In Africa, how can a just energy transition be achieved?

The issue of energy in Africa is only growing in political concern. Some African leaders are still considering to invest in gas and oil exploration despite climate experts insisting that countries should instead focus on expanding their renewable energy sectors, to avoid more environmental havoc while getting more of the continent onto the grid. How can these different agendas be reconciled in a socially responsible way?

In this youth-led GLF Live, we welcomed Hamira Kobusingye, a climate and health activist from Uganda, and Davina Ngei, the communications manager at Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition from Kenya, to discuss what it will take to achieve a just energy transition for Africa.

This GLF Live aired on the Global Landscapes Forum’s Instagram.

Davina Ngei is the Communications Manager at the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET) where she supports advocacy, networking and mentorship projects. Her interests lie at the intersection of tech, environmental stewardship and social justice, and in her volunteer capacity, she is part of a team seeking to address pollution and waste management in East Africa.

Hamira Kobusingye is a climate and health activist at the Rise Up Movement, where she trains and sensitizes new African climate activists, and Fridays for the Future MAPA (Most Affected People and Areas) in Uganda. She believes climate change is a gender issue and a reproductive health issue. Her passion and desire is to see a world with climate justice and gender justice. She raises awareness about climate change and climate action and stirs up conservation on social media to reach as many people as possible. Recently, she has been tackling the fossil fuel soot issue in Port Harcourt. She believes we cannot achieve climate justice without gender justice, as climate change affects women differently.

Elivis Omoit (moderator) is the Youth in Landscapes (YIL) Intern for Africa at the Global Landscapes Forum and Head of Sub-commission CIFOR/YIL at the International Forestry Students Association (IFSA). He is passionate about community development and sustainable finance with a great interest in the nexus between sports and grassroots climate action.