German State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, Jennifer Morgan, has emphasized the significant role Africa plays in the global energy transition ahead of her visit to Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Morgan stated, “Africa is a continent which has a huge role to play in the energy transition. The massive potential of renewables opens up opportunities for the people there and for cooperation with us in Europe. At COP28 in Dubai we heralded the end of the fossil fuel era and agreed on a renewable future. We want to work with our African partners to usher in this future.”
She highlighted the vulnerability of many African countries to the effects of climate change, citing the recent flooding in Kenya following extreme drought. The impact on people’s livelihoods and homes is dramatic, and the potential for conflict within communities, countries, and regions has increased considerably.
A central topic of her trip is the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), supported by Germany. “With APRA we are shifting the energy transition into a higher gear. Kenya, with its ambitious goals, is an important partner in accelerating the energy transition in Africa,” Morgan said.
In order to intensify cooperation with Kenya, a hydrogen diplomacy office is being established there, designed to bring together key players for hydrogen production in the country.
Morgan also pointed out the susceptibility of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, to the effects of the climate crisis, also in terms of security. She intends to intensify cooperation with Nigeria in the area of energy and climate within the context of the existing bilateral energy partnership.
In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, her bilateral talks will focus on the energy transition and climate policy. Another priority will be the exchange with the African Union, particularly on climate and security.
Morgan concluded, “At every stage of my trip I will engage in discussion with national and international partners and representatives of civil society and business on the local situation, the extent of climate damage and above all on sustainable and at the same time economically attractive solutions. After all, these countries are important partners for Germany and the EU in the green transition and have considerable scope to benefit from the global energy transition.”
