The 350Africa.org on May 25 unveiled the research findings reflecting the barriers to renewable energy and climate change policies in parts of West Africa.
The findings were launched in a virtual meeting attended by various climate activists when the African continent was marking its Day.
Among the leading obstacles to the adoption of renewable energy identified in the region is lack of awareness, limited technical competence and know-how, limited investment, and inadequate financial mechanisms to facilitate and promote investment in renewable energy.
Other obstacles are a lack of tax incentives, local manufacturing and assembly plants, and insufficient policy and regulatory frameworks.
The research focused on the state of renewable energy in Benin, Togo, Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting potential areas of intervention to support the adoption of renewable energy and foster a just transition to renewable energy on the continent.
The report identified the need for strong and steady promotion of renewable energy in the targeted countries by raising awareness of its benefits and opportunities, removing financial barriers, implementing enabling policies, encouraging innovation and research, and upskilling workers.
“While our continent is sadly on the frontlines of the climate crisis that we have done little to cause, we are fortunate to have access to some of the solutions. Africa’s wealth of renewable energy potential presents a great opportunity for the continent to not only address her own energy needs, but also potentially lead the global energy transition,” said Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director, 350Africa.org.
“What is required are concerted efforts by governments and other stakeholders to address the barriers to renewable energy - starting with finance and policy -by creating an enabling regulatory environment for its adoption, accelerating the shift away from polluting fossil fuels, while investing consistently in powering up community-centered renewable energy solutions that are absolutely critical to ensuring that we avert catastrophic climate impacts and secure a liveable future for us all,” added Landry Ninteretse.
Michael Terungwa, Climate activist and Founder of - the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem (GIFSEP), Nigeria, said, "We need safe, reliable and sustainable energy systems to drive our economies. Continued dependence on polluting fossil fuels is not an option for us, as it has resulted in a climate crisis that devastates communities.”
“Just last year, Nigeria suffered flooding that led to the loss of hundreds of lives and displacement of an estimated 1.5 million others. We are counting on the political will of our new leadership to pave the way for the much needed just transition in Nigeria by being intentional in implementing relevant policies that create a conducive environment for the adoption of renewable energy. “
The report was launched as Civil Society Organizations and grassroots groups under the Afrika Vuka network held actions across the continent to highlight the role of renewable energy as a solution to the region's energy and climate crises.
They underscored the need to address the barriers to building community-centred renewable energy systems and phasing out fossil fuels to avert worsening climate impacts for a continent that already suffers disproportionately from these impacts.
