As Africa continues its transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, the African Development Bank ( www.AfDB.org ), with support from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) ( http://apo-opa.co/3YafSnK ), is strengthening its commitment to a just transition across the continent.

In line with this commitment, key decision-makers from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Namibia recently met in Nairobi for the final session of a masterclass on planning for a just transition, a critical capacity-building initiative aimed at helping African countries plan for a just and inclusive transition to sustainable development.

Delivered as part of the African Development Bank’s ongoing efforts to advance just transition mainstreaming, the masterclass provided participants with a platform to enhance their knowledge, skills and networks. The initiative brought together 25 policymakers, representatives of civil society organizations and technical experts from pilot countries to collaborate on practical solutions for inclusive climate action.

With a focus on each country’s unique socio-economic landscape, the masterclass provided decision-makers with tools to address the disruptions caused by the transition to cleaner economies. The final in-person session, which took place from 17 to 18 September 2024, followed four preparatory webinars. Participants reviewed successful examples of just transition planning and presented country-specific challenges. They developed strategies to address impacts on economies and livelihoods, and met with potential funders to explore options for financing just transitions.

Bubacarr Sankareh, Senior Advisor to the Bank’s Director General for Regional Development and Business Delivery for East Africa, highlighted the importance of the initiative in his opening remarks. “The transition to clean and sustainable development will require transforming the way we produce and consume energy, manage resources, and run our economies. These transformations will disrupt economies and livelihoods,” he said. “A just transition ensures that these disruptions are managed in a way that leaves no one behind. In Africa, it is not only about minimizing the negative impacts of climate action, but also maximizing the development and prosperity that come from these transformative actions.”

According to Mr. Sankareh, the transition will be different between African countries that depend on fossil fuels and those that do not, stressing the need for equitable access to the benefits of sustainable development while sharing its costs.

Caroline Aguti, Deputy Commissioner at the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, stressed the need to revise Uganda’s energy transition plan to integrate social justice. She also called on development partners, including the African Development Bank, to provide continued support to African countries by establishing relevant financing instruments for just transition investments.

Kidanua Abera Gizaw, Coordinator of the Bank’s Just Transition Initiatives, stressed that effective mainstreaming of just transition requires a cross-sectoral approach with coherent national, sectoral and operational planning. By targeting decision-makers from different sectors, the masterclass will help bridge these different levels and integrate just transition principles into sustainable development planning.

In line with its 2021-2030 Climate and Green Growth Strategic Framework, the African Development Bank is on track to mobilize $25 billion by 2025 to support climate action. The Bank’s Just Transition Framework will ensure that projects in African countries are identified and implemented effectively, in alignment with its broader climate goals.

To learn more about the African Development Bank’s Just Transition Initiative ( https://apo-opa.co/3NaTnck ).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).