us together, and for his leadership.

“Africa’s desire for renewables is clear.

“We see it in the text of the Nairobi Declaration.

“And we see it on the ground, in the extraordinary projects developed across the continent.

“You know that clean energy can power prosperity and sustainable development from Cairo to Cape Town

“That renewables can drive industrialisation, and economic growth. And that it can revolutionise lives – bringing affordable power to people for the first time.

“And you know the benefits do not stop there: better health, reliable access, and lower costs all come along with clean power.

“But we need action to release the full potential of African renewables.” He said.

Guterres noted that Africa has only one percent of installed solar capacity despite being home to 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources.

He emphasized the need for developed countries to honor their commitment to double finance for adaptation to at least $40 billion a year by 2025 and make meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.

“The G20 countries are the biggest emitters with the biggest responsibilities. They must lead these efforts, and a just, global fossil fuel phase-out,” Antonio mentioned.

However, Guterres urged countries to work together to drive Africa’s green energy agenda through COP29, the next Africa Climate Summit, and beyond.

“Africa can become a green energy powerhouse – driving industrialization and prosperity for your people. Let’s work together to make that a reality.” UN chief emphasized.