The first Africa climate summit is nearing its conclusion and the participants agree: the continent could be a leader in renewable energies. But there is a lack of investment and framework conditions.
Large clouds of steam are rising in Kenya’s flagship project: With the support of Germany, a geothermal power plant has been built at the East African Rift Valley. The Federal Government has invested a total of 300 million euros here through the Reconstruction Loan Corporation.
Its head in Kenya, Oskar von Maltzan, sees great potential for the expansion of this form of energy on the continent: “Along the countries of the East African rift valley, which stretches from Mozambique up to Djibouti, this potential could be exploited much more become.” So far, Kenya has definitely been a pioneer. “And in Ethiopia, too, geothermal energy is now beginning to be generated – with the technical support of the Kenyans, by the way.”
EU promises more support
The participants of the climate summit agree that Africa could be the leader in renewable energies. So far, only two percent of global investments in this area have arrived here.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promises more financial support in Nairobi: “Africa has all the resources: wind, sun, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power – everything is there. But the infrastructure is missing,” von der Leyen laments. On the other hand, Europe has a great interest in importing renewable energies. According to the head of the commission, Africa is the “natural partner”. “I signed a green hydrogen agreement with Kenya today, recently with Namibia. All for Team Europe.”
continent is economically disadvantaged
The continent could also play a decisive role in other areas. According to estimates, 40 percent of the raw materials such as copper, cobalt and manganese, which are important for the expansion of electromobility, are stored here. But the same applies here: In order for Africa to be able to benefit from its own resources, the framework conditions must first change.
Because the continent is economically disadvantaged, said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the summit: “On average, African countries pay four times as much interest on loans as the USA and eight times as much as the wealthy European countries. To support green change and development throughout Africa , therefore requires major course corrections.”
These issues will also be addressed in the final declaration. Africa as part of the solution to the climate problem – if it gets the boost it needs.