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.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
Related events
- UN sets goals for poverty reduction in Africa.
- Poverty persists in Africa and Global South.
- Uganda exemplifies African energy sector transformation driven by the global push for climate transition.
- The African Union, involving key figures like Justin Nsengiyumva and Hailemariam Desalegn, addresses structural challenges in African agriculture and calls for modern investment.
- A summit was held on January 1, 2025, calling for expanded cooperation in trade and energy across Africa.