LUANDA, ANGOLA – Thomas Tayebwa, Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, is calling on leaders across Africa to reject what he perceives as an unjust proposition by the European Union (EU), which imposes hefty penalties on Africa for climate change, despite the continent being the lowest emitter.
“We must demand a transition that is fair and equitable, not one that is hastily imposed,” stated Tayebwa, who recently assumed the role of representing East Africa to the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the European Union General Assembly.
Addressing the 64th session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and Constitutive Sessions of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assemblies in Luanda, Angola, Tayebwa emphasized that Africa should not be coerced into abandoning fossil fuels without a well-negotiated transition plan.
“Africa should not be pressured to relinquish fossil fuels, especially when these resources played a significant role in the development of Europe. It’s unacceptable for Uganda, which is just beginning to explore its oil reserves, to be told not to exploit them,” he argued.
Tayebwa urged African Parliament members to reject such proposals and advocate for a transition to clean energy that is fair and just. He emphasized the need for developed countries to contribute more to fund the transition, citing estimates of $25 billion per year until 2030.
“Africa hosts 60% of the world’s solar resources, yet only 1% of global solar installations are on the continent. It’s time for the European Union to invest more in affordable solar energy in Africa,” Tayebwa emphasized, echoing the sentiments of many in the global south.
Furthermore, Tayebwa called on the European Union to cease the exportation of counterfeit electrical accessories to Africa, stressing the continent’s need for quality and sustainable products.
Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice-President of the African Energy Chambers, highlighted the dire energy situation in Africa, where over 600 million people lack reliable or affordable energy, with an additional 900 million lacking access to clean cooking fuels, primarily women and children.
In response, Marc Angel, Vice President of the European Parliament, affirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Africa’s energy needs, pledging up to Euros 20 billion to deploy renewable energy and provide electricity access to at least 100 million people by 2030.
The EU’s initiatives aim to enhance regional connectivity through interconnectors and support the construction and rehabilitation of hydroelectric power plants, such as the Nalubaale-Kiira dam in Uganda.
Michael Gahler, a Member of the European Parliament, stressed the importance of finding common ground between African and EU investors in implementing clean energy transition proposals.
