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Understanding South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Africa
Economic Responsibility

May 9, 2025

Understanding South-South and Triangular Cooperation

In the quest for sustainability, Africa doesn’t have to look far for answers. Some of the most powerful ideas for driving progress—on food systems, climate action, and poverty reduction—are coming from fellow nations across the Global South. Welcome to South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC): a force reshaping development thinking and igniting locally led transformation.

At its core, SSTC is about countries in the Global South—Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of the Middle East—collaborating to solve common problems using shared resources, knowledge and innovations. When a third partner, such as a donor country or multilateral organization, steps in to support the process, that’s triangular cooperation.

Far from being a policy buzzword, SSTC is becoming a lifeline for rural communities across Africa navigating the triple threat of climate shocks, economic inequality, and food insecurity. It is also a reminder that sustainability is not something to be imported—it can and must be cultivated from within.

Why does this model matter now?

Because many countries in the Global South are grappling with overlapping challenges: erratic weather patterns, fragile ecosystems, youth unemployment, and over-reliance on basic exports. But they also share a well of underused knowledge, resilience, and ingenuity.

SSTC gives African nations a platform to tap into each other’s successes. From digital farming tools in Kenya to sustainable aquaculture in Southeast Asia, this type of cooperation unlocks practical, low-cost innovations that can be adapted quickly.

And unlike traditional donor-recipient models, SSTC is peer-led and respectful of local context. Solutions are tested in environments that mirror African realities—not boardrooms in the Global North. This makes them more scalable and sustainable.

Across the continent, examples of SSTC are beginning to multiply—each one a testament to how collaboration across the Global South can seed lasting impact.

In Tanzania, smallholder farmers increased their sunflower oil output with processing technologies and training sourced from China. By building cross-border trade links with neighboring countries, the farmers were able to grow regional economies.
In Ghana and Nigeria, youth-led enterprises are now using cage aquaculture techniques learned from Chinese partners. This method reduces climate risk and opens new doors for blue economy growth—an emerging frontier for Africa.
In Zambia, community savings groups have been linked to formal banks through mobile platforms—a solution inspired by fintech models in South Asia. This improves rural women’s access to finance and strengthens local resilience.

These stories are not outliers—they are signs of what’s possible when knowledge flows across shared experiences, not imposed models.

Triangular Cooperation

Triangular cooperation builds on South-South efforts by adding a third actor—often a donor or multilateral organization—that offers financing, policy support or technical expertise. The difference? The South still leads the way.

IFAD’s China-Africa initiatives offer a prime example. Through its South-South Facility, IFAD has funded joint projects that help African youth build climate-smart agribusinesses using lessons from Chinese farmers. These are not copy-paste solutions—they are carefully tailored to local needs.

Meanwhile, in Kenya and Rwanda, a joint UN initiative is helping governments source food for school feeding programs from small-scale farmers—creating local demand, improving children’s nutrition, and ensuring rural economies benefit first.

This model reinforces the idea that aid doesn’t have to mean dependence. It can be a bridge toward autonomy, with sustainability as the destination.

Africa’s sustainability journey is deeply tied to community action, regional integration, and long-term resilience. SSTC supports all three.

It empowers rural people to become co-creators of change—not just beneficiaries.
It reduces environmental footprints by promoting local technologies and traditional practices.
It builds regional solidarity, especially around cross-border issues like climate resilience and food security.
And most importantly, it keeps solutions grounded in African soil—literally and figuratively.

As we look ahead, SSTC could be the cornerstone of how Africa tackles Agenda 2063 and the SDGs—on African terms, with African ingenuity.

The beauty of SSTC lies in its simplicity: countries learning from each other, not competing; sharing, not withholding. For Africa, this is more than cooperation—it’s a strategy for sovereignty in sustainability.

It’s time to move past viewing development as a north-to-south transaction. The real momentum is coming from the South itself—where lived experiences, not imported ideologies, are shaping the future.

The CAADP Kampala Declaration: A game changer in Africa’s food systems transformation

Agriculture
Economic Responsibility

External Source

May 8, 2025

The CAADP Kampala Declaration: A game changer in Africa’s food systems transformation

In January 2025, African leaders gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for an extraordinary summit that would become a turning point in the continent’s efforts to reshape its food systems. From that gathering emerged the Kampala Declaration—a bold and transformative commitment that is now being hailed as a catalyst for achieving sustainable development across Africa.

At the heart of this movement is Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination at AUDA-NEPAD. Speaking recently at the High-Level Opening of the Africa Regional UN Food Systems Summit+4 Preparatory Meeting in Nairobi, Fotabong emphasized the weight of the declaration. She explained that the Kampala Declaration, rooted in the CAADP (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme) framework, is more than just another policy—it is a powerful alignment of Africa’s food systems transformation with the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. What sets it apart is the renewed urgency and collective determination driving it forward.

The declaration introduces a new ten-year strategy and action plan running from 2026 to 2035. This strategy reimagines agriculture as not merely a means of economic growth but as a holistic system that can deliver resilience, equity, and prosperity. It focuses on improving food security, enhancing nutrition, and uplifting rural livelihoods, while weaving sustainability into every layer of agricultural practice. According to Fotabong, this marks a pivotal shift—from focusing solely on agriculture to embracing a comprehensive agrifood systems approach, one that considers climate resilience, nutrition, and inclusive growth as inseparable components.

Over the past four years, following the inaugural UN Food Systems Summit, Africa has made significant strides. Countries are now committing to increasing agrifood output by nearly half, reducing post-harvest losses, and tripling trade within the continent. These efforts are part of a broader vision tied to the African Continental Free Trade Area, aimed at unlocking the potential of regional markets. But the vision goes even further—addressing long-standing disparities by aiming to close the gender productivity gap and ensure meaningful participation of women, youth, and vulnerable communities. There is also a strong push to bring at least 30 percent of Africa’s farmland under sustainable management and protect 40 percent of households from the growing threats of climate change and economic instability.

Fotabong was clear about the scale of the challenge. Hunger, malnutrition, climate shocks, and fragmented food value chains continue to pose serious threats. But she argued that the declaration offers a roadmap—not just for mitigation, but for transformation. It is also a call to action to invest in people and institutions that can carry the vision forward.

Central to this process, Fotabong noted, is the principle of accountability. The Kampala Declaration reaffirms CAADP’s mutual accountability framework, which includes a biennial review process designed to monitor progress and highlight gaps. For this transformation to take root, governance must be inclusive and transparent. This means engaging farmers—especially smallholders—as well as women, youth, and indigenous groups in the policy-making process. It also means making space for the private sector to take on a larger role, such as through the proposed Agrifood Systems Advisory Council, which would be led by business actors.

The transformation of food systems, however, cannot happen without serious investment. Fotabong estimated that Africa would need at least 100 billion US dollars in public and private funding by 2035. The financial strategy she outlined focuses on unlocking climate-sensitive and inclusive financing that prioritizes small-scale farmers, reduces risks for investors, and channels resources into critical areas such as agro-industrial corridors, storage infrastructure, and regional trade. Innovative funding methods, including diaspora bonds, green finance, and blended models, will be essential to crowd in the capital needed for the continent’s agrifood SMEs.

Looking ahead to the UNFSS+4 Stocktaking Moment scheduled for July in Addis Ababa, Fotabong urged African states and partners to center their discussions around three interconnected areas. These include accelerating implementation of national food systems aligned with the Kampala Declaration, scaling up proven innovations like AI-assisted farming and biofortified crops, and fostering convergence between sectors—from agriculture and climate to biodiversity and trade.

The Kampala Declaration is more than a document; it is a bold vision of what Africa can achieve when it unites around shared goals. It seeks to turn food from a source of vulnerability into a driver of opportunity. For a continent with immense potential and pressing challenges, this declaration could be the bridge between aspiration and action, between policy and prosperity.

Africa turns to its highest court in historic climate justice push

Africa
Climate change

External Source

May 6, 2025

Africa turns to its highest court in historic climate justice push

In a groundbreaking step that could redefine the intersection of climate change and human rights across the continent, African civil society has taken the climate crisis to court — the highest human rights court in Africa, no less.

On May 2, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania, a coalition of civil society organisations led by the African Climate Platform, Resilient40, Natural Justice, and the Environmental Lawyers Collective for Africa, in partnership with the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), formally submitted a petition to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Their request: an advisory opinion on how African states should fulfil their human rights obligations in the face of a worsening climate crisis.

This is the first time the Court has been approached to issue an opinion specifically on climate justice, marking what many legal and environmental experts consider a historic milestone. The case seeks to establish a legal precedent affirming that the impacts of climate change are not only environmental but also deeply human — affecting people’s access to water, food, health, housing, and even life itself.

“This isn’t just a legal move — it’s a moral and generational call to action,” said Alfred Brownell, Lead Campaigner for the African Climate Platform and an acclaimed environmental lawyer. “Africa contributes the least to global carbon emissions but bears the brunt of the crisis. From deadly floods to catastrophic droughts, climate change is stripping communities of their basic rights. We are urging the Court to declare that environmental degradation is a human rights issue — and that African governments have a duty to protect their people.”

The petition invokes various African legal instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women, the Kampala Convention on Internally Displaced Persons, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Together, these frameworks offer a legal basis for requiring states to safeguard essential rights threatened by climate impacts — particularly among vulnerable populations such as women, children, Indigenous Peoples, and future generations.

Beyond basic rights, the petition also addresses broader systemic issues. It calls for legal clarity and stronger enforcement on topics such as climate adaptation, loss and damage, energy justice, corporate accountability, and the protection of environmental and land defenders — many of whom are under increasing threat for their activism.

Leading up to the Court filing, more than 100 climate advocates, lawyers, youth leaders, and grassroots organisers convened in Arusha to refine the submission and align around a shared vision for climate justice. The atmosphere was intense and urgent, driven by the real-life stories participants brought from across the continent.

“In North Africa, we’re already seeing devastating floods, growing protests over water shortages, and punishing heatwaves,” said Ahmad Abdallah, a human rights defender from Egypt. “Climate change is not a future threat. It is a present crisis, and it is destabilising communities.”

Southern Africa is enduring one of its worst droughts in over a century. “Sixty-one million people face food insecurity,” said Lucien Limacher of Natural Justice. “In some areas, girls are leaving school just to fetch water. Gender-based violence is also on the rise as basic needs become scarce.”

In West Africa, rising temperatures are jeopardising both food systems and livelihoods. “Cocoa farms are drying up, and with them, incomes that millions depend on,” shared Peter Quaqua from Liberia.

The stories from the Democratic Republic of Congo echoed this deepening crisis. “We are witnessing a triple threat: floods, drought, and armed conflict,” said Dorcas Sikujua Faida. “Entire communities are being pushed beyond their limits.”

Climate impacts are not gender-neutral. From Egypt, Shahinaz Adel stressed the disproportionate burden on women. “Women are the caregivers, farmers, and breadwinners in many African households. When climate disasters strike, they suffer first and suffer most.”

Namibian activist and artist Inna Maria Shikongo voiced the urgency from the perspective of youth and women. “Across Africa, young people are experiencing climate anxiety, economic stress, and political exclusion. We are suffering silently. This petition gives us a voice — and we must use it.”

The role of Indigenous Peoples in climate resilience also came to the fore. Agnes Kabujuni of Minority Rights Group highlighted the value of traditional knowledge. “Indigenous communities have lived sustainably for centuries. They are not only victims of climate change — they are key to solving it. We must include their leadership in policy and legal frameworks.”

From a legal perspective, the petition signals a shift in how African institutions are framing the climate crisis. According to June Cynthia Okelo, Economic Governance Officer at PALU, “Africa is not the world’s waste bin. Our people are not disposable. Through this advisory opinion, we are asking the Court to affirm that climate inaction is a violation of human rights. We are done waiting. This is our moment to draw a legal line.”

The filing is expected to spark legal discussions across the continent — and perhaps beyond. Once the Court receives and considers the petition, it may provide guidance that shapes how African states approach climate policy, rights protections, and environmental justice in years to come.

Following the submission, the coalition will host a press conference at the African Court to outline next steps. Regardless of the outcome, this action stands as a powerful message: Africa will no longer accept climate injustice in silence. It is taking the fight to the courtroom.

The African Climate Platform is a growing alliance of civil society organisations, climate justice advocates, Indigenous networks, women’s rights groups, and youth movements dedicated to ensuring African voices are heard — and lead — in the global climate justice movement.

Carbon capture and storage at ExxonMobil

Carbon offseting
Economic Responsibility

Lisa Matata

May 6, 2025

Carbon capture and storage at ExxonMobil

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical tool in the global effort to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions, and ExxonMobil is at the forefront of advancing this technology at scale. By building a robust CCS infrastructure and prioritizing safety at every stage—from capture to transport to storage—the company is supporting U.S. industries in their journey toward lower carbon operations while protecting the communities where it operates.

ExxonMobil is developing what is considered one of the most advanced CCS networks in the world. This system includes an extensive network of CO₂ pipelines and secure geological storage sites, many of which are located in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The network is designed to serve major industrial areas, allowing multiple facilities to connect and transport captured CO₂ for safe, permanent storage.

This large-scale approach allows for operational efficiency and the reduction of emissions across entire industrial hubs. It also supports the production of low-carbon products, helping industries remain competitive in a global economy that increasingly favors sustainability.

The question of safety is central to any discussion on CCS. ExxonMobil applies rigorous safety protocols and technical standards throughout the lifecycle of CO₂ capture and storage.

Captured CO₂ is first compressed and then transported through pipelines constructed and operated in compliance with strict engineering standards and regulatory frameworks. These pipelines are equipped with continuous monitoring systems, automated shut-off valves, and regular inspection schedules to detect and address any potential issues before they escalate. Every component of the system is backed by redundancy and real-time monitoring to ensure maximum operational integrity.

Once the CO₂ reaches a designated storage site, it is injected deep underground into carefully selected geological formations. These formations are typically thousands of feet below the Earth’s surface and are capped by impermeable rock layers that prevent the CO₂ from migrating upward.

Before any storage site is approved for use, it undergoes extensive geological surveys, modeling, and risk assessments to confirm its suitability. Continuous monitoring is maintained throughout the storage process, with pressure data and other indicators tracked in real time to verify that the CO₂ remains safely contained.

The company also adheres to federal and state regulatory requirements and works with third-party experts to review and validate its safety systems and environmental protections.

ExxonMobil recognizes that building and maintaining trust with local communities is just as important as technical excellence. The company actively engages with stakeholders in areas where its CCS infrastructure is located, ensuring that residents, civic leaders, and first responders are informed and prepared.

Through public meetings, educational outreach, and collaboration with emergency services, the company provides clear information about how CCS works and what safety measures are in place. Local responders are trained in emergency procedures, although incidents are rare thanks to the robust systems in place.

Carbon capture and storage is widely regarded by climate scientists and energy experts as an essential component of the pathway to net-zero emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that CCS could contribute up to 15% of the global emissions reductions required by 2050.

ExxonMobil’s investment in CCS reflects a broader strategy to support a lower-emissions energy future. In addition to providing a practical solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as manufacturing and power generation, the company’s CCS efforts help preserve jobs and support economic resilience in industrial regions.

By combining innovation with a steadfast focus on safety and public engagement, ExxonMobil is setting a high standard for responsible CCS deployment. The work being done today lays the groundwork for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable tomorrow.

Global spotlight on e-waste dumping as Africa calls for accountability

Economic Responsibility
Technology

External Source

May 5, 2025

Global spotlight on e-waste dumping as Africa calls for accountability

As global e-waste surges to record levels, more than 180 countries have gathered in Geneva for two weeks — from April 29 to May 9 — to confront the mounting crisis of toxic waste, with a spotlight on Africa’s growing burden. The high-stakes talks, held under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, aim to tighten global rules on hazardous waste and chemical pollution, especially from discarded electronics.

Africa, long a recipient of harmful electronic shipments disguised as second-hand goods, is expected to feature prominently as delegates deliberate how to curb environmental injustice and strengthen global accountability.

In 2022, the world generated a staggering 62 million tonnes of e-waste — enough to circle the equator with trucks full of scrap. That figure is expected to surge to 82 million tonnes by 2030. Despite the scale of the problem, only 22 percent of global e-waste is formally recycled. The rest? Burned, buried, or dumped — often in regions like West Africa where enforcement is weak and oversight is lacking.

Read also: Trends in e-waste management

On the ground, this translates into informal recycling methods like open-air burning or acid leaching — exposing vulnerable communities to a cocktail of toxic chemicals. These processes contaminate soil, pollute water sources, and release harmful gases into the air.

“The volume of waste entering Africa is far greater than reported,” says Edem d’Almeida, founder of Africa Global Recycling based in Togo. “Much of it is smuggled in through informal routes, making it hard to track and even harder to regulate.”

Children, expectant mothers, and informal workers are paying the steepest price. According to the World Health Organization, e-waste recycling can release up to 1,000 hazardous substances — including lead, mercury, and dioxins — which are linked to serious health complications such as brain damage and respiratory disease.

Young people, often seen picking through dumpsites like Dandora in Nairobi, are the most exposed. These toxic exposures can stunt development, weaken immune systems, and leave lifelong impacts.

But the damage doesn’t stop with human health. E-waste toxins seep into crops, contaminate food systems, and destroy fragile ecosystems, worsening food insecurity and environmental degradation.

At the Geneva talks, negotiators are also debating the regulation of PFAS, a group of so-called “forever chemicals” used in everyday products like electronics, food packaging, and cosmetics. Their resistance to degradation makes them especially dangerous.

While civil society groups like the Centre for International Environmental Law are calling for a full ban, lobbying and slow consensus-building are likely to delay strong decisions.

Still, environmental advocates see the negotiations as an opportunity to link plastic pollution, chemical exposure, and e-waste into one holistic conversation — and build momentum toward a global plastics treaty scheduled for further talks later this year.

While the global community debates, some African countries are already taking action.

Nigeria has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring electronics manufacturers and importers to help finance e-waste recycling.
Ghana has placed a levy on imported second-hand electronics to fund recycling efforts.
Rwanda is leading with public-private partnerships, building a national e-waste management center that processes old electronics safely and efficiently.

Despite these efforts, less than 1 percent of Africa’s e-waste is formally recycled — a stark contrast to the potential outlined by the United Nations, which estimates that raising global e-waste collection to 60 percent by 2030 could yield over $38 billion in benefits, from new green jobs to improved public health.

As UNEP’s chemicals and health head Jacqueline Alvarez notes, “Chemicals are integral to modern life — but if we don’t control how we manage them, they’ll continue to poison the very systems that sustain us.”

As negotiations continue in Geneva, Africa’s voice is growing louder, demanding fairness, transparency, and support to stop being the world’s digital dumping ground. With bold policy, better enforcement, and global cooperation, the tide can turn — but only if action follows the talk.

The blue economy: Africa’s next multi-billion dollar frontier

blue economy
Economic Responsibility

External Source

April 30, 2025

The blue economy: Africa’s next multi-billion dollar frontier

Picture a sun-drenched morning on the Tanzanian coast. Mariam, a 29-year-old seaweed farmer, wades knee-deep through the crystal waters, carefully tying lines for her next harvest. A few miles away, a young engineer in Mombasa is assembling low-cost, solar-powered fishing boats. Across the continent, in Senegal, a cooperative of women is turning discarded fish skins into luxury leather products sold in Parisian boutiques.

These aren’t isolated stories. They are the early beats of a much larger rhythm building across Africa: the rise of the Blue Economy.

For too long, Africa’s oceans, lakes, and waterways have been treated as infinite resources , exploited, polluted, and underused. Yet today, a silent revolution is gaining momentum. Governments, investors, and entrepreneurs are beginning to realize that the Blue Economy economic activities linked to oceans, seas, and coasts could be Africa’s next multi-billion-dollar growth engine.

The math is undeniable. Africa is home to 38 coastal states and boasts an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of more than 13 million square kilometers. Fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine conservation are industries ready for scaling.

According to the African Union, Africa’s Blue Economy is already estimated to generate nearly $300 billion annually and supports 49 million jobs. But experts agree this is just scratching the surface.

As climate change intensifies and land-based resources become stressed, oceans offer a chance for Africa to reimagine development sustainably. A well-managed blue economy could lift millions out of poverty, create new jobs, and protect natural ecosystems critical for life.

The magic of the Blue Economy lies not just in GDP numbers but in the people it empowers. Take Mariam, for instance. Her seaweed farm was once a side hustle to support her children. Today, after joining a women’s cooperative and receiving microfinance loans, she exports organic seaweed powder to wellness brands in Europe. Her income has quadrupled. Her kids go to school. Her village now dreams bigger.

Or consider Joseph, a 26-year-old former fisherman in Ghana who lost everything to declining fish stocks. Through a World Bank-supported Blue Economy program, Joseph retrained as a marine eco-tour guide. He now leads snorkeling tours, educating visitors on coral reef conservation while earning five times what he made as a fisherman.

The blue economy isn’t just about extraction; it’s about regeneration of livelihoods, of dignity, of hope.

If Africa invests smartly, the Blue Economy could double in value over the next decade. Consider these high-growth areas:

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Responsible fishing and new fish farming technologies can meet Africa’s growing protein demand.

Marine Renewable Energy: Offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy projects could power coastal cities and industries.

Eco-Tourism: With its dazzling coasts and marine reserves, Africa could become a magnet for sustainable tourism.

Blue Biotech: From anti-cancer compounds derived from marine organisms to biodegradable plastics made from seaweed, the possibilities are limitless.

Marine Transport and Ports: As intra-Africa trade grows under AfCFTA, modernizing shipping and port infrastructure will be critical.

Of course, opportunities don’t come without risks. Overfishing, marine pollution, unregulated coastal development, and climate change all threaten Africa’s blue resources.

Financing is another hurdle. Traditional banks often view ocean-based enterprises as risky, informal, or too small. That’s why new partnerships between banks, donors, governments, and the private sector are urgently needed to unlock affordable, sustainable blue finance especially for women and youth entrepreneurs who are often left behind.

The policy environment also matters. Governments must strengthen marine governance, enforce sustainable fishing practices, expand marine protected areas, and incentivize private investment in ocean innovation.

Africa stands at a crossroads. Will it treat its oceans as open-access exploitation zones, or will it nurture them as engines of sustainable prosperity?

The good news is that a new generation of leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs are choosing the latter. Across the continent, coastal communities are stepping up demanding cleaner seas, smarter investments, and a seat at the decision-making table.

By financing Africa’s Blue Economy, they won’t just earn returns. They’ll help write a new chapter of African success stories.

Because when Mariam harvests her seaweed, when Joseph leads his eco-tour, and when countless others find dignified, sustainable livelihoods from the ocean Africa wins.

And when Africa wins, the world wins.

The Blue Economy isn’t just a dream. It’s Africa’s next multi-billion-dollar frontier and it’s already rising with the tide.

Clean energy growth outpaces global demand – A turning point for net-zero 2050?

Africa
Energy

External Source

April 29, 2025

Clean energy growth outpaces global demand – A turning point for net-zero 2050?

The clean energy transition is accelerating faster than expected—and for the first time, global renewable energy growth has outpaced demand. According to BloombergNEF’s New Energy Outlook 2025, this milestone may mark the beginning of a structural decline in energy-related carbon emissions, signaling a major breakthrough in the path toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

A Tipping Point for Global Emissions?

BloombergNEF’s updated Economic Transition Scenario (ETS) shows global energy-related CO₂ emissions likely peaked in 2024, following record investments in solar, wind, hydropower, and energy efficiency measures. From this peak, emissions are projected to fall by 9% by 2030, 13% by 2035, and a significant 22% by 2050—if current policies and trends continue.

This signals a historic turning point: the decoupling of economic growth from carbon emissions. Solar and wind alone are responsible for about 75% of the expected emission reductions, with the rest coming from electrified transport, improved efficiency, and fuel switching.

For the first time, the increase in clean energy capacity globally has exceeded the pace of energy demand growth—indicating that renewables are not just adding to the grid but actively displacing fossil fuels.

Countries like the United States, China, and members of the European Union are setting the pace in emissions reduction. All signatories to the Paris Agreement are due to submit revised 2035 climate targets by early 2025, and many are already laying out ambitious pathways.

Australia, the EU, and South Korea will need to cut emissions by around 70% relative to 2019 levels to align with the 1.5°C target. Meanwhile, India retains some headroom to grow emissions by up to 27% while still aligning with global carbon budgets—thanks in part to its lower historical emissions.

Brazil and the United Kingdom have already tabled 2035 targets compatible with net-zero ambitions. Japan’s pathway sits between BloombergNEF’s base case and net-zero scenarios. On the other hand, emissions in Vietnam and Indonesia are projected to rise, while Africa and the Middle East may see emissions plateau.

This global divergence highlights the uneven playing field in energy transitions. For Africa, which contributes less than 4% of global emissions but faces disproportionate climate impacts, the focus must be twofold: scaling up renewables and securing climate finance for equitable development.

The United States is forecast to cut energy-related emissions by 16% by 2035 and 29% by 2050. The power sector is leading the charge, with expected emission reductions of 22% by 2035, driven by the expansion of wind, solar, and battery storage.

However, road transport remains a challenge. Rising travel volumes and slower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) adoption are pushing transport emissions upward. Oil refining and gas-fired power are also expanding in some states.

Still, U.S. wind capacity is expected to double to 321 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, while solar is set to triple to 692 GW. Battery storage is projected to rise sixfold, from 29 GW in 2024 to 175 GW in 2035. These projections benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act, which continues to provide crucial policy incentives. However, tariffs on imported clean energy components may dampen future installations, potentially cutting battery growth by 27% and solar by 7% by 2050 if not addressed.

One of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand globally is data centers, driven by AI, cloud computing, and cryptocurrency mining. Electricity demand from data centers is projected to rise from 1,200 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2035 to 3,700 TWh in 2050—representing 9% of total global demand.

To meet this demand, the world needs to add 362 GW of new generation capacity by 2035. While renewables will likely supply most of this, fossil fuels could still provide up to 64% of data center power unless policies pivot aggressively toward sustainable energy sources.

This development raises a critical question: can the green transition keep pace with digital growth? As AI-driven services expand, energy policies must prioritize clean supply chains and energy-efficient technologies.

Despite rising project costs and interest rates, renewables and EVs are performing exceptionally well. BloombergNEF estimates that renewables will account for 67% of global electricity by 2050, up from 29% today. In contrast, fossil fuels’ share will shrink from 58% to just 25%.

Solar and wind will together generate two-thirds of the world’s electricity by 2050. On the transport front, EV sales are projected to soar—from 17.2 million in 2024 to 42 million by 2030. By 2050, two-thirds of all passenger vehicles will be electric, reducing oil demand for road transport by 40%.

This is particularly encouraging for Africa, where renewable energy paired with e-mobility presents an opportunity to leapfrog fossil fuel dependence while improving air quality and energy access.

While fossil fuels will continue to play a role in the short term, their decline is inevitable. Oil demand is projected to peak in 2032 at 104 million barrels per day before falling to 88 million by 2050. The aviation and petrochemical sectors will make up the bulk of ongoing consumption.

Coal use is already plummeting—set to decline by 25% by 2035, including a steep fall of 2% in 2025, mainly due to China’s aggressive coal phase-out. Gas demand will hold steady until around 2040, after which renewables are expected to push it downward.

The surge in clean energy installations in 2024 may have marked the start of a long-term emissions decline. However, challenges persist—from political backsliding to infrastructure delays and the energy needs of digital technologies.

Still, the global momentum is undeniable. With continued investments, stronger climate policies, and inclusive planning—especially for emerging economies like those in Africa—the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 is no longer aspirational. It is increasingly possible.

How AI is transforming sustainability and financial reporting

Sustainability reporting
Technology

External Source

April 29, 2025

How AI is transforming sustainability and financial reporting

The demand for corporate transparency and accountability is growing steadily. Investors, regulators, and the public expect companies to disclose not only their financial performance but also their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Sustainability reporting is increasingly seen as essential to understanding a company’s long-term value and responsibility.

While AI is often associated with self-driving cars and chatbots, its role in reshaping sustainability and financial reporting is quietly becoming one of its most profound contributions to business and society. Companies that embrace AI to enhance their reporting processes are not just keeping up, they are setting the pace for a future where sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand.

Traditionally, financial reporting and sustainability disclosures have been labor-intensive. Teams would spend weeks or months gathering data from multiple departments, verifying their accuracy, compiling reports, and cross-checking figures. Sustainability data from carbon emissions to supply chain audits was especially difficult because it often came from disparate sources and formats.

Machine learning algorithms can now automatically gather, clean, and analyze massive amounts of financial and non-financial data in real time. Instead of quarterly snapshots, companies can now track sustainability metrics continuously, identify anomalies quickly, and generate insights that were previously impossible to see until it was too late.

For example, AI can detect patterns in energy usage across different manufacturing plants, flagging areas where emissions are unexpectedly high. It can cross-reference supplier data with sustainability risks, such as deforestation or labor violations. In the realm of financial reporting, AI-driven tools can spot revenue recognition issues, detect fraudulent transactions, and even predict future risks based on market behavior all before humans could manually piece the story together.

The result is faster, more accurate, and more forward-looking, reporting exactly what investors and stakeholders are increasingly demanding.

Sustainability reporting has struggled with credibility issues. How do we know the data reported is true? How can we be sure companies aren’t selectively disclosing positive information and hiding the negatives?

Natural Language Processing (NLP), a subset of AI, can scan thousands of sustainability reports, news articles, and regulatory filings to detect inconsistencies between what companies say and what they do. Some AI systems can flag potential greenwashing by analyzing a company’s sustainability commitments against its actual investments and operations.

Additionally, blockchain and AI combined offer exciting possibilities: imagine a world where ESG data is verified at the source whether it’s carbon sensors on trucks or water usage meters in factories — and automatically recorded into immutable ledgers. No manual intervention. No chance to alter the story. Pure, real-time sustainability truth.

One of the most exciting uses of AI is in scenario planning. Companies can now use AI models to simulate how different sustainability initiatives would impact their financial results over 5, 10, or 20 years. Want to know how switching to renewable energy would affect costs, revenue, and brand equity? AI can model it. Curious about the financial risks of ignoring biodiversity loss in your supply chain? AI can calculate those too.

This level of forward-looking insight turns sustainability from a compliance burden into a strategic advantage. CFOs and sustainability officers are finding common ground, both are realizing that smart ESG strategies, powered by AI, lead to stronger, more resilient companies.

AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. Poor data quality can lead to flawed insights. Bias in AI models can unintentionally marginalize certain risks or overemphasize others. There is also the looming fear of “black box” AI systems making decisions without clear explanations, which could raise transparency concerns rather than solve them.

Ethical AI practices must be embedded into the design and deployment of these tools, ensuring that algorithms support rather than undermine the goals of fair, reliable, and responsible reporting.

Sustainability, financial reporting, and AI are no longer separate conversations. They are converging into a single, transformative force. Companies that leverage AI for sustainability and financial reporting will not only reduce risks but unlock new opportunities: stronger investor confidence, better stakeholder trust, and a genuine competitive advantage.

The future of reporting is intelligent, transparent, and sustainable and it’s already here. The question is: will your organization lead, or lag behind ?

African aviation sustainability and safety summit heads to Kigali

Africa
events

External Source

April 28, 2025

African aviation sustainability and safety summit heads to Kigali

Africa’s aviation industry is taking an important step toward a sustainable and resilient future. This May, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) will convene two landmark events at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda — the 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention (May 11–13, 2025) and the 2nd African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit (May 13–14, 2025). Hosted under the high patronage of the Government of Rwanda and with the support of RwandAir, these back-to-back gatherings are poised to be catalysts for transformation in African aviation.

Held under the theme “Sustainability. Collaborate. Innovate.”, the 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention is expected to attract over 500 high-profile delegates from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. As Africa’s leading aviation networking platform, the Convention aims to explore growth opportunities, address industry challenges, and foster strategic partnerships across the aviation value chain.

At a time when global conversations are increasingly centered around climate action and sustainable development, Africa’s aviation sector is seeking to align itself with emerging global standards. The Convention’s focus on sustainability is timely. Airlines, airports, and aviation service providers across the continent are under pressure to lower emissions, integrate sustainable practices into their operations, and innovate to stay competitive in a fast-evolving global landscape.

African aviation plays a vital role in connecting people, promoting trade, tourism, and supporting economic growth. However, the industry faces unique challenges, from infrastructure deficits and regulatory hurdles to environmental concerns and skills gaps. The 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention will offer a platform to address these issues head-on, encouraging collaborative approaches among governments, private sector actors, and development organizations.

Sessions will dive into critical topics such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), digital transformation, green airport development, climate risk management, and innovations in airline operations. Through these discussions, the Convention will help align African aviation with the continent’s broader sustainability agenda, as outlined in frameworks like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Safety and operational excellence: A top priority

Immediately following the Convention, AFRAA, in collaboration with the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), will stage the 2nd African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit under the theme “Strengthening Safety Culture for Resilient Aviation in Africa.”

Scheduled for May 13–14, the Summit underscores the critical role of safety in sustaining the aviation industry’s growth. By bringing together operational leaders, safety experts, regulators, and other key stakeholders, the Summit will focus on sharing best practices, analyzing safety trends, and building a robust safety culture that supports operational resilience.

Aviation safety events such as this are vital for the African context. According to recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) data, while safety records on the continent have improved, Africa still lags behind global averages. Strengthening safety processes, enhancing regulatory oversight, investing in training, and fostering cross-sector collaboration are essential steps toward closing this gap.

The Safety & Operations Summit will emphasize actionable strategies, with discussions covering areas such as human factors in aviation, predictive safety management systems, accident investigation processes, and the integration of new technologies to enhance operational safety.

Together, the Convention and the Summit represent much more than technical gatherings. They are part of a broader vision to redefine African aviation — making it more sustainable, more innovative, and more resilient.

One of the highlights of these events will be the focus on partnership. AFRAA recognizes that achieving sustainable growth in aviation cannot be accomplished in isolation. Cross-border collaboration, private-public partnerships, knowledge-sharing platforms, and investments in research and development are all critical.

Importantly, the Kigali events will also offer a chance to showcase Africa’s potential to be a leader in emerging areas such as green aviation technologies and regional air connectivity improvements. Africa’s youth population, technological adoption rates, and regional integration efforts (such as the Single African Air Transport Market — SAATM) create a fertile ground for growth if supported by the right policies and investments.

Choosing Rwanda as the host nation reflects the country’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable development and innovation in Africa. Rwanda’s investments in green growth, its world-class hospitality infrastructure, and its ambitious Vision 2050 plan provide a fitting backdrop for discussions around the future of aviation.

RwandAir’s involvement as the official host airline also highlights the airline’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and regional leadership. As one of Africa’s fastest-growing airlines, RwandAir has consistently been recognized for its operational excellence and customer service, making it a strong partner for AFRAA in delivering successful events.

As Africa works to unlock the full potential of its aviation sector, events like the AFRAA Convention and Safety Summit are essential. They provide not only a forum for dialogue but a launchpad for real action. Building a sustainable and safe aviation sector will require bold leadership, strategic investments, innovation, and above all, a commitment to collaboration across the industry.

Africa’s skies are expanding. By prioritizing sustainability, safety, and innovation, the continent is preparing to soar to new heights — creating a stronger, greener aviation industry that benefits not just airlines and passengers, but economies and communities across Africa.

For more information about the event programme and registration details, visit the official event site here

Africa to build its own Credit Rating System

Africa
Economic Responsibility
Finance

External Source

April 28, 2025

Africa to build its own Credit Rating System

Africa’s call for financial autonomy took a decisive step forward this week as leading policymakers, economists, and credit rating experts convened in Washington to push for the establishment of an African-led credit rating agency.

Held during the sidelines of the 2025 IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings, the high-level dialogue brought together key players from African institutions and global financial markets to address a pressing issue: the need for a credit rating system that better reflects Africa’s economic realities and potential.

Organized by the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) alongside partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), AfriCatalyst, and the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), the event signaled growing momentum behind Africa’s ambition to reshape its financial future.

Today, over 30 African nations rely on ratings from a handful of global agencies — Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch — whose assessments can dramatically influence borrowing costs, investor confidence, and access to capital. Yet concerns of bias, lack of transparency, and outdated methodologies have long plagued Africa’s interactions with these agencies, often leading to unfairly punitive assessments.

“Despite a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion, only two African countries have secured investment-grade ratings,” noted Ambassador Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of UNECA. “This imbalance not only misrepresents Africa’s economic strength but also hampers efforts to attract sustainable investment critical for development.”

The gathering emphasized that accurate, transparent credit ratings are not merely technical metrics — they are gateways to opportunity. They shape how African governments finance infrastructure, healthcare, education, and climate resilience.

Dr. Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist at UNDP Africa, called for a fundamental rethink of how Africa’s creditworthiness is evaluated. “We need development-centric rating systems that account for the continent’s resilience, reforms, and growth trajectories. Strengthening data systems and improving institutional capacity must be our foundation.”

The dialogue did not shy away from tough conversations. Participants from Moody’s and S&P Global acknowledged longstanding criticisms and expressed willingness to collaborate more closely with African governments, investors, and financial institutions to enhance transparency and address risk perception gaps.

At the heart of the discussion was the proposed African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) — an initiative positioned not as a replacement, but as a complement to existing global rating mechanisms.

Dr. Misheck Mutize, Lead Expert on Credit Ratings at APRM, made it clear: “AfCRA’s mission is not to deliver favourable ratings to African entities. It is about ensuring diversity in perspectives and a more contextual, independent view of African risk. This will empower governments, corporates, and investors alike.”

Creating AfCRA would mark a major leap toward building stronger domestic debt markets, reducing overreliance on external assessments, and fostering homegrown financial expertise.

Dr. Daouda Sembene, CEO of AfriCatalyst, stressed the urgency of action: “We cannot continue to allow inaccurate narratives to define Africa’s access to finance. Collaboration among African institutions and with global agencies is critical if we are to level the playing field.”

Looking ahead, participants highlighted three urgent priorities:

Establishing more regular dialogue and transparency between African governments and international credit agencies.
Strengthening Africa’s data and analytics capabilities to support stronger, evidence-based assessments.
Building and operationalizing AfCRA as a credible, independent institution that bolsters Africa’s integration into global capital markets.

As South Africa chairs the G20 and the African Union cements its permanent seat at the table of global governance, the timing for an African-led solution has never been more opportune.

In a world where narratives shape markets, Africa is stepping forward to tell its own story — one of resilience, reform, and opportunity.

The conversations in Washington are just the beginning. Africa’s financial sovereignty is no longer just an aspiration — it is an emerging reality.

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African aviation sustainability and safety summit heads to Kigali

Africa to build its own Credit Rating System