UN says Africa has potential to become a ‘renewable superpower’

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said Africa holds the means to become a “renewable superpower”, calling for greater investment in green energy across the continent, according to Arab News via AFP on August 21st. 

He made the comments at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), a three-day summit in Japan attended by African leaders. Japan is seeking to present itself as a reliable partner at a time when many African nations are under strain from rising debt, shrinking aid, conflict and climate pressures.

Guterres told participants that “We must mobilise finance and technology, so that Africa’s natural wealth benefits African people, we must build a thriving renewables and manufacturing base across the continent.” Continuing that, “green power in Africa lowers energy costs, diversifies supply chains and accelerates decarbonisation for everyone.”

For over a decade, Chinese money has driven much of Africa’s infrastructure growth, funding ports, highways and rail lines through Beijing’s Belt and Road program. But that flow of financing is slowing. At the same time, debt to China and private lenders continues to pile up, with Australia’s Lowy Institute warning in May of a looming “tidal wave” of repayments.

Western assistance has also declined, particularly after the dismantling of USAID programs under US president Donald Trump. In February, the UK government announced it would reduce its overseas aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, cutting support by around 40%.

Guterres warned that “debt must not drown development” and urged easier access to loans along with greater support from international development banks.

He also pushed for greater investment in climate solutions. “Africa has everything it takes to become a renewable superpower, from solar and wind to the critical minerals that power new technology,” he said.

Among those attending TICAD were Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenya’s President William Ruto. Ruto said Kenya was in talks with Toyota for 5,000 “e-mobility vehicles” as part of its “commitment to clean energy.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba opened the conference by pledging to train 30,000 Africans in artificial intelligence over the next three years. He also announced plans for a new trade corridor linking Indian Ocean and African nations.

Tinubu and Ramaphosa emphasised the need to move from aid dependency toward investment-driven cooperation.

Arab News via AFP, Maghrebi.org