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ECA member states were urged to align their efforts with the African Union’s Blueprint for Africa’s transformation, Agenda 2063
The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is more than just an environmental necessity; it also serves as a path to social equality and economic resilience.
This was emphasised during the official opening of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) of Southern Africa Session that took place from 20-21 November 2024 in Livingstone, Zambia.
The two-day meeting was enriched by presentations and panel discussions on energy access, energy poverty and the development of renewable energy resources.
Member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) were urged to align their efforts with the African Union’s Blueprint for Africa’s transformation, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
Eunice Kamwendo, Director, ECA Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), highlighted the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and diversify the energy mix.
“By harnessing our abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources, we can enhance energy security and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, we have the unique opportunity to leverage our critical and strategic mineral resources such as cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, nickel, and graphite to position Southern Africa at the forefront of the global clean energy transition,” she said.
Renewable energy sources could be one of the quickest and most effective ways to bridge energy gap
Speaking on behalf of Provincial Minister for the Southern Province, Credo Nanjuwa, Peter Mumba – Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy – highlighted the major constraints that the region is facing, including limited access to affordable financing for the capital-intensive energy projects, insufficient transmission infrastructure, and the non-competitive electricity market due to low tariffs, including feed-in tariffs.
He advised that “expanding into these renewable sources could be one of the quickest and most effective ways to bridge the energy gap and advance development goals.”
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, underlined the need to accelerate uptake of renewable energy to give hope to Zambia as it tries to accelerate climate change adaptation.
She reminded delegates of the impact of climate change on women, noting that “denying women access to energy erodes the productive capacities of countries and undermines children’s access to education and health.” |
