The question of whether Africans “should bother” about climate technology (tech) reveals a fundamental misconception. It suggests a misguided notion that the continent is distant from the climate crisis—a mere observer rather than a crucial participant. This misunderstanding must be dispelled. Africans are not only experiencing the severe impacts of the climate crisis but also have significant potential to benefit from the solutions provided by climate technology.
What is Climate Tech?
According to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), technologies that we use to address climate change are known as climate technologies. Climate technologies that help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions include renewable energies such as wind energy, solar power and hydropower. To adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, we use climate technologies such as drought-resistant crops, early warning systems and sea walls. There are also ‘soft’ climate technologies, such as energy-efficient practices or training for using equipment.
Africa: Ground Zero for Climate Change
Firstly, Africa is on the frontlines of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, droughts devastate agricultural livelihoods, and erratic weather patterns destabilize entire regions. Consider the Sahel, where desertification is displacing millions, or the Horn of Africa, teetering on the brink of another devastating famine. The continent experiences the most intense extremes of climate change, despite contributing the least to the problem historically.
Climate Tech: A Beacon of Hope
Secondly, Africa needs climate tech desperately. Current methods of agriculture, water management, and energy generation are ill-equipped to handle the changing climate. Imagine smallholder farmers who rely on predictable rainfall patterns now facing erratic downpours that wash away their crops. Or think of island nations like the Seychelles, heavily reliant on tourism, seeing their beaches disappear due to rising sea levels. Climate tech offers solutions to these very real and immediate challenges.
The Potential is Enormous
The potential of climate technology for Africa is enormous. Drought-resistant crops, early warning systems for weather events, and off-grid solar solutions can all improve lives and build resilience. Imagine solar-powered irrigation systems reviving parched farmlands, or AI-driven weather forecasting protecting communities from flooding. These are not sci-fi fantasies; they are tangible solutions within reach.
2023: A Year of Progress in African Climate Tech
The good news is that Africa is already making strides in climate tech. Here are some highlights from the past year:
- According to a Catalyst report on “Investing in Climate Tech Innovation in Africa”, approximately $1 billion was invested in African climate tech startups in 2023, almost matching the same in 2022. The climate tech sector in Africa has witnessed substantial growth, amassing over $3.4 billion in invested capital since 2019. This demonstrates continued investor confidence in the sector’s potential.
- Renewables on the rise: Solar and wind power projects are attracting significant investment, with 2023 investments like DRC Solar power startup, Nuru, raising $40 million and Jaguar New Energies securing $10 Million in South Africa.
- Climate-smart agriculture gaining traction: According to Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Climate smart agriculture is an approach to transform farming that aims to deliver positive outcomes on three impact pillars, namely, intensification, adaptation, and mitigation to support food security under the new realities of climate change. Technologies like precision farming and drought-resistant seeds are helping farmers adapt to changing conditions.
- Rise of local innovation: African entrepreneurs are developing climate technology solutions tailored to the continent’s specific needs, from solar-powered drones to waste-to-energy plants.
Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, challenges remain. Access to capital, infrastructure, and technical expertise continue to be hurdles. However, the tide is turning:
- Dedicated climate tech funds: Several new funds have been launched in the past year, specifically targeting African climate tech startups. An example is the Equator Fund, a climate tech venture capital firm focused on sub-Saharan Africa, which recently secured $40 million in commitment for fund targeting climate tech startups in Africa
- Capacity building initiatives: Programs are being implemented to train the next generation of African climate tech experts.
- Policy support: Governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of climate tech and are putting in place supportive policies. There is the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022 – 2032), a key instrument in supporting regional collaboration on climate change and more effective international partnerships.
Investing in a Brighter Future
Africa’s role in climate technology is not optional; it is crucial. The continent not only needs these solutions, but also possesses the talent, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit to become a global leader in the field. By investing in African climate tech, we invest in a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable future for the continent and the entire planet. It’s not just about “bothering”; it’s about recognizing the immense potential and seizing the opportunity for a better tomorrow.
Remember, the question is not “should Africans bother?”, but “how can we all ensure Africans thrive in the fight against climate change?”
