2022 African Economic Conference: Here’s what’s on the agenda

The 2022 African Economic Conference is underway in Mauritius, focusing on Supporting Climate-Smart Development in Africa. The conference brings together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities. One of the key themes of this year's conference is the concept of a just transition - a topic that L. Amedee Darga, Chairman of the Mauritius Africa Business Club, sheds light on in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Darga, who represents Afrobarometer, highlights the importance of understanding citizens' perceptions and opinions on climate change in Africa. According to a recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer, only 51% of respondents across 39 countries feel that climate change is impacting their lives. This lack of awareness is a concerning sign, indicating a need for more education and awareness campaigns on the issue. In countries like Nigeria, where droughts and floods are prevalent, 70% of citizens feel the impact of climate change. Darga emphasizes the need for Africa to address climate change while also prioritizing economic, social, and human development. He points out that not all African countries have access to electricity, highlighting the dual challenge of ensuring energy access for all while transitioning to cleaner sources of energy. Darga acknowledges the importance of reducing carbon emissions but cautions against prioritizing climate goals over development needs. He argues that Africa should focus on achieving sustainable development by balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. When discussing the perception that a just transition will lead to job losses, Darga refutes this claim. He explains that Africa's energy sector is not heavily reliant on labor-intensive industries, such as the petrochemical industry. Countries that export oil do not necessarily have robust job markets in the energy sector, as they mainly focus on exporting raw materials. Similarly, power generation in Africa is capital-intensive rather than labor-intensive. Darga believes that transitioning to renewable energy sources will create more economic benefits than job losses. By expanding access to electricity and investing in clean energy projects, Africa can stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its citizens. Overall, Darga's insights emphasize the importance of striking a balance between environmental sustainability and economic development in Africa.