Egypt, the hosts of COP27 (United Nations Climate Change Conference), will launch an initiative to develop the energy transition in Africa at the yearly gathering.
Petroleum Minister Tareq el Mulla said the initiative is being prepared in cooperation with the African Union (AU) and African energy ministers.
This was announced at a ministerial discussion session held under the theme “The International Energy Agency Community”, attended by energy ministers from 44 countries. The session was held on the sidelines of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2022 Ministerial Meeting.
In a statement, the Petroleum Ministry said that Mulla, in his word at the meeting, stressed the necessity of cooperation and integration to create the appropriate conditions for the African continent to achieve the energy transition in a balanced way that takes into consideration the continent’s requirements and its economic and living conditions.
Mulla also underlined the rest of the world’s role in providing the necessary financing and technologies to the African continent in order to support it in obtaining clean energy with low carbon emissions.
According to the IEA, Africa is already one of the regions of the world most affected by climate disorders and is home to one-sixth of the global population. Yet, it accounts for less than 6% of global energy consumption and 2% of cumulative global emissions.
The continent faces a parallel imperative of extending electricity access to hundreds of millions of citizens who are currently deprived of it, which would stimulate economic growth and help attain sustainable development goals.
Egypt and the African COP
Meanwhile the African Development Bank (AfDB) have concluded a one-week mission in Egypt as the country prepares for COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh in November. During the mission, the Bank gained a better understanding of Egypt’s priorities and expectations for COP27 as well as expected needs and potential areas of support.
In a wrap-up meeting with Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Dr Rania Al-Mashat AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change, and Green Growth Kevin Kariuki said he was pleased “that Egypt’s COP27 Presidency is placing great emphasis on moving from commitments to actions, building on the key outcomes of the Glasgow Climate Pact.”
In the discussions with the various stakeholders, it was noted that the success of this “African COP” would be measured by progress made on global climate action as well as Africa’s climate change positions and priorities, including adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, and particularly the need to recognise Africa’s specific circumstances and needs.
The AfDB and Egyptian authorities agreed on the need for consultations on key issues such as addressing the nexus between gender and climate change in Africa and supporting the international framework on climate finance to flesh out the arguments around the $100 billion commitment under the Glasgow Climate Pact. Other issues include shaping the narrative on the global decarbonisation agenda; and making the case for adaptation and loss and damage support to Africa, by showcasing successful practices, benefits and the profitability of adaptation actions.
AfDB to support Egypt’s green initiatives
Kariuki also indicated that the Bank is working with other international finance institutions to launch the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa at COP27.
COP27 will also be an important opportunity for Egypt to showcase its green initiatives. Additionally, the Bank is planning to co-organise with the Government of Egypt and other regional partners an Africa Pavilion, as a key platform to showcase Africa’s climate solutions and advocate for Africa’s priorities.
Ahead of COP27, the Bank will also support the preparation of the International Cooperation Forum, which will be organised by Egypt in September 2022.