Harnessing Africa’s green energy, minerals

This endeavour, however, necessitates careful planning and investment to create resilient and efficient energy systems. As energy demand grows to support burgeoning computing and technology sectors, a comprehensive approach becomes indispensable.

Green energy sources not only promise a sustainable approach to power generation but also represent a strategic avenue for substantial investment in areas such as data centres that are key to advancing emerging technologies' global infrastructure and supporting industrialization.

By prioritising development of renewable energy infrastructure, African nations can attract investment in technology, thereby creating a synergistic relationship between clean energy and technological progress.

This dual focus on sustainability and innovation has the potential to drive economic growth, reduce environmental impact, and position Africa as a leader in the global transition to a green economy.

Investment opportunities in sustainable energy infrastructure are vast and varied. The possibilities are immense, from large-scale solar farms in the Sahara to geothermal projects in the Rift Valley.

These initiatives require significant financial backing, technological know-how, and strong political will. The engagement of both public and private sectors is crucial to mobilising the necessary resources, fostering innovation, and encouraging adoption of best practices in sustainability. Several pioneering projects already show the continent's commitment to green energy.

For instance, South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme has attracted substantial wind and solar power investments, setting a precedent for other nations.

Similarly, Kenya's geothermal energy projects have positioned the country as a leader in this field, demonstrating the viability and benefits of tapping into these clean energy sources.

What is lacking are beneficial projects such as a partnership with, for example, the European Union's Global Gateway financing and a tech giant such as Amazon to build a regional data facility in the country.

On the other hand, the state of mineral resource exploitation in Africa presents a mixed picture of untapped potential and emerging opportunities.

Read: Time for Africa to be green energy products producer

Many countries possess vast reserves of ores essential for energy transition technologies, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

However, the exploitation of these resources has been limited by factors such as a lack of infrastructure, regulatory challenges, and investment constraints.

Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo hold some of the largest cobalt reserves, a crucial component in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Similarly, Zimbabwe and Namibia are rich in lithium, another key mineral for battery technology.

Despite these abundant resources, the continent has yet to fully develop its mining sector to meet global demand. Strategic investments in mining infrastructure, coupled with robust regulatory frameworks, are essential to unlock the full potential of Africa's mineral wealth.

Future potential lies in adopting sustainable mining practices that cut environmental impact and promote social welfare. Integrating modern technologies, such as automation and digitalisation, can enhance efficiency and safety in mining operations.

Furthermore, fostering partnerships between governments, private investors, and local communities can ensure that benefits of mineral exploitation are distributed equitably, contributing to long-term economic development.

Education and innovation are vital for Africa's economic growth and human capital. Innovation hubs and research institutions foster collaboration, leading to sustainable technologies. Promoting entrepreneurship and creativity empowers individuals to develop innovative solutions.

Access to funding, mentorship, and resources allows individuals to develop solutions. Digital technologies in education and business enhance innovation capacity, improving access to information and creating new development opportunities.

The writer is Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mission to the European Union, Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States and World Customs Organisation.