Just Transition and Energy Access

Thematic Profile: Just Transition and Energy Access

Overview

The Just Transition and Energy Access thematic area is a critical focus of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA). It addresses the urgent need for a fair and inclusive shift to clean energy across Africa, ensuring that the continent’s most vulnerable populations are not left behind. As the world rapidly moves towards clean energy solutions to combat climate change, Africa faces unique challenges due to its high levels of energy poverty and the need for a just transition that prioritises social equity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Why This Thematic Area is Pertinent

1. Global Shift to Clean Energy: The global push towards clean energy is driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Despite its low historical emissions, Africa is among the most affected by climate change. As the world shifts to clean energy, Africa must be at the forefront of this transition, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources while ensuring that the shift is equitable and inclusive.
2. Energy Poverty in Africa: Energy poverty remains a significant challenge, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity and 900 million without clean cooking solutions. This energy deficit hampers economic development, perpetuates poverty, and exacerbates health and education disparities. Addressing energy poverty is not just about providing electricity; it transforms lives, creates opportunities, and fosters resilience.
3. The Need for a Just Transition: A just transition ensures that the shift to clean energy is fair and equitable, protecting the rights and livelihoods of those most affected by the transition. In Africa, this means prioritising access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, while also addressing the broader social, economic, and environmental implications of the transition.

Key Focus Areas

The Just Transition and Energy Access thematic area focuses on the following key areas:

1. Policy and Advocacy: Engaging policymakers, governments, and regional bodies to develop and implement policies that support a just transition to clean energy. This includes advocating for inclusive energy policies that address energy poverty and promote social equity.
2. Research and Knowledge Generation: Conducting research to generate evidence-based insights on the impacts of energy transitions on African communities. This includes exploring the socio-economic implications of clean energy adoption, the effectiveness of current policies, and identifying gaps and opportunities for action.
3. Capacity Building: Strengthening the capacity of local communities, civil society organisations, and government institutions to participate in and influence the energy transition process actively. This involves training, knowledge sharing, and providing the tools needed to advocate for and implement just transition strategies.
4. Community Engagement: Ensuring that local communities are at the heart of the energy transition process. This includes participatory approaches that involve communities in decision-making, planning, and implementing clean energy projects that meet their needs and priorities.

Activities and Expected Impact

1. Policy Dialogues and Workshops: Organizing regional and national policy dialogues to engage stakeholders in discussions on just transition and energy access, leading to the development of inclusive energy policies and frameworks.
2. Research Publications: Producing research reports, policy briefs and factsheets that provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote a just energy transition.
3. Training Programs: Implementing capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering community leaders, civil society organisations, and local governments with the knowledge and skills to advocate for just transition policies and practices.
4. Community-Led Clean Energy Projects: Supporting and scaling up community-led clean energy projects that demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy in improving livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing resilience.

The expected impact includes increased access to clean energy in underserved communities, improved livelihoods, and a more robust policy framework supporting a just energy transition in Africa.

Theory of Change

The theory of change for the Just Transition and Energy Access thematic area posits that by empowering communities, influencing policy, and building capacity at all levels, Africa can achieve a fair and equitable transition to clean energy. The theory is based on the following assumptions:

• If communities are empowered with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to engage in the energy transition,
• And if policymakers are informed and motivated to create inclusive and equitable energy policies,
• Then, the transition to clean energy in Africa will be just, inclusive, and transformative, leading to improved energy access, reduced poverty, and enhanced resilience to climate change.

Leadership

Eugene N. Nforngwa, a seasoned climate change and sustainable development expert, leads the Just Transition and Energy Access thematic area. Under his leadership, the thematic area continues to champion the rights of African communities in the global energy transition, ensuring that Africa’s energy future is both sustainable and equitable.