African Organizations Critique Fossil Fuel Use in Obama's Energy Initiative
What happened
In November 2013, African organizations wrote to President Obama concerning the Power Africa initiative and the Electrify Africa Act of 2013. The organizations noted that in 2013, over two-thirds of sub-Saharan Africa’s population lacked electricity, a figure that grew to more than 85 per cent in rural areas. They rejected further extraction of fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and natural gas, and opposed large hydropower projects.
From afriquesenlutte.org
Why it matters
The initiative addresses energy poverty in Africa, but the organizations advocate for decentralized, clean, community-controlled renewable energy instead of fossil fuel projects. This pushback against traditional energy sources could fundamentally change energy investment and market dynamics across the continent.
From afriquesenlutte.org
Who's involved
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NigeriaSpeculative
Nigeria might face pressure on its core oil revenue due to the pushback against fossil fuel extraction.
- African Development BankSpeculative
The African Development Bank could see its mandate shift toward financing decentralized renewable energy.
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The entities involved
Related events
- AEW 2026 focuses on Africa's energy projects, noting Angola's role in the continent's energy sector.
- An African Energy Week conference was held in Africa on October 13, 2026.
- Advocates, including NJ Ayuk and Ekperikpe Ekpo, discuss the necessary shifts in African energy strategy, focusing on the utilization of gas resources.
- Rising populations in Africa are increasing energy needs, a trend that impacts the continent's development and corporate interests like Kinder Morgan.
- Sierra Leone is a focus country for a project initiated by the Rockefeller Foundation aimed at improving energy access across Africa.