Lack of local manufacturing and assembly plants, inadequate funding and poor investment had also limited the continent’s ability towards embracing clean energy.
Governments in Africa have been asked to remove barriers that have hindered the continent from transitioning to renewable energy and addressing the crisis of climate change.
Climate activists across the continent said that barriers such as lack of awareness, limited technical skills, lack of tax incentives as well as insufficient policies, were some of the leading obstacles towards the adoption of renewable energy.
The experts have also argued that lack of local manufacturing and assembly plants, inadequate funding and poor investment had also limited the continent’s ability towards embracing clean energy.
According to climate activist Michael Terungwa, Africa’s potential to produce renewable energy had greatly been affected by a lack of commitment by many governments across the continent.
Speaking during an event to celebrate African day, Mr Terungwa who is the founder of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem (GIFSEP) in Nigeria said that the continent had great potential that ought to be unlocked.
Mr Terungwa argued that continued dependence on polluting fossil fuels by many on the continent has continued to result in a climate crisis that is devastating communities.
“Just last year, Nigeria suffered flooding that led to the loss of hundreds of lives and displacement of an estimated 1.5 million others. We are counting on the political will of our new leadership to pave the way for the much needed just transition in Nigeria by being intentional in implementing relevant policies that create a conducive environment for the adoption of renewable energy,” Mr Terungwa said.
Other speakers at the event, including Landry Ninteretse, the regional director of 350Africa.org, Raïssa Oureya from the Renewable Energy Coalition and Ferron Pedro, South Africa Senior campaigner, 350Africa.org, called for an urgent action on the climate crisis in the continent.
“Africa’s wealth of renewable energy potential presents a great opportunity for the continent to not only address her own energy needs, but also potentially lead the global energy transition. What is required are concerted efforts by governments and other stakeholders to address the barriers to renewable energy,” Mr Ninteretse said.
Ms Oureya said that it was critical for activists from the continent to maintain the push for a sustainable energy future built on renewables to enhance energy security and address the climate crisis.
“Beyond the launch of this research, we are holding various actions to raise awareness on the role of renewable energy in enhancing sustainable development in hopes that this will spur a much-needed clean energy transition,” she said.
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