Fossils Implicated. How the Promotion of Fossil Energies Inhibits Africa's Development.

Fossils Implicated: How the Promotion of Fossil Energies Inhibits Africa's Development highlights the interests influencing Africa's energy decisions, using case studies to dispel myths and amplify African perspectives. This report supports a transformative shift towards renewable energy to align Africa's development with global environmental goals and its people's aspirations. Despite contributing only 3.8% of global emissions, Africa faces severe climate impacts and receives just 5% of global climate finance. Rejecting fossil fuels is key for economic and social progress, challenging global reliance on dirty energy.

Africa's energy challenges are rooted in outdated colonial models, leading to low energy access and inefficiency. It is, therefore, crucial for the continent to address these concerns to end poverty, build climate resilience, empower women, and achieve development goals like Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Amid global disruptions, Africa aims to become a significant global player by 2050. However, myths equating development with fossil fuel use continue, driven by vested interests. The report underscores the socio-economic costs of this narrative.

Renewable energy, now a viable and cost-effective solution, offers socio-economic benefits like job creation and energy security to Africans. This report calls for urgent action to pivot towards renewables, countering the detrimental impacts of fossil fuels and aligning with Africa's vision for sustainable development.