Vongayi Mufara #AfricaDay2021

AFRICA DAY 2021

May 25 holds an important celebration every year for the African continent “AFRICA DAY”. As we commemorate the African continent’s liberation from colonial imperialism and the beginning of the African Union it is also a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the changes that are happening in the present day. I will start with a brief history of this amazing journey of celebrating Africa Day. Many African nations gained independence from colonial rule between 1945 and 1965. Ghana was the first country to gain independence and became an inspiration to others in their fight for freedom. The first liberation conference in Africa was held by Ghana in 1958 and it created a lasting impression on the continent leading to the formation of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. OAU united over 30 African nations with the common goal of decolonisation. OAU ran for 38 years and later became the African Union (AU) on 25 May 2001 The first meeting of OAU marked the beginning of Africa Day.

The AU theme of the year 2021 is Arts, Culture and Heritage, Levers for building the Africa we want, presents an opportunity to acknowledge the changes and challenges that the continent faces in the present day. I am going to focus more on efforts to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change at the same time achieving the goals in the Paris Agreement to enable us to build The Africa we want. Climate change will impact African continent more than other continents if we continue to neglect carbon emissions. It is important for African countries to take advantage and tap existing opportunities in Africa continent. The Paris Agreement is more beneficial to the African nation as it presents an opportunity to take advantage of existing resources that is currently not being used at a full scale, like the vast renewable energy sources in industrial development with zero or minimised emissions. Solar and wind energy can bridge the energy gap, support climate change adaptation and open income streams in Africa. The 2020 African progress report (APP) advocates for provision of infrastructure notably power and electricity measured by the availability of rural electricity. Approximately 70% of African population resides in the rural areas Most people in rural areas rely on unclean energy like the use of expensive fuel powered generators and lamps which contribute to high carbon emissions and further increases poverty. Climate financing will go a long way towards improving living standard and lead to environmental sustainability. Africa has abundant sunshine and yet more than 70% of the nation is energy poor. According to the African Progress Panel Report switching to clean energy the African governments can lift approximately up to 26 million of the African population out of poverty through creation of jobs and household savings.

The net gain for Africa could be increased through Agro-ecosystem , efficient irrigation and  soil conservation agriculture where soil is managed organically to avoid destroying its structure and reduce carbon emission from the usual chemicals that are used. Through applying eco based system in farming can boost yields and lower climate induced droughts which will in turn increase agricultural income. This will lead to food security, climate adaptation, income and job creation for the 70% rural poor African community.

As alluded earlier and in other places by economists and environmentalists, African continent is rich with natural resources. Progress to achieve significant low carbon emission in African is derailed by lack of sound leadership. Power and corruption have held the African continent at ransom for too long. The historical political events in Zimbabwe, Gambia, Libya, Mozambique and Tunisia in that past few years demonstrate the desire for political power. South Africa is a member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economies. The BRICS is undoubtedly influential and a global key player in climate change agenda. However, Nigeria has recently overtaken South Africa in GDP terms and it would be important to consider enlargement of the BRICS block. Nigeria has vast amounts of oil reserves and these reserves are assumed to be a desired resource causing civil instability. I only hope that having Nigeria and South Africa in the BRICS will help in the reforms for carbon emission reductions.

The UK is hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021. It is important that on this conference, the African delegate make a case for COP27 to be held in an African state. African continent has the second highest population on the globe after Asia. The correlation between population density and climate change effects is well established in academic literature. Supported by developed countries, Africa should take a more leading role if we are to further cut down global carbon emissions. Coronavirus epidemic has taught the world that when countries cooperate, a solution can be found. The development and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines is a both regional and international cooperation. COP26 in UK should be used to intensify global efforts with more focus to Africa.

Despite the setbacks that Africa continues to face, lack of strong democratic institutions, high levels of poverty, economic hardships, we must work together as a nation to correct them so that Africa can rise & prosper. So that Peace can prevail. Africa will rise from ashes & become the beacon of hope if we work together as a nation.

#AfricaDay2021

 AUTHOR: Vongayi Mufara is a human rights activist and the Information and Publicity Secretary of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter. She is based in the United Kingdom and can be contacted by email on vongayimufara@gmail.com