Page 4 - AfrOil Week 37 2021

AfrOil COMMENTARY AfrOil

(Photo: NNPC)
Energy poverty influences Africa’s

approach to climate challenges

During a collaborative meeting sponsored by OPEC, industry leaders emphasised the role that natural

gas and developed countries will play in Africa’s energy transition, writes the African Energy Chamber

AFRICA is on the precipice of both an energy With the aim of discussing key challenges
sector and economic transformation, with the and opportunities relating to global action in
WHAT: continent making accelerated efforts to develop tackling climate change, specifically in the con-
Industry leaders have its immense resources. text of sustainable development and poverty
discussed options for Driven by the continent’s growing demand alleviation, OPEC Secretary General Moham-
balancing Africa’s need for energy, and the increased capacity of local mad Sanusi Barkindo convened a virtual Minis-
for energy financing with service companies in resource-rich coun- terial Roundtable discussion on Energy, Climate
climate considerations. tries, Africa is committed to using its natural and Sustainable Development on September 6,
resources as a catalyst for sustained economic 2021.
WHY: growth. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Participants included representatives from
Funding for African oil this trend has become increasingly more impor- OPEC member countries and non-OPEC oil
and gas projects has tant, especially if Africa is to eradicate poverty producing countries, India as well as inter-
been constrained by
global efforts to reduce by 2030. Yet, unilaterally formulated climate national organizations including the African
emissions. mitigation objectives often fail to consider the Petroleum Producers Association (APPO),
adverse effects this agenda has on developing the African Energy Chamber (AEC), the Gas
WHAT NEXT: countries. With the number of people without Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), the Inter-
Industry leaders remain access to electricity threatening to increase with national Energy Forum (IEF), the African Refin-
committed to devel- the pandemic, the need for a balanced, inclusive, ers & Distributors Association (ARDA) and the
oping Africa’s natural and multilateral approach to climate change Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting
resources. mitigation has been noted. Countries (OAPEC).

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