On this year’s Public Forum at WTO from 12.-15. September, themed: “It is time for action”; Norway and South Africa organized a session focusing on what is needed from whom to scale up investments in renewable energy in Africa.
Africa is rich on renewable energy sources with approximately 60% of the solar energy potential in the world. Yet less than 1% of global investments in renewable energy are in Africa, where 560 million are without electricity. What might appear to be a paradoxical challenge of boosting economic growth and trade in Africa today, while reducing emissions tomorrow, can be resolved by a single focus on scaling up Africa’s transition to green energy. Africa can and should play a leading role as the world’s energy systems transition to a net zero future. Investments in green energy in Africa is both a good business and sustainability case, spurring African countries to trade more while combatting climate change effectively. The world has the green energy solutions, Africa has enough sun and wind to power the world, investors want good investment opportunities.
On the panel:
Moderator: Athalia Molokomme, Ambassador Chair of the General Council WTO, Botswana.
Børge Brende, President World Economic Forum, Norway
Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, Ambassador WTO, South Africa
Enja Sæthren, Head of Government Relations and Support Mechanisms Scatec, Norway
Faizel Ismail, Director of the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Watch the whole discussion below: