Harnessing Civil Society and Business Partnerships for a Greener Future

In the battle against climate change, the importance of renewable energy cannot be overstated. It is a crucial tool that can shape the future and mitigate the adverse effects of global warming. Recognizing this urgency, civil society and businesses have a significant role in driving the transition towards a greener tomorrow.

In this context, Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) together with World Wild Fund (WWF) organized a three-day meeting WWF and other stakeholders held a 3-day meeting in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on 17th – 19th May 2023 with the East African Community officials and CSOs with the aim of identifying a roadmap for addressing bottlenecks on transboundary movement of Renewable products within the East African Community. The focus of the forum was to create and build a constructive dialogue between East African Community and stakeholders within the Renewable transboundary trade spaces to discuss existing concerns and agree on appropriate solutions that will help to advance energy access.

This meeting followed the multistakeholder forum held in Arusha, Tanzania last year which was cohosted by PACJA and WWF in response to the growing concerns raised by the private sector about the challenges they face when importing and exporting renewable energy products across the region. That time, the meeting was attended by representatives from the EAC, the private sector and civil society organizations. The discussions centered on the challenges that the private sector faces when trading in Regional Economic products. Some of the challenges highlighted were: the lack of harmonization of customs procedures and documentation requirements across the region, lack of clear rules and regulations for import and export, misclassification and incorrect levying of duty, and high cost of compliance with customs requirements to facilitate the ease of trade.

The participants agreed that addressing customs-related issues was critical in promoting the use of renewable energy sources in the region and enhancing regional integration. The convening team committed to following up on the proposals made during the meeting and ensuring the necessary measures are taken to address the challenges faced by the private sector when trading in renewable energy products.

This year, during the convened meeting, the two organizations and participants highlighted several key issues including the need to enhance customs-related capacity and promote harmonization within the region. Additionally, the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in fostering socio-economic development through partnerships with the private sector was emphasized.

The meeting stressed the role of promoting Trade Facilitation and Customs Valuation, to ensure the smooth import and export of renewable energy products across the region, the renewable energy authorities of the EAC member countries stressed the importance of capacity building on customs-related issues, specifically trade facilitation and customs valuation.

Harmonization of the East African Common Customs Management Act

During the gathering, one of the key areas of discussion was the harmonization of the East African Common Customs Management Act. By aligning customs regulations and procedures across the region, EAC member countries can foster a more conducive environment for trade in renewable energy products.  Participants observed that harmonization helps eliminate inconsistencies and discrepancies that hinder the smooth movement of goods and services, thereby creating a level playing field for businesses engaged in the renewable energy sector. This collaborative effort is crucial in unlocking the full potential of renewable energy within the East African region.

Civil Society’s Crucial Role in the Harmonization Process

 During the meeting, Ndayisaba Edouard, representing the East Africa Renewable Energy Federation, highlighted the significance of civil society engagement in the harmonization of the East African Common Customs Management Act. Recognizing the multifaceted roles played by civil society, Edouard emphasized their role as vital sources of information for both citizens and governments.  He said that CSOs act as a bridge between various stakeholders, facilitating dialogue and generating valuable insights necessary for evidence-based decision-making. The partnership between CSOs and the private sector was acknowledged as an effective means to address socio-economic developmental challenges with greater success.

The Power of Civil Society in Energy Sector Transformation

Elsam Byempaka, an Energy Expert from the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, emphasized the focal importance of access to energy for Africa’s development. Highlighting the critical role of CSOs in the energy sector, Byempaka acknowledged their active participation in policy-making processes and their contribution to generating relevant evidence to advocate for clean energy laws and strategies. He said that  CSOs provide the necessary support and expertise to ensure that the energy sector’s growth aligns with sustainable development and climate action goals. Their collaboration with the private sector and regional organizations such as the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has the potential to drive positive change at the grassroots level.

The discussions among renewable energy authorities from EAC member countries have underscored the need for capacity building in customs-related matters and the harmonization of regulations. CSOs play an instrumental role in the energy sector by actively participating in policy-making processes and providing valuable expertise. Their partnerships with the private sector and regional organizations are essential for overcoming socio-economic challenges and fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level. By working together.