President Donald Trump’s administration has recently been urging African leaders to burn more fossil fuels, especially coal, the dirtiest of them all. At the same time, it has cut USAID funding, which had been helping millions of Africa’s poorest people survive amidst worsening climate breakdown.
Those considering aligning with Trump’s agenda should remember that the droughts, floods, and storms devastating lives and livelihoods across Africa have been intensified by U.S. energy policies. The U.S. alone has produced about 25% of all historic carbon dioxide emissions since the Industrial Revolution, which are now driving accelerated global warming.
A coal-based development path for Africa would not only worsen the suffering of its people, who are already on the frontlines of the climate crisis, but would also be economically disastrous. The climate emergency is already taking a heavy toll on Africa, and a 2022 report by Christian Aid warned that under current trends, African countries could see up to a 64% reduction in GDP growth by 2100.
Africa has no reason to tie itself to outdated coal infrastructure when it is blessed with immense potential for clean, renewable energy. U.S. fossil fuel advocates would prefer to see Africa follow the Global North’s dirty energy path rather than leapfrog over it, as the continent did with landline phones in favor of mobile technology. But Africans should know better.
No other continent has more untapped wind and solar potential than Africa, which holds the key to its long-term prosperity. From North Africa’s sun-drenched deserts to East Africa’s wind-swept plains, the continent has the natural resources to become a global clean energy leader. Countries like Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa are already making significant strides in renewable energy development, harnessing solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.
Investing in renewables offers numerous benefits: improving energy access for millions, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth. Renewable projects are scalable and adaptable to local needs, making them ideal for rural electrification and community-based initiatives.
In contrast, coal has brought immense harm to Africa. While often touted as cheap and reliable, it ignores the hidden costs of environmental degradation, health impacts, and the economic damage of climate breakdown. Moreover, the global shift towards clean energy makes coal investments increasingly risky and likely to become stranded assets.
African countries must resist lobbying efforts by Trump’s fossil fuel allies and focus on building a sustainable energy future. This requires a multifaceted approach, including investing in renewable infrastructure, strengthening governance and policy frameworks, and fostering international cooperation.
Investing in clean energy is crucial. This includes large-scale projects like solar parks and wind farms, as well as decentralized systems to bring electricity to off-grid communities. Many African countries are already leading the way with community-focused solar systems and microgrids, demonstrating how renewables can be both ambitious and practical, addressing energy access while reducing reliance on imported fuels.
Strengthening governance and policy frameworks is equally important. African governments must prioritize climate adaptation and resilience in urban planning and development, integrating climate considerations into all new projects and ensuring resources are allocated effectively. Strong governance can enable sustainable and equitable renewable energy investments.
International cooperation is also vital. The global clean energy transition offers new opportunities for Africa’s economic and social development. Over 70% of global CO2 emitters have committed to net-zero emissions by mid-century, including several African nations. These commitments can attract climate finance and technology, helping Africa achieve its energy and development goals on time.
Africa’s path to sustainable development lies in embracing clean, renewable energy. The continent has the natural resources and innovative potential to become a global leader in renewables, improving energy access, creating jobs, and reversing the climate crisis. By resisting the fossil fuel industry’s push for coal, African countries can build a resilient and prosperous future for their people.
Clean energy could be Africa’s greatest success story—but for that to happen, African leaders must ignore advice from a U.S. president who admits he only cares about “America First.”
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.
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