Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy must not come at the expense of jobs, food security and the continent’s wider development priorities, the chair of the Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN), Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, has said.
Mr Amoah made the remarks on Tuesday during a press briefing at the ongoing COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey.
He stressed that Africa’s energy transition must reflect the continent’s unique economic and social realities, with particular attention to protecting workers and ensuring access to affordable and reliable food.
The AGN chair’s comments come amid growing discussions at the global climate conference over how countries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining economic growth and addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
Africa, which continues to grapple with energy poverty, unemployment and food insecurity, faces the challenge of balancing its development ambitions with international commitments to tackle climate change.
Mr Amoah’s position highlights the need for climate policies that support a fair and inclusive transition, rather than imposing economic burdens on communities and industries that depend heavily on traditional energy sources.
The COP31 summit in Antalya has brought together world leaders, climate negotiators, environmental organisations and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for tackling the climate crisis and advancing global commitments to reduce emissions.
For African countries, the negotiations are particularly significant as they seek greater climate financing, technology transfer and support for sustainable development while ensuring that the transition to cleaner energy does not undermine their economic prospects.
