African Group of Negotiators

Being mostly export driven, the fossil fuel market on the African continent has been affected by the world wide shift away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable and eco-friendly fuel sources. To this end, various African countries have invested in policies and infrastructure to produce low-carbon hydrogen. At COP29, The African Group hopes to emphasize the support needed of funding to develop the necessary infrastructure for the development of eco-friendly fuel.

 

In terms of finding market-based solutions, the African Group puts great emphasis on carbon markets, hoping to secure funds from European countries so that they may invest in climate action. They emphasize however, that carbon markets should be viewed only as a supplement to domestic solutions. In that sense, while at COP29 The African Group hopes to make clear the contribution that Africa needs from European countries to develop carbon markets, it also wants to maintain that African countries are accountable for responsibly implementing domestic mitigation efforts.

 

In essence, the African Group recognizes its position as an exporter of fossil fuels and knows that it must adapt to international demand. This shift has prompted the desire to invest in low-carbon hydrogen production, with a trend showing a steady decrease in fossil fuel production. To further supplement domestic climate action, it hopes for a greater and responsible development of carbon markets.

 

“Electricity is the backbone of Africa’s new energy systems, powered increasingly by renewables. Africa is home to 60% of the best solar resources globally, yet only 1% of installed solar PV capacity. Solar PV – already the cheapest source of power in many parts of Africa – outcompetes all sources continent‐wide by 2030.”