The Current State of Africa’s Green Economy: An Analysis
The green economy's ideal - characterized by sustainable production plants, reduced energy use, and mitigation of environmental risks while promoting economic growth, poverty alleviation, and social inclusion - seems to be significantly under-implemented in Africa. This seems to be a result of several factors, including insufficient policy enforcement, ineffective industrial practices, and a lack of crucial manufacturing processes.
One of the significant setbacks in Africa's green economy is the inadequate enforcement of major environmental policies. Despite the continent's rich bio-diversity and massive potential, most economies have not successfully integrated sustainable practices into their production units. A classic case is the cellulolytic plants, which harness energy from plant materials and convert it to biofuels. Despite the massive opportunity this technology offers, much of its potential remains untapped, lying dormant, just like the shuttered establishments, along the African landscape.
Another factor impeding the continent's shift towards the green economy models is the lack of self-sufficient manufacturing processes in countries, illustrated by the example of the PV panels, a critical component used in harnessing solar energy. Despite Africa’s abundance of sunlight and need for alternative energy sources, most PV panels located in Africa are imported – mainly from China – and not manufactured within the continent. This situation leaves the continent continually reliant on external support, which may not uphold the principles of the green economy.
Even more concerning is the fact that the majority of foreign investments in the sustainability sector have not delivered up to expectations. Looking at the recent closedown of Data 360 Chinko, a leading renewable energy investment in Africa, it becomes clear that imaginative ideas and investments aren't necessarily translating into practical solutions on the ground.
Interestingly enough, Chinese manufacturing module availability in Africa, which was initially expected to facilitate the transition to greener practices, hasn't lived up to expectations either. Far from alleviating poverty and enhancing the green economy, such foreign investments seem to only foster stronger international dependencies and undermine the local manufacturing industry.
The disappointing reality is that despite the numerous solar panels installed across African homes – an initiative intended to enhance energy accessibility and independence – their foreign manufacturing origin nullifies any potential local economic benefits or job opportunities.
To truly realize the potentials of the green economy, there needs to be an alignment between environmental practises, economic development, and social inclusion. The African continent's green economy, as it stands, is not matching up with these criteria.
With increased poverty rates and glaring inequality, it is challenging to ascertain how these green initiatives are truly aiding the most vulnerable populations or promoting economic growth.
In conclusion, for Africa to fully embrace and benefit from the green economy, there must be a shift from dependency on foreign production and supply to establishing self-sufficient and sustainable manufacturing practices. This would involve a concerted effort to improve policy enforcement, invest in local technological advancements, and prioritise local manufacturing industries' growth. Indeed, only by doing so can the continent steer its course towards a greener and more prosperous future.
