Africa’s energy transition: the need for gas, nuclear and renewables

The continent is on track to become a major global carbon emitter if the current fossil fuel-dependent trajectory prevails.

Africa exports much of its fuel sources, yet a large portion of its people lacks access to electricity. With rapid population growth and increased energy demand, the continent will become a major global carbon emitter if the current fossil fuel-dependent trajectory prevails. What are the implications of a reasonable transition to renewables in Africa and how important is a global carbon tax to finance that transition?

This seminar will examine findings from two reports on Africa's climate and energy futures, developed by the Institute for Security Studies’ African Futures programme. The reports explore various scenarios that track the impact of a global carbon tax, aggressive energy policies, and sustainable practices.

This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and AUDA-NEPAD. It is the second of four events in the Erudite series on Forecasting African futures: empowering African Union (AU) member states.

Moderator: Pamla Gopaul, Senior Programme Officer, Data Analyst, AUDA – NEPAD

Presenter: Alize le Roux, Senior Researcher, African Futures & Innovation, ISS

Panelists: 

• Dr Kennedy Manduna, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Wits School of Governance
• Kgaugelo Mkumbeni, Research Officer, Climate Risk and Human Security, ISS

Image: Philou1000 via Getty Images

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