Participants at the 2022 African Economic Conference (AEC) have called on African governments to adopt smart technologies to tackle climate change threats on the continent.
The participants made the call on Saturday at the ongoing 17th AEC in Balaclava, Mauritius which has as its theme “Supporting Climate-smart Development in Africa”.
The 2022 AEC is jointly organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth said the theme of the conference was pertinent.
“Supporting Climate-smart Development in Africa is extremely pertinent. Climate change is a looming threat to Africa.
“The continent is the most vulnerable region to climate disasters.”
Jugnauth spoke on how governments should quicken Africa’s motivation to shift away from fossil fuels and become self-sufficient in electricity production.
“In order to face the challenges of climate change more effectively, Africa needs the support and assistance of development partners,” he added.
Also, President of the AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, spoke on the need for governments to focus on the urgency of Africa adapting to climate change.
Adesina was represented by Prof. Kevin Urama, Acting Chief Economist and Vice-President, AfDB.
“Africa is suffering from the devastating effects of climate change, from droughts, floods, irregular rainfall, locusts, and armyworms.
“Supporting climate-smart, environmentally friendly development is one step in the right direction,” he said.
Furthermore, Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the UNDP, said Africa’s path to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be climate-smart.
“It is important to emphasize that Africa’s path to attaining the SDGs must be climate-smart. Protecting the planet cannot be an option, it is an urgent priority.”
Eziakonwa, who referred to the United Nations Climate Change Conference said: “While COP27 in Egypt did not achieve the drastic reduction in emissions that the world needs, it did see the establishment of funding arrangements for loss and damage.
She spoke on “Africa Minigrids” partnership between the Global Environment Facility, the UNDP, the AfDB, and the Rocky Mountain Institute.
“Together they will support new solar battery mini-grid markets in 21 countries in Africa.”
2022 AEC brought together various policymakers, climate experts, the private sector, researchers, and youths.
They would discuss and draft an action plan to support the low-carbon and climate-resilient development of Africa.
The conference is being held from Dec. 9 to 11.
