Project Financier: Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative / Climate Advocacy Partners
Project Year: 2021 (Completed)
Project Lead: Prof. Benard Muok
Implementing Organization: Climate Change Adaptation Evidence Hub
Project Summary:
The Climate Change Adaptation Evidence Hub, under the leadership of Prof. Benard Muok, implemented a continental policy and advocacy project titled Promoting Clean Energy for a Climate-Aligned Recovery in 2021. The project examined Africa’s post-COVID-19 recovery pathways and explored opportunities for aligning economic recovery with climate-resilient and low-carbon development. The initiative focused on the urgent need for African countries to transition from fossil fuel dependency toward sustainable and renewable energy systems while simultaneously addressing energy poverty and economic vulnerability.
The project objectives included assessing the impacts of COVID-19 on Africa’s energy sector, evaluating policy and investment trends in renewable energy, building political support for climate-aligned recovery strategies, and generating evidence to support energy transition policies across the continent. The study also sought to strengthen advocacy for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty by identifying opportunities for coalition-building among governments, civil society, academia, and development partners.
The project highlighted that Africa’s recovery packages lacked clear environmental safeguards and climate tracking systems. It recommended increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, clean technology research, energy efficiency, and climate-smart development planning. The initiative emphasized the importance of local platforms for resilience-building and inclusive governance involving youth, women, researchers, and local communities.
The study contributed significantly to continental debates on green recovery and energy justice by demonstrating that Africa has the potential to leapfrog fossil fuel-based development pathways and become a global leader in renewable energy transition. The findings continue to inform advocacy, climate diplomacy, and energy transition discussions across Africa.