ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY AFRICA
COP 30 vs Reality
THE PROGRESS MADE
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COP30: IS THE REALITY FUELLING PROGRESS?
Know?
Carbon dioxide (CO ) is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than any time experienced during human existence, rising by more than 10 percent in just two decades Global concentrations of carbon dioxide are now 51 percent higher than they were in the pre-industrial era 2
(United Nation) https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/keyfindings
The average surface temperature across Africa in 2024 was approximately 0.86 °C above the 1991–2020 long-term average. North Africa recorded the highest temperature (1 28°C above the 1991-2020 average) and this is the subregion of Africa which is warming fastest
(World Meteorological Organization) : https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/extreme-weatherand-climate-change-impacts-hit-africahard#:~:text=The%20average%20surface%20temperature %20across,reference%20period%20is%201991%2D2020
COP 30: Advancing global climate action and accelerating solutions to climate change, particularly through negotiations on climate finance, emissions reductions, and adaptation.
It’s been estimated that, if global warming is not contained, nearly 92 million people could be driven from their homes by extreme weather events including fierce heat, drought and floods Shelters and evacuation plans need to be readied to protect those people
(World Economic Forum) https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/11/cop27-10key-climate-facts/
The Earth is now between 1.34°C and 1.41°C warmer than it was in the preindustrial era (1850-1900). 2024 was listed as the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature 1 55°C above the preindustrial baseline 2015-2024 is now the warmest recorded decade.
(United Nation) https://www un org/en/climatechange/ science/key-findings
Global surface temperature will continue to increase until at least the middle of the century Unless we make sharp reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in coming decades, global warming will exceed 1.5°C, after which climate consequences will be even more severe
(United Nation) https://www.un.org/en/climatech ange/science/key-findings
More than half of global GDP depends on nature and its services. A collapse in some of these services, such as wild pollination, provision of food from marine fisheries and timber from native forests, could result in a $2 7 trillion decline in global GDP in 2030.
(United Nation) https://www un org/en/climatech ange/science/key-findings
COP29: the Road of Progress or Promise
Not too long ago, “energy transition” sounded like a faraway concept, something reserved for the world’s largest economies Yet, the truth is that
energy transitions are not new Humanity has experienced several of them before, starting from wood to coal, coal to oil, and now, fossil fuels to renewables What makes today’s transition different is the urgency. It is not just about evolving technology, but about survival and protecting the environment while ensuring no one is left behind
Energy transition is really about shifting from using nonrenewable sources of energy to more sustainable or renewable sources. The World Bank Group defines the current energy transition as a process of shifting the global energy system away from the consumption of fossil fuels and toward low toward low-carbon technologies in order to support international goals of limiting climate change
Every year, the world leaders gather under the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNCCC), better known as the Conference of the Parties (COP) These gatherings are designed to serve as a check-in point in the global race to limit warming to 1.5°C, under the 2015 Paris Agreement. At COP parties take decisions on ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and on adapting to the impacts of climate change, on Loss and Damage (which refers to funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by floods, droughts and other climate disasters), and on the means to help countries green their economies and build resilience to climate change in terms of finance, technology and capacity-building.
In 2024, COP29 took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, like other COP events held in the past, the event brought together leaders from at least 200 countries The conference spotlighted one of the most pressing challenges of our time, how to finance a fair and inclusive energy
transition for developing nations, such as those in Africa
At COP29, countries reached a notable milestone by agreeing to the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), which triples the annual climate finance agreement for developing countries from the previously agreed USD 100 billion to USD 300 billion by 2035 The goal extends beyond mere numbers It represents a means of survival for many nations grappling with floods, droughts, and economic shocks triggered by climate change. As the Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Simon Stiell, aptly put it, "This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country, ” “But like any insurance policy - it only works – if premiums are paid in full, and on time Promises must be kept, to protect billions of lives. ” This financing agreement is expected to accelerate the clean energy rollout, help all countries to share in the benefits that come with it, such as additional job creation, stronger growth, and cheaper and cleaner energy for all Further, the conference also agreed on securing efforts of all actors to collaborate to scale up finance to developing countries, from public and private sources, to the amount of approximately USD 1.3 trillion per year by 2035.
Apart from financing, the conference also achieved progress on carbon markets, transparent climate reporting, and adaptation measures In addition, important decisions were also made in terms of gender and climate change, where the enhanced Lima Work
Programme on Gender and Climate Change was extended for another 10 years, and a new gender action plan for adoption at COP30, which will set the direction for concrete implementation, was also agreed upon. Youth, children's inclusion, and civil society participation were also reinforced through the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) initiative
Yet, beneath these achievements lies a sobering truth According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 2024, the global energy transition remains off course. The world is still far from meeting the 1.5°C goal agreed back at COP21, as structural and systemic barriers continue to persist To overcome some of these barriers, IRENA suggests, inter alia, modernising and expanding transition infrastructure, including grids; establishing regulatory frameworks and market designs fit for the age of renewables; and delivering the institutional and human resource capacities required to support the energy transition.
The NDC Implementation Index (12 countries’ entries), which tracks countries’ progress in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, shows mixed results in Africa. Zimbabwe led with a score of 71.5 percent, signalling satisfactory implementation, while Nigeria’s 49.5 percent reflected only moderate progress This highlights a deeper challenge, more efforts are still required for African countries to deliver on their climate commitments
The fact is that Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions yet bears the brunt of climate impacts, ranging from prolonged droughts to devastating floods Despite suffering the effects of climate change, Africa receives a mere three to four percent of global climate finance, while hosting nine of the ten most climate-vulnerable countries
According to the African Development Bank Group (2024), African nations need approximately USD 277 billion annually until 2030 to tackle the climate crisis effectively Currently, however, Africa receives only about USD 30 billion annually, leaving a financing gap too large to ignore The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) offers hope that this imbalance might be narrowed, provided the funds are delivered transparently and equitably. However, the UN Environment Programme has warned that the new financing goals could face challenges, as it remains unclear how these sums will be raised or who will deliver them
It remains unclear how these sums will be raised Or who will deliver them
-UN Environment Programme (finance initiative), Dec 2024
COP30: Amazon’s Make or Break Moment
In November 2025, the city of Belém in northern Brazil will host one of the most important global gatherings of the decade: the 30th Conference of
the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), known as COP30 Each year, this meeting draws together nearly 200 nations to deliberate on how the world can respond to the growing crisis of climate change. For many, COP30 represents a hopeful turning point, a moment not just to talk about climate ambition but to demonstrate concrete progress toward the goals set under the Paris Agreement of 2015
Since the first COP in Berlin in 1995, these conferences have served as the main negotiating platform for international climate policy. COP30, to be held from 10 to 21 November 2025, will mark three decades of collective effort to limit global warming, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to environmental changes that are already reshaping lives and economies around the world
Belém, the chosen host city, sits at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, a region often described as the lungs
of the planet Its selection is deeply symbolic, reminding the world of the Amazon’s critical role in global carbon cycles and biodiversity, as well as the challenges Brazil faces in balancing economic development with forest preservation.
COP30 will take place under the procedural framework of the UNFCCC and will attract tens of thousands of participants, including heads of state, government ministers, negotiators, scientists, civil society groups, youth movements, journalists, and private sector representatives. The event will be divided into two primary zones: the Blue Zone, where formal negotiations between governments and United Nations bodies occur, and the Green Zone, which welcomes the public, civil society organisations, and innovators to showcase projects, host discussions, and engage with the broader themes of sustainability. Together, these spaces form the heart of global climate diplomacy: where scientific data meets political decision-making, making and where the future direction of climate policy is debated and shaped
The timing of COP30 makes it particularly significant The Paris Agreement established a global framework for keeping the rise in average global temperatures “well below” 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Each signatory country committed to submitting and periodically updating its Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, its specific national plan to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts By 2025, all countries are expected to present updated and more ambitious NDCs COP30 will therefore act as a global checkpoint, the moment when the world takes stock of progress made, identifies gaps, and sets the tone for climate action through the 2030s. Many experts view it as a “show me the results” summit, where rhetoric must finally translate into measurable outcomes
Beyond emissions targets, the conference will continue to confront deeper structural questions about fairness, finance, and global cooperation. Developing nations, many of which face the most severe climate impacts despite contributing least to the problem, continue to call for meaningful financial support from industrialised countries
Climate finance remains one of the most contentious issues in these negotiations. Wealthier nations have pledged to mobilise at least USD 100 billion annually to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in the developing world, yet actual disbursements have fallen short COP30 will need to clarify not only how these funds will be delivered but also how new financial mechanisms, such as the Loss and Damage Fund, can help vulnerable countries recover from climate-induced disasters
Hosting COP30 offers Brazil an opportunity to showcase its environmental leadership and to highlight the Amazon’s central role in global climate stability It also allows the country to present its progress in renewable energy, biofuels, and forest management while confronting the challenges of illegal deforestation and sustainable development in the Amazon basin For local communities, the conference is expected to bring both logistical challenges and opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and international visibility The Brazilian government has pledged to make COP30 the most sustainable and inclusive climate conference to date. Plans include low-emission transport for delegates, bike-sharing and electric buses, waste reduction measures, and catering focused on local, organic, and plant-based foods Accommodation options will extend beyond hotels to include short-term rentals and even cruise ships docked along the Amazon River to handle the expected influx of participants.
The logistics of hosting such an event are immense The Hangar Convention and Fair Centre of the Amazon will serve as the main venue, with extensive upgrades planned to ensure accessibility, safety, and digital connectivity. Health and emergency services will be reinforced, and special visa arrangements will facilitate delegate entry. Virtual participation options will also be available to broaden access, particularly for smaller delegations and organisations unable to travel These practical details underscore the scale of coordination required for global cooperation, a reflection of the broader challenge of climate governance itself. As the conference approaches, expectations are rising. Many scientists warn that the world is running out of time to meet the 1 5°C target The past few years have
seen record-breaking heatwaves, floods, and droughts, intensifying pressure on governments to act faster and more decisively. For countries like Namibia and others in Africa, where climate impacts are already shaping water availability, agriculture, and infrastructure, COP30 will be closely watched for its outcomes on adaptation and finance These nations are likely to emphasise climate justice, the idea that those who have contributed least to climate change should not bear its greatest burdens.
COP30, then, should not simply be another diplomatic gathering, as it should highlight and represent the crossroads that the world faces The decisions made in Belém should influence how countries align their economic systems with sustainability goals and how they support each other in navigating the transition to low-carbon development Whether it leads to bold commitments or incremental progress will depend on the political will of leaders and the collective voice of global citizens demanding change For the host nation, the conference is a chance to reaffirm that the Amazon’s fate is intertwined with that of the planet. For the world, it is a reminder that climate action requires not only agreements signed in conference halls but also tangible steps taken in factories, fields, and communities everywhere
The US$ equivalent refers to current exchange rates (October 2025)
Information available at the time of publication. Reliance on this information is not advised
Data Source:Namibia: www.mme.gov.na, Botswana: www.bera.co.bw, Zambia: www.erb.org.zm, Others: theglobaleconomy.com
Will AFCFTA Boost Agricultural Output?
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents one of the most ambitious integration initiatives ever undertaken on the
continent Launched in 2021, it aims to unite 54 African countries into a single market with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$3 trillion The AfCFTA promises transformation in many sectors, especially in the agricultural sector which remains the heartbeat of Africa’s economy. Here, it has the potential to unlock regional value chains, increase market access for farmers, and stimulate investment in processing and infrastructure
Africa's agricultural sector is currently facing interconnected challenges such as feeding a rapidly growing population and simultaneously adapting to the effects of the climate impact The continent’s population is projected to surpass 2 5 billion by 2050, creating a continuous rise in the demand for food This trajectory places considerable pressure on essential resources like land and water, requiring significant advancements in productivity. Africa needs to further adapt to the growing impact of climate
variability where climate change seems to be intensifying droughts, floods, and shifting weather patterns, threatening yields and food security across both smallholder and commercial farms
On the other hand, Africa’s trade landscape remains constrained by several long-standing challenges that limit growth and self-sufficiency The intra-African trade (estimated at US$220 3 billion in 2024, Afreximbank, 2025) currently accounts for only about 15 percent of the continent’s total trade, a sharp contrast to regions like Europe and Asia, where internal trade exceeds 60 percent. This low level of trade integration is largely the result of economic fragmentation and trade transportation barriers, given 54 national markets operating with differing regulations, currencies, and trade policies Multiple overlapping Regional Economic Communities (RECs) add further complexity, creating high transaction costs, duplication, and bureaucratic hurdles that discourage business expansion. At the same time, many African economies continue to rely heavily on exporting raw commodities such as minerals, oil, and unprocessed agricultural products, while importing finished goods from abroad This imbalance
leaves them vulnerable to global price fluctuations and limits opportunities for industrial diversification
These challenges and the constraints demand urgent innovation, not only in farming practices but also in policies, trade systems, and regional cooperation to ensure that Africa can produce enough nutritious food sustainably while safeguarding the livelihoods of millions who depend on agriculture for survival The AfCFTA offers a continental framework through which Africa can begin to address these challenges by fostering integration, innovation, and inclusive growth across its agricultural sector.
By reducing trade barriers and creating a unified market, the agreement enables countries to specialise according to their strengths, share surplus production, and stabilise food supplies across regions. This interconnectedness can help balance the effects of climate shocks by using diversified trade networks to cushion economies against single-market vulnerabilities Moreover, the AfCFTA encourages investment in agricultural infrastructure, technology transfer, and value addition through harmonized standards, improved logistics, and stronger regional value chains. The agreement further focuses on reducing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), measures like bureaucratic customs delays, restrictive quotas, and conflicting technical standards that often account for the bulk of trading costs and time This could open the door for more competitive regional value chains, allowing African farmers and agribusinesses to trade more freely across borders.
But despite its vast potential, the road to agricultural transformation under AfCFTA is not without hurdles The AfCFTA itself, faces several challenges that continue to shape its implementation across the continent. One of the most pressing is Africa’s inadequate infrastructure, including poor road and rail networks, congested ports, and inefficient border facilities, all of which increase the cost and time of moving goods between countries Slow policy harmonisation also poses a concern, as member states differ in tariff structures, customs regulations, and trade standards, creating inconsistencies that complicate cross-border trade. In addition, non-tariff barriers such as lengthy customs procedures, import restrictions, and inconsistent quality and safety standards continue to hinder the free flow of goods and services
Furthermore, the limited access to finance further restricts the ability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and smallholder farmers to scale up production and take advantage of expanded markets under AfCFTA Weak institutional capacity in many countries include limited data systems, coordination gaps, and a shortage of technical expertise slows down the effective execution of trade commitments. Moreover, the uneven levels of economic readiness among African nations mean that stronger economies like South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt may benefit faster than smaller or less diversified nations, potentially widening regional disparities
To mitigate some of the identified challenges and allow the AfCFTA to achieve its full potential in agriculture
and strengthen continental trade, African governments need to focus on strategic investments in internal and cross-border infrastructure, transport, and rural development. Policies should also promote value addition and regional processing to reduce dependence on raw commodity exports. Equally important are harmonised agricultural standards, fair competition frameworks, and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms to foster trust, consistency, and sustainable growth across member states
Case study: EAC and ECOWAS
Several African regions are already showcasing what freer trade can achieve. The experiences of the East African Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provide valuable lessons for understanding how regional integration can support agricultural trade under the AfCFTA Both blocs, though operating at smaller scales, have made meaningful progress in facilitating intra-African trade, providing a glimpse of how AfCFTA could scale such success continent-wide.
In the EAC, which includes countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, efforts to promote cross-border agricultural trade have yielded encouraging results as the bloc has quickly reached a relatively deep level of regional integration, notably in the trade and transport sectors. The removal of tariffs on most goods traded within the bloc and the gradual adoption of common customs procedures have enhanced the movement of staple foods like maize, beans, rice, and dairy products Farmers in Uganda and Tanzania, for instance, have gained access to new markets in Kenya, allowing for better price stability and reduced post-harvest losses. The EAC’s progress demonstrates that when infrastructure, trade policy, and standards are aligned, regional agriculture can thrive However, challenges such as non-tariff barriers, differing quality standards, and occasional trade disputes persist, highlighting the need for consistent coordination and enforcement of agreements.
Similarly, the ECOWAS region, which encompasses 15 West African countries, has shown that policy harmonisation and cooperation can boost agricultural trade and food security ECOWAS has developed regional frameworks, including the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) program, that promote the free movement of agricultural goods and people, contributing to more integrated value chains Cross-border trade in commodities like livestock, grains, and vegetables has improved, particularly between countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire ECOWAS has also introduced initiatives to align sanitary and
Paved with Promise: Closing the rural-urban divide
Across much of Africa, the journey between rural and urban life is not just measured in kilometres but in opportunities The uneven distribution of
roads, railways, and energy corridors has shaped how prosperity flows and where it stops. Inclusive and sustainable transportation has the power to change this landscape
The African Development Bank estimates that poor road conditions can increase the cost of goods by as much as 30 percent. Additionally, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that only 34 percent of rural Africans live within two kilometres of an all-season road, compared to nearly double that in
other developing regions. A road that ends in gravel or seasonal mud is more than just an inconvenience; for millions of farmers, it means that their harvest won’t reach the market on time or that the price offered will be too low to cover transportation costs
In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 70 percent of the rural population, approximately 450 million people, lack access to an all-season road network, according to the Rural Access Index This gap not only isolates communities but also limits access to schools, clinics, and markets For the average rural mother, a trip to the hospital might take six hours, if it is possible at all In these cases, transportation is essential.
However, a quiet revolution is underway In places like Rwanda, the feeder-road program has rehabilitated over 2,800 kilometres of rural roads, reducing travel times by up to 50 percent and increasing local market activity by 35 percent. In Kenya, investments in rural connectivity through the Last Mile Project have connected smallholder farmers to urban supply chains. In Ethiopia, the regional towns network now links 95 percent of districts to paved roads, transforming previously isolated districts into trade corridors
Still, the reality is that the divide persists, not just because roads are missing, but also because the wrong types of roads may be built. The OECD cautions that "transport investment cannot bridge all divides" unless it is paired with effective governance, maintenance, and inclusive planning Many new highways serve ports, mines, or urban centres, leaving villages on the periphery. This means that while gross domestic product (GDP) may rise, rural livelihoods can remain static.
The imbalance is also evident in food logistics The World Bank finds that African food products travel an average of 4,000 kilometres and take 23 days to reach their destinations, four times longer than in Europe.
During this journey, an estimated 37 percent of perishable goods are lost due to transport delays, poor storage, and unreliable cold chains, making transport a hidden factor in food insecurity
Transport is closely tied to energy. Clean mobility is gaining traction, with innovations like solar-powered minibuses in Nairobi, hybrid cargo vehicles in Ghana, and pilot hydrogen trucks in Namibia pointing toward a more sustainable future These advancements reduce costs for rural users and align mobility with sustainability goals The case of a 35-seat solar bus prototype in Uganda demonstrates how ambition can meet reality.
However, building infrastructure is not enough UNHabitat’s "Leaving No Place Behind" emphasises "urbanrural linkages" as a framework for inclusive growth A study in Zambia found that 28 percent of households in secondary towns participate in rural food supply chains. Towns with stronger transport links tend to have more diverse diets and are less vulnerable to food insecurity. This underscores the idea that connectivity doesn't just move goods; it builds resilience
Yet even the best roads fail without maintenance In many African countries, up to 40 percent of rural roads can
become impassable within five years due to poor drainage, lack of governance, and deferred upkeep Local, community-based road maintenance models in Kenya and Tanzania have shown success, providing jobs, ownership, and durability.
Transport is no longer just about movement; it’s about mobility as justice.
A reliable bus route can empower a woman entrepreneur, a regular market truck schedule can shorten the sale times for farmers, and a repaired bridge can reconnect children to their schools. Connectivity equals capacity, and in Africa, that capacity is often untapped
Africa's development path is frequently envisioned as a sprint toward industrialisation, but real progress may lie in how evenly its roads distribute opportunities. The asphalt laid today in a Namibian farming town or along Ghana's cocoa routes carries not just goods but also hope, paved with promise for a future where every journey matters
Where Policy Runs Dry: Governance
Decides Who Gets to Drink
Africa’s struggle for water is not just a climate story; it’s a story of political will, policy, and power supply. The continent holds roughly 9
percent of the world’s renewable freshwater, yet more than 250 million people already live under high water stress (World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) (2022), State of the Climate in Africa) By 2030, that number could explode to some 700 million, with families displaced not by drought alone but by systems that fail to manage what water remains available.
The tragedy is that water scarcity here isn’t only a natural occurrence, it’s man-made! The WMO reports that four out of five African countries still lack effective frameworks for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), a model meant to balance the
competing needs of people, economies, and ecosystems IWRM is not just a buzzword; it’s the idea that water must be managed as one interconnected system, where agriculture, energy, and environment work together rather than against each other. But in practice, this ideal has struggled to find life. In Ethiopia, overlapping mandates between ministries have slowed implementation In Nigeria, River Basin Development Authorities are paralysed by fragmented funding and across the Sahel, data gaps make coordinated water planning nearly impossible.
The African Development Bank’s, African Water Vision 2025 calls coordination Africa’s “most expensive missing link” The continent’s 60-plus transboundary river basins are lifelines that are shared by nations, and sources of
simmering friction Less than 40 percent of them have formal agreements on water sharing The Nile Basin Initiative remains a fragile truce between Egypt’s historic rights and Ethiopia’s development ambitions, while the Okavango River Basin, straddling Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, faces rising strain from irrigation and mining.
Budgets related to water infrastructure tell an equally uneasy story Nearly 90 percent of national water funding in sub-Saharan Africa goes to big, visible projects; the Thwake Multipurpose Dam in Kenya, the Kpong expansion in Ghana, leaving less than 10 percent for the unglamorous work of governance, maintenance, and monitoring Without that backbone, shiny infrastructure turns brittle In Mozambique, dozens of small rural systems have collapsed within five years of construction, not because the groundwater ran out, but because no one was trained or paid to maintain them.
The Water Policy Group’s 2022 Global Water Policy Report lays bare the institutional cracks: only 35 percent of African nations have comprehensive, enforceable water laws South Africa’s National Water Act (1998) was hailed as revolutionary, recognising water as a public resource, yet rural users still wait years for licenses showing lapses in enforcement and monitoring. Tanzania divides control across several ministries, each with partial jurisdiction and conflicting priorities In Namibia, decentralisation gives communities control of their boreholes, but without adequate funding or technical support, many fail within a decade
Cities are where water politics turn primeval The OECD’s Water Governance in African Cities (2021) found that while 75 percent of 36 surveyed cities have written water and sanitation strategies, but fewer than half have the autonomy or budget to act on them. Nairobi’s utility is bound by national tariff laws that stifle expansion. In Lagos, more than 60 percent of households buy from informal vendors, paying up to ten times the municipal rate for reliability and availability In Accra, the Ghana Water Company loses about 40 percent of its water to leaks and illegal connections, known as “non-revenue water,” in polite policy language, “lost lifelines, ” in reality.
Even where innovation sparks progress, Kampala’s performance-based utility reforms, for instance, success leans heavily on external donors Elsewhere, from Harare to Kinshasa, decades of underinvestment have left taps dry and trust eroded.
The pipes are old, but the politics are older.
Rural Africa faces its own quiet emergencies The AfDB estimates that fewer than 30 percent of rural communities have reliable water systems functioning all year. Where boreholes exist, four in ten are said to fail within five years In Malawi and Zambia, the problem is not water scarcity but bureaucratic neglect, broken pumps left rusting because there’s no local budget for repair or spare parts
Courtesy: https://cdn myportfolio com/7110bd9a9c83d97ed90b4758be565c85/c9e28111-bae7-444b-9264-f2a82c90e03c rw 1920 jpg? h=b32bbcd1994d9518a60ae6e52e0da7dd
There are however, bright spots. The Senegal River Basin Development Organization (OMVS), shared by Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea, proves that regional cooperation can work By sharing data, co-managing dams, and balancing irrigation with energy needs, the OMVS model has reduced tension and improved reliability. Both the WMO and OECD point to such regional governance as the blueprint for a more secure future
Still, reform demands courage Water tariffs need to be depoliticised (aka Cost Reflective), subsidies better targeted, and data made public. Botswana and Mauritius show that independent regulation, where price-setting and performance oversight are transparent, builds trust and attracts investment Elsewhere, the politically driven fear of raising tariffs, keeps systems underfunded and citizens underserved
Africa’s water story is one of extremes: floods and droughts, abundance and deprivation, ambition and inertia.
YOUTH IN ACTION
Youth and the Future of Renewable Energy
Mr.
Kevin Kevanhu
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, young professionals are playing a vital role in shaping Africa’s sustainable future. Among them are emerging voices who are passionate about renewable energy, innovation, and community impact, individuals who see opportunity in advancing green technologies and promoting technical skills development. In this conversation, we speak with Mr. Kevin Kevanhu, a dynamic young professional contributing to the continent’s growing renewable energy movement
Personal
Mr Kevin Kevanhu is a Solar Technician in Training at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre, specializing in solar installation and maintenance He is passionate about sustainable development, renewable energy, and youth empowerment. His work centers on community development, renewable energy education, and advocating for greater youth participation in the energy sector
Driven by a strong interest in green technology and innovation, Kevin is dedicated to exploring the transformative role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in advancing Africa’s sustainable growth
1. What sparked your interest in solar technology and sustainability, and how has that shaped your career goals?
“My interest began when I saw how rural communities struggled without electricity and by witnessing the severe energy poverty that continues to affect rural Africa, particularly in Namibia Many communities remain underdeveloped because they lack access to electricity, a basic need for progress For me, solar energy represented a clear, decentralized and practical solution to this challenge.
I came to understand that energy access is not just a technical issue, but a matter of social justice Around the time I was deciding on a career path, discussions around Green Hydrogen and renewable energy were gaining momentum I chose the TVET route because I strongly believe that practical skills are key to Africa’s sustainable transformation. My goal is to help drive Africa’s just transition to renewable energy, ensuring that no one is left behind and to drive initiatives that drives us to achieving local and continental energy security ” Mr Kevanhu, responded
2. From your perspective, what role does solar energy play in achieving energy access and sustainability across Africa?
Mr Kevanhu said “Solar energy is the backbone of Africa’s sustainable future It eliminates the need for expensive grid expansion by providing off-grid and mini-grid solutions that can electrify rural communities within months. These systems power essential services such as schools, clinics, and water pumps, directly improving livelihoods
Africa receives some of the highest solar irradiance in the world, around 300 days of sunshine annually, making solar power the most viable path toward energy independence. By scaling both large-scale and decentralized systems, we can enhance energy access, reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs, and build a resilient, clean energy future for our people ”
3. From your experience, how can solar energy solutions contribute to climate resilience and adaptation efforts on the African continent?
“Africa contributes only about three to four percent of global carbon emissions, yet it bears the harshest impacts of climate change, from prolonged droughts to extreme heat. Solar energy plays a vital role in both mitigation and adaptation.
By replacing fossil fuels such as diesel and kerosene, solar systems directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions They also strengthen community resilience through decentralized power generation, which reduces the risk of widespread outages.
Solar powered irrigation enhances food security by enabling year round farming even when rainfall patterns shift In disaster sensitive regions, solar systems ensure that communication networks, health facilities and early warning systems remain operational Reliable, locally managed solar solutions empower communities to adapt, thrive and remain self reliant in the face of climate challenges.” Mr Kevanhu emphasised.
4. In your view, what policy or infrastructure changes are needed to scale up renewable energy adoption across Africa?
“To scale renewable energy, Africa needs a holistic approach involving both policy reform and infrastructure investment. Governments should simplify power purchase agreements, licensing and approval processes for renewable projects. Incentives such as tax relief and low interest financing can encourage innovation and private sector participation
Equally, investment in TVET training and technical education is critical, without skilled Engineers and Technicians, projects struggle to last. Infrastructure priorities should include Grid reform, smart grids construction, energy storage systems and local manufacturing of solar components to reduce import costs I believe renewable energy should not only be viewed as an environmental goal but also as a development and employment strategy.” Mr Kevanhu said.
5. How do your advocacy efforts align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
“My advocacy directly supports Agenda 2063: the Africa we want vision of “a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development ” It aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting renewable energy access and awareness.
Additionally, my efforts contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through capacity-building programs and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by encouraging renewable innovation
I aim to contribute to the implementation and full realisation of NDP6, which prioritizes sustainable economic growth, energy security and job creation By promoting clean energy access and technical training, my work supports the AU’s vision of a prosperous, inclusive and climate resilient Africa
And by my active participation in conferences, youth forums and civil society engagements to raise awareness and share practical solutions on sustainability These platforms allow me to connect with other young leaders, policymakers and innovators who share the vision of a prosperous and climate resilient Africa
Through continuous learning and public engagement, I aim to strengthen community participation, expand renewable energy literacy, and help Africa move closer to achieving the Africa we want by 2063
I see renewable energy as the foundation for achieving inclusive growth and for realizing the Africa we want COP30 reinforces these commitments by calling on young people and policymakers to act together in delivering a just and sustainable energy transition.
One of my recent commitments is to contribute to the Green Hydrogen and renewable energy sector at large through my technical expertise, policy analysis and reform, consultative dialogues and community outreach and engagement initiatives. Through these efforts, I aim to help strengthen Namibia’s role in advancing a just, inclusive and sustainable energy transition for Africa ” Mr Kevanhu explains
6. In conclusion, what is your vision for Africa’s renewable energy landscape by 2030, and how does it tie into the global climate agenda?
“By 2030, I envision an Africa that leads the world in renewable innovation, where at least 90 percent of households have access to clean and affordable energy. I envision decentralized Mini grids powering rural areas, while largescale solar farms energize industrial hubs Every school, clinics and business should have access to reliable, clean power
Beyond consumption, I envision an Africa that manufactures and develops its own renewable technologies, utilizing its vast mineral resources to build homegrown energy solutions
A balanced energy mix, combining renewable energy sources with sustainable industrial development, will ensure job creation, economic stability and long term energy security. Ultimately, Africa’s renewable transition is not just key to its development but also vital to the global climate agenda, demonstrating that sustainable growth and climate action can coexist ” Mr Kevanhu concludes
My Energy Life Series
Electrifying Impact: Transforming Communities Through Energy Access and Economic Empowerment
Interview with Sarah Kanda
contributed by: presented by:
In this episode, we meet Sarah Kanda, a Manager, Demand, JobsandLivelihoodsat Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).SarahKandasharesherstoryofhowshegot
startedintheenergyindustry,detailingherinitialchallengesand offering invaluable advice to professionals seeking their path in thisdynamicindustry
Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.
Myjourneyintheenergysectorbeganin2009whenIinternedat AFREPREN, a research organization focused on renewable energy andruraldevelopment Atthattime,Iwasstillinuniversity Ialso did an internship with the Kenya Forest Service, learning about forestconservation Afteruniversity,myfirstjobwaswith Viability Africa (later Viability Energy), where I worked on carbon credit development for clean cookstove and water filtration companies across Africa Eventually, the company moved into renewable energyprojects,likeinstallinghydropowerandsolarplantsinEast Africa to sell power to the national grid This was my real introduction to clean energy Later, I joined Energy for Impact, whereIfocusedonoff-gridenergy,helpingtodevelopmini-grids in rural areas as well as raising awareness in communities about usingenergynotjustforlightingbutforproductivepurposeslike running solar water pumps, fridges, mills, and other appliances that improve productivity and income. I also got to implement electrification programs for health clinics and schools. A project that’sdeartomyhearttothisday.Nowat GEAPP, Ifocusonthe productive use of energy as a way to support economic developmentinelectrifiedcommunities,helpingthembreakfree from energy poverty by providing electricity, equipment, capital, andtraining.
What do you do in your current role at your company?
My current focus is on sustainable development helping communities escape energy poverty and grow economically and sustainably by working with partners to provide them with the right resources ie electricity, capital, equipment, and training Further, I also focus on how this intersects with Gender Equality andSocialInclusion(GESI)
Could you describe your typical day at work?
Myworkdaysvarybyseason Buttypicallytheyincludemanaging ongoing programs, ensuring we hit our targets Other times, collaborating with colleagues and partners on program design and implementation Some days are spent in meetings trying to identify areas of alignment with various partners I also support genderworkwithintheorganizationwhichincludeshelping
integrate gender values within our work and helping coordinate the gender working group. Other days I'm out visiting program sitesandmeetingwithbeneficiarycommunities.
Workingwithanamazingteamisinvaluable.
-SarahKanda
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?
One of the challenges I've seen in the energy sector is that everyoneworksinisolation,advancingtheirownagenda,hoping we all reach the same goal, like the SDGs This siloed approach, where knowledge is held back and efforts are duplicated, only slows progress We need a shared vision for impact Another challengeI'veseeninthesectoristhatit’snotalwaysinclusive
We often tend to use technical jargon about climate change, global warming, or productive use of energy etc, leaving the manypeople,includingcommunitiesweaimtoserve,confusedas to what it all means and how it affects them In addition, highlevel discussions often happen in boardrooms where these communities aren't represented We need more inclusive communication
What
is
the most fun thing you love about your work?
Beingabletoworkwithpassionate,dedicatedindividualsfromall overtheworldthatwanttosolvesomeofthegreatestchallenges ofourtimeie energypovertywithincommunities
How do you balance work and life?
It's not always perfect, but I try to set clear boundaries and communicatethemtomycolleaguesandfamily.
What hard skills should someone in your field have?
Communicationandinterpersonalskillsarecrucial You'llspenda lot of time in meetings, presenting, or in speaking engagements, or in spaces with diverse people Being able to clearly articulate for example, your organization's goals, the sector challenges, potentialsolutions,andyouropinionswilltakeyoufar It’sabout speaking in a way that people at different levels can understand you
What is the best thing about your work?
Working with an amazing team is invaluable. The competence, dedication, kindness, empathy, and support from colleagues motivateyoutodobetterandachievemoretogether.
What would you consider a highlight of your career?
Thegrowth!Lookingback12yearsagowhenIstarted,Iwasnew, unsure of what I wanted from my career. Now, seeing what I've achievedpersonallyandwithintheorganizationsI'veworkedfor, it'sbeenquiteajourney.
Don’tunderestimatethepowerofsmallbeginnings.
-SarahKanda
What
are you passionate about outside of work?
Myhobbieschangeovertime Iusedtolovehikingandwatching Formula 1 (back when Team Mercedes was winning) Right now, I’mintooff-roading takingfamilyroadtripstosceniclocations
How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?
That’s an interesting question, and I do struggle with it sometimes I’veaskedmyselfmanytimeshowmy8+hoursaday on a laptop are making a difference Where I land is that transforminglivestakestime.Thereareexternalfactorswecan’t control i.e. leadership, corruption, macroeconomic issues. SometimesitfeelsliketheworkI'mdoingisn’tmovingtheneedle. But you learn to appreciate small wins, small progress. Knowing thatlittlechangesintherightdirectioncaneventuallyleadtobig, transformativechange,keepsmegoing.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Consistency over intensity. Don’t underestimate the power of small beginnings. The energy sector can feel overwhelming with allitsjargonandtechnicalities Ifeltthatwaytooatfirst.Butwith time, it becomes manageable. It's about small, daily actions whetherit’sreadingorlearningfromtheworkyoudoorothers.In the end, it’s about getting electricity to where it’s needed and helpingpeopleuseittoliftthemselvesoutofpoverty Simple!
Ifyouenjoyedreadingthis,donothesitatetofollow theenergy.africa
Seeyouinthenextarticle!
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Kenya Pipeline Company Limited
Description: Framework Tender for the Provision of Hotel Services (Accommodation and Conference Facilities) for a Three-Year Period on a “As And When Required” Basis.
Bid Closing date: 12 November 2025 at 10h00 https://attachment-kpc.azurewebsites.net/viewtenders.php?id=1000
SADC Centre for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency
Description: Request for Proposal for the Provision of External Audit Services for the 2024 SADC Sustainable Energy Week at SACREE
Bid Closing date: 13 November 2025 https://www.sacreee.org/index.php/opportunity/request-proposal-provision-external-audit-services-2024-sadcsustainable-energy-week
African Development Bank
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Kampala Capital City Authority - Uganda
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Swellendam Municipality – South Africa
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Okavango Diamond Company - Botswana
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