Recognizing Africa’s minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, yet bearing a disproportionate economic burden in transitioning to cleaner energy, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria underscored the crucial role of risk management in facilitating Africa’s swift adoption of cleaner energy solutions. He stressed the necessity for Africa to avoid becoming a casualty of the disruptions associated with climate change mitigation efforts,leadership reports.
Speaking on a panel about African Green Industrialization hosted by the COP28 Presidency and the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Dubai, President Tinubu urgently called for investments in alternative energy to enable a comprehensive and effective transition for Nigeria and the entire continent. The President highlighted the urgency of addressing environmental concerns while emphasizing the need for simultaneous investments in key sectors to harness Africa’s substantial potential contribution to the emerging global green economy, ensuring a seamless adaptation and transition process.
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President Tinubu urged global manufacturers to collaborate with Africa, recognizing the continent as an unparalleled opportunity for environmentally conscious investments. He highlighted ongoing efforts to remove obstacles inhibiting progress in Africa’s largest economy, creating a cleaner and more favorable investment environment. However, he also raised questions about how Africa could avoid being adversely affected by these changes and emphasized the importance of deriving value from the continent’s resources.
While acknowledging the Earth’s need for healing, President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals, such as the reliance on firewood for cooking, and emphasized the imperative to invest in solar and alternative energy solutions. He called for encouragement of investments, considering their potential impact on the continent. With a focus on risk management, President Tinubu affirmed Africa’s commitment to swiftly translating opportunities into tangible benefits, maximizing the value derived from its resources.
