Hydrocarbon (fossil fuel) exploration in developing countries, particularly in the MSGBC basin, faces numerous challenges, These include the growing lack of funding to support oil and gas exploration in unexplored areas and the absence of a strategy to make the sedimentary basin attractive, which is governed by a non-harmonised regulatory framework in a global context where green finance is taking shape.
However, African countries are rich in hydrocarbon resources, the exploitation of which could undoubtedly trigger exponential growth supported by local processing of mineral resources, the development of agribusiness and basic infrastructure.
To ensure a sustainable energy mix, multinationals in the fossil fuel and mining industries are increasingly adopting low-carbon solutions to defossilise or decarbonise their value chains while maintaining their performance levels.
Growth-promoting projects in Africa must draw inspiration from the decarbonisation model used in the extractive industry to enable greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced and avoid exceeding carbon credits.
To achieve the climate targets set for 2050, it is imperative that public and private actors and international organisations adopt a proactive approach to the effects of climate change. These institutions must rethink their operating methods in order to integrate a decarbonisation trajectory for their activities that emit the most greenhouse gases. Beyond reducing emissions, they must also develop an ambitious strategy aimed at carbon neutrality, in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.
These decarbonisation efforts must be consistent with the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC) and national and international regulatory frameworks. The aim is to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by implementing concrete and measurable actions to transform economies and societies in a sustainable manner.
The transition to a low-carbon economy relies on reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Integrating a cleaner energy mix is essential to ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly production. This shift is crucial for several strategic sectors, including:
- The extractive and industrial sector: optimising industrial processes to minimise their carbon footprint.
- Agriculture and agri-food: adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that respect ecosystems.
- Access to drinking water: development of low-carbon energy solutions for water treatment and distribution.
Africa, often considered a carbon sink due to its vast forests and natural ecosystems, plays a crucial role in global climate regulation. However, it is also one of the regions most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. To build resilient and sustainable growth, African policymakers must fully integrate climate considerations into their economic and industrial strategies.
The adoption of an economic model based on the principles of sustainable development and green innovation represents a unique opportunity to reconcile economic progress with environmental preservation.
Ultimately, the transition to a low-carbon economy is a collective challenge requiring a profound transformation of production and consumption patterns. International cooperation, technological innovation and ambitious climate policies will be essential to meet this challenge and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
By Mohamed Chérif DIALLO, Specialist in Renewable Energy, Energy Systems, Climate, Energy Efficiency and Energy Transition