African Ministers Endorse Landmark Strategies to Underpin Climate Resilience, Promote Alternative Fuels

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE

Press Release No: 214/2024                                                Date: 05 December 2024

Venue: Virtual

African Ministers Endorse Landmark Strategies to Underpin Climate Resilience, Promote Alternative Fuels

African Ministers of transport and energy endorsed five ambitious strategies aimed at underpinning climate resilience and enhancing the sustainability of infrastructure across the continent. These strategies align with the African Union’s (AU) vision to promote sustainable development, tackle climate change, and drive economic growth through clean energy solutions, safer air transport, and efficient resource use.

Convened under the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Transport, and Energy (STC- T&E), the 3rd extraordinary ministerial meeting gathered ministers and experts from more than 39 African countries, preceded two days of in-depth deliberations by technical experts who scrutinized the strategies before their ministerial endorsement.

Focused on sustainable aviation, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and smart infrastructure development, all designed to promote a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Africa, the strategies represent a significant step toward realizing Africa’s climate goals, aligning with the global sustainability agenda while addressing the continent’s unique opportunities & challenges.

Continental Strategy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF): Pioneering Africa’s Green Aviation Journey

The Continental Strategy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) was developed by the African union cognizant of the urgent need to decarbonize the aviation sector and support continental efforts for net zero transport emissions by 2050 in line with the global climate agenda.

By 2050, the aviation industry will require 450-500 million tonnes of SAF annually, a target that can be achieved through innovative feedstocks and technologies. The strategy calls for the development of a robust policy and regulatory framework, the enhancement of technical capacity, and the mobilization of funding for SAF production in Africa. This strategic shift will reduce the continent’s carbon footprint and establish Africa as a leader in the global transition to sustainable aviation.

Chair of the STC- T&E H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Ethiopia, stated, “This strategy positions Africa at the forefront of the green aviation revolution, helping to reduce emissions while creating economic opportunities in the aviation sector.”

Considering the high importance of aviation safety in the efforts to improve African aviation, the ministers also considered the revised Abuja Aviation Safety Targets.

Revised Abuja Safety Targets: Strengthening Air Transport Safety and Connectivity Across Africa

To further enhance air transport safety and efficiency across Africa, the Ministers endorsed the Revised Abuja Safety Targets. This strategy aligns with global safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and seeks to harmonize air navigation and safety practices across the continent.

The revised safety targets prioritize the creation of a seamless airspace, improving safety and operational efficiency in line with international best practices. These updates will contribute to safer skies for African airlines while positioning the continent’s aviation sector on sustainable growth. The revised Abuja safety targets are crucial in ensuring that Africa’s aviation sector meets global standards, fostering growth and enhancing connectivity across the continent.

African Green Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan: Unlocking Africa’s Renewable Energy Potential

The African Green Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan represents a significant step toward unlocking the Africa’s vast renewable energy potential. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, is seen as a key solution for improving energy security, advancing decarbonisation, and driving economic diversification across Africa.

By tapping into green hydrogen, African nations aim diversify their energy mix while fostering the promoting industrialisation, creating job opportunities, and revenue streams.

Highlighting the fact that countries, including Namibia, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, and South Africa, are already leading the way with green hydrogen projects, H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, remarked « Green hydrogen is a game-changer for Africa, offering sustainable energy solutions while driving economic transformation. By advancing this strategy, Africa stands to not only enhance its energy security but also play a critical role in the global transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources”.

These efforts align with the phased approach outlined in the African Green Hydrogen Strategy, which emphasizes the development of both domestic and export markets for green hydrogen.

African Energy Efficiency Strategy: Advancing Energy Productivity for a Sustainable Africa

The African Union (AU) has placed significant emphasis not only on achieving universal access to electricity across the continent but also on improving energy efficiency to ensure sustainable development. The African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES) outlines ambitious goals, aiming for a 50% increase in energy productivity by 2050 and 70% by 2063. This strategic framework focuses on deploying energy-efficient technologies and practices across critical sectors such as power, transport, and industry. It encourages the adoption of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), rigorous market surveillance, and the implementation of smart grid technologies to create a resilient and sustainable energy system.

Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, emphasized the critical role of the AfEES in achieving Africa’s energy and climate goals, noting that the strategy will drive both economic growth and environmental sustainability. The strategy is designed to address the growing demand for energy across the continent while tackling the urgent need for climate action.

In a major development during COP 29, the African Union Energy Commission (AFREC) launched the African Energy Efficiency Programme and the African Energy Efficiency Alliance. These initiatives are pivotal in advancing energy-efficient practices in key sectors such as power, industry, agriculture, buildings, transport, and clean cooking. They also outline a clear pathway to meet the AU’s ambitious energy productivity targets, underscoring the continent’s commitment to both economic growth and climate change mitigation.

Continental Policy on Climate Resilient and Smart Infrastructure: Building Africa’s Future-Proof Infrastructure for a Changing Climate

The ministerial gathering also approved the Climate Resilient and Smart Infrastructure Policy, meant to ensure that Africa’s infrastructure investments are climate-proof, adaptable, and sustainable. By prioritizing the development of resilient energy, transport, water, and ICT infrastructure, this strategy will strengthen Africa’s ability to withstand climate impacts while promoting economic growth and regional integration. The emphasis on smart infrastructure will ensure that investments are future-proof and capable of adapting to climate-related challenges. “Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure is essential for the sustainable development of Africa, ensuring that our continent can thrive in the face of climate change,” said Dr. Alemu Sime.

The strategies, marking a critical turning point in Africa’s efforts to enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions, and achieve sustainable infrastructure development, will be presented to the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in February 2025 for adoption and subsequent implementation by AU member states.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Bezayit Eyoel | Department of Infrastructure and Energy | African Union Commission| E-mail: bezayite@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I
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