Africa's youth leading the charge in the climate tech revolution
In a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a vivid and unsettling truth emerges: Africa, a continent that contributes only a fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, is shouldering the full weight of climate change's devastating onslaught.
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The report paints a striking picture of an entire continent grappling with the dire consequences of environmental degradation.
A Continent Under Siege
At this very moment, Africa finds itself the sanctuary of 17 out of the world's 20 countries most vulnerable to the ravages of climate change (United Nations Economic Commission, for Africa, UNECA), a stark testament to the brutal realities faced by its people. Climate change is not a distant spectre; it has already sunk its teeth into the heart of Africa, exacting a heavy toll that hovers between 2 to 9 per cent of national budgets across the continent. This financial burden weighs down nations that are steadfastly striving for progress.
According to the State of the Climate in Africa Report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in 2022, more than 110 million Africans experienced the direct repercussions of weather, climate, and water-related hazards. The economic wreckage left in its wake soared past the staggering sum of US$ 8.5 billion for that year alone, the report further states, As these numbers skyrocket, it becomes increasingly evident that climate change is not a distant concern but a harsh and immediate reality.
The Widespread Ramifications
The malevolent effects of climate change reach far beyond economic costs. They corrode food security, disrupt ecosystems, jeopardize economies, intensify displacement and migration, and fan the flames of conflict over dwindling resources. The "State of the Climate in Africa 2022" report underscores the accelerating rise in temperatures across the continent, accompanied by increasingly severe weather- and climate-related perils.
A Glimmer of Hope Through Africa's Youth
Amid these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges from the vibrant spirit of Africa's youth. In October 2023, forty-nine (49) young climate tech innovators and leaders hailing from 19 African nations descended upon Ghana.
Their mission: to participate in an exhilarating three-week immersive leadership and professional development program, generously sponsored by the U.S. Government.
This program, a visionary collaboration between four YALI Regional Leadership Centers, was made possible through funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It was a bold challenge to young leaders and entrepreneurs: to craft ingenious social and business solutions that tackle today's climate challenges using cutting-edge technology.
This initiative follows the path outlined by Vice President Kamala Harris during her transformative journey to African nations, which included Ghana. She called on African nations to embrace the digital economy and innovation as catalysts for economic transformation.
Vice President Harris highlighted the remarkable innovations blossoming in Africa, from water-based farming in Kenya to battery energy storage systems in Malawi and fintech startups in Nigeria. These innovations are not just shaping Africa's future but also leaving an indelible mark on the global stage, a testament to Africa's unyielding optimism and untapped potential. Nevertheless, she also acknowledged the formidable challenges, including security concerns in the Sahel, climate-induced droughts and floods, and barriers to economic growth.
One such youthful trailblazer is Maxwell Deladem Xonu, a participant in this year’s YALI Climate Tech Innovators and Leaders Program and a luminary in clean energy and climate action. Through his climate-action enterprise, Ebapreneur Solutions, founded in 2019, Deladem harnesses clean energy derived from waste biomass materials and designs solar dryers to curtail post-harvest losses in Ghanaian communities. His journey, which this program has contributed significantly to, has ignited a fervour for transformative climate tech innovation.
Upon receiving the prestigious YALI Leadership Award for his extraordinary talent and leadership prowess, Deladem voiced his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of his climate tech project, fully aware of its potential to leave a lasting legacy.
"I am elated to have embarked on this transformative journey because it has placed me at the crux of a vibrant learning community that is leading the charge for climate tech in Africa. I believe it is a new dawn for me and Ebapreneur Solutions, and we are redefining the very essence of minding our own business" he said.
The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Virginia Palmer, underscored the pivotal role of African leadership in confronting climate change. She emphasized the unwavering commitment of the U.S. government to support Ghanaian and African youth in addressing the climate crisis.
"The U.S. government has long been a steadfast partner to Ghanaian and African youth in advancing our shared priorities, particularly when it comes to climate change," she said at the commencement of the three-week program – from 9th to 27th October 2023.
Africa may be bearing the brunt of climate change, but the resilience, innovation, and determination of its youth illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow.
In the words of Dr. Esi E. Sey, Project Director of YALI RLC West Africa, extensive climate change mitigation necessitates the collaboration of young minds across Africa, forging a world where the horizons of climate tech know no bounds. As Africa's young leaders rise to the challenge, the world watches with hope, as these initiatives pave the way to safeguard our planet from the throes of the ongoing climate crisis.
