Africa’s Catholic Bishops Urge Leaders, International Community to Prioritize “climate justice” at Ongoing COP29

The leadership of the entity of the Ghana-based Catholic Bishops’ Symposium notes that the “energy situation in Africa reveals significant variations among countries, driven by differences in natural resources, infrastructure, and policy environments.”

“While some nations are energy exporters to their neighbours or the global market, others face challenges due to insufficient domestic power generation infrastructure. As a result, approximately 600 million people in Africa live without electricity, and nearly 1 billion lack access to clean cooking solutions,” SECAM-JPDC officials explain.

They further say, “Several African countries rely on imported fossil fuels, which makes them vulnerable to energy security threats, price fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions.”

“This reliance not only poses environmental and health risks but also underscores the urgent need for cleaner alternative energy sources in light of the increasing impacts of climate change,” officials of the entity of Africa’s Catholic Bishops add.

In order to achieve Africa’s energy and climate targets by 2030, officials of the SECAM entity say, “An estimated annual investment of over USD 200 billion is necessary. However, outdated grid infrastructure causes average energy losses of 15%, hindering progress.”

“With 70% of Africans lacking access to renewable energy and clean cooking options, increased investment is crucial. This requires concessional finance and grants to help vulnerable households adopt modern energy solutions, along with de-risking capital to attract private sector participation in underserved areas,” SECAM-JPDC officials say. 

They note that “the lack of reliable energy perpetuates poverty and inequality, especially in rural areas where many rely on traditional fuels, leading to health issues and limiting opportunities for women and girls. Additionally, electricity shortages affect schools, healthcare facilities, and local businesses, slowing community development.”

In the statement that the Deputy Secretary General of SECAM, Fr. Jean Germain Rajoelison, signed, officials of the Justice and Peace Commission of Catholic Bishops in Africa outline some “key recommendations” for advancing Africa’s energy transition at COP29.

They recommend prioritising public investment in renewable energy projects, saying, “COP 29 should stress the importance of public funding for renewable energy initiatives. Increased public finance is essential to broaden access to sustainable energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.”

“African nations need concessional financing and grants, particularly to support off-grid and mini-grid renewable energy solutions in remote and underserved communities,” SECAM-JPDC officials say. 

They also recommend supporting grid modernization and regional energy interconnections, saying that “COP 29 should prioritise international support for grid modernisation and cross-border interconnections, enabling Africa to integrate more renewable energy and ensuring that infrastructure constraints do not hinder progress.”

SECAM-JPDC officials continue, “COP 29 should advocate for increased financing to alleviate energy poverty, ensuring access to clean cooking and electricity for the 600 million Africans without electricity and the 1 billion who lack clean cooking options. This should involve mobilising grants and debt for climate swaps.”

They add, “Wealthy nations should lead by example by phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and reallocating these resources to support Africa’s transition to renewable energy. Rechannelling public finance in this way is vital to reducing fossil fuel dependency, strengthening energy security, and fostering sustainable development.”

“COP 29 should advocate for the negotiation and adoption of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT) as a complementary framework to the Paris Agreement,” officials the SECAM entity say.

FFNPT, they add, “would focus on curbing the expansion of fossil fuel extraction, production, and consumption, ensuring global cooperation to phase out fossil fuels while supporting vulnerable nations in their transition to clean energy.”

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“COP 29 should champion educational and vocational training programs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid management, enabling Africa’s youth to play a meaningful role in the continent’s energy transition,” officials of the Accra-based SECAM entity say.

To ensure that climate finance truly benefits African countries, they say, “COP 29 should implement robust accountability measures and transparent reporting for energy funding.”

Such approach, the officials say, “will not only foster trust between Africa and international donors, but also allow African leaders to track funding allocations and confirm that resources reach the communities in greatest need.”

“Here it is necessary to recall the need for compensation for the losses and damages that are the consequences of climate change and that have affected the living conditions of poor populations in Africa,” SECAM-JPDC officials say in their November 14 statement shared with ACI Africa.

They make an “urgent call” to countries that have made promises in this regard to “honour their commitment because the situation of poor countries, particularly in Africa, depends on it.”