Africa, as a continent, is at a critical juncture in its development journey. With a rapidly growing population and increasing energy demands, there is a pressing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. It is in this context that the concept of 'new green growth' becomes imperative.
To achieve new green growth, we must embrace innovation. Innovation is the catalyst that propels societies forward, enabling us to overcome challenges and create a better future.
In the realm of energy, innovation holds the key to unlocking Africa's immense potential for renewable resources. From solar and wind power to hydroelectric and geothermal energy, the continent boasts abundant natural resources that can power its development sustainably.
On Africa’s hydroelectric power potential, studies indicate that the entire continent could be powered by hydro alone. Already, China is looking to construct up to 60GW of hydropower in the continent by 2030.
This, when complete, will double the current capacity of renewable energy in Africa and go on to ease the burden of millions in the content. Today, more than 60 per cent of the people of Africa do not have access to electricity further making the ambition of access an urgent need.
At the same time, while there has been a deliberate effort to increase access to electricity in Africa over the last one or two decades, the focus has been on domestic uptake with little attention on industrialisation. This in effect has led to increased numbers of new customers connected to electricity but the total installed capacity has not moved.
By leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative, African nations can tap into the expertise and resources of their international partners. Collaborative efforts can facilitate the transfer of knowledge, technology and investment, enabling the establishment of clean and efficient energy infrastructure
Of key importance to the sustainable development of the continent is to leverage the cooperation by establishment of industries inland to value add or process the natural resources to create gainful employment, get adequate returns on the exploitation of the resources and create value that will enable Africa to free itself from poverty.
Through this initiative the demand for energy will increase, placing strong emphasis on green development, promoting the use of renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.
Our continent’s increasingly free and robust media offers a great opportunity for all actors in the BRICS bloc to inform and educate the public on green energy and other sustainable development solutions.
The BRICS must aim to build conscious and engaged citizens who are the true owners and drivers of its agenda. There is no better way to reach and mobilise citizens than through the media.
In Kenya, for instance, the media enjoys high levels of public trust. Seven in every 10 respondents in a national survey by the Media Council of Kenya released in February said they have some or a lot of trust in the media.
Such high levels of confidence make the media a powerful platform for public information, education and mobilisation of citizens around issues germane to the BRICS agenda, like sustainable development, green energy, inclusivity and South-South cooperation.
Media institutions like Radio Africa Group package and disseminate our content through broadcast, print and online channels to reach the widest possible audiences in the most convenient and effective ways.
Moreover, tremendous media expansion in Kenya includes the rise of vibrant vernacular TV and radio stations, making it possible to reach everyone, especially citizens who are not fluent in the two national languages—Kiswahili and English.
The BRICS is in many ways a continuation of the liberation struggles of the peoples of the Global South for self-determination. We have built the momentum. We will not stop.
Innovation-oriented development and new green growth are not mere aspirations; they are imperatives for Africa's sustainable development. Embracing innovation, leveraging initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, and prioritising environmental protection means we can unlock Africa's immense potential for renewable energy and create a more prosperous and sustainable future.
So let us work together, hand in hand, across borders and sectors, to harness the power of innovation and promote new green growth. Together, we can build a brighter, cleaner and more inclusive Africa for generations to come.
