Oredola Adeola
At the recently concluded Energy Sustainability Conference organized by the Energy Institute, experts fiercely debated the impact of the global climate agenda on Africa’s development and energy sovereignty.
The session titled “Is the Global Climate Agenda a Fair Pathway for Africa’s Development Needs, or a Threat to the Continent’s Energy Sovereignty?” brought contrasting perspectives to the fore.
Ademola Adigun, Chief Executive Officer of AHA Consultancies, and Engr. ChiChi Emenike, Acting Managing Director and Gas Assets Manager at Naconde Energy Ltd., raised concerns about the potential risks to Africa’s energy sovereignty.
They argued that the global climate agenda, in its current form, could hinder the continent’s ability to effectively harness its vast hydrocarbon resources.
Both speakers called for increased investments in local energy solutions and improved management of Africa’s natural resources to ensure self-sufficiency and economic growth.
Conversely, Ifeoma Finnih, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure and Climate at Chapel Hill Denham, and Ahmad Damcida, CEO of Energy Culture, presented a compelling case in support of the global climate agenda.
They emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving a balanced, sustainable energy future for Africa.
The duo highlighted the long-term benefits of aligning with global climate goals, including technological advancement and opportunities for green investments.
Victor Eromosele, Chairman and CEO of M.E. Consulting Limited, who moderated the engaging debate, emphasized that Nigeria’s path forward lies in embracing both traditional and renewable energy sources to address its energy poverty while navigating global climate realities.
THE DEBATE
Africa’s Resource Paradox: Rich in Reserves, Poor in Energy Access – Engr. Emenike
The Acting Managing Director/Gas Assets Manager, Naconde Energy Ltd., on Africa’s Resource Potential and Investment Challenges, in the debate in support of the motion that the global climate agenda is a threat to the continent’s sovereignty, highlighted the paradox of the continent’s vast natural resources alongside its high poverty levels.
According to Emenike, Africa, despite being resource-rich, remains the lowest in energy consumption globally, with a staggering poverty rate of 67%. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for over 70% of this poverty, followed by South Asia and other regions.
With a population of 1.5 billion, including nearly 300 million Nigerians, Emenike emphasized that many live below the poverty line.
She argued that leveraging the continent’s abundant resources is the only viable path to economic empowerment and poverty reduction. However, she noted that investment in Africa’s oil and gas sector remains insufficient due to various challenges.
Nigeria, for instance, boasts proven crude oil and condensate reserves of 37 billion barrels and gas reserves of 208 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with unproven reserves estimated at 700 TCF.
Emenike stressed the urgent need to make energy more accessible, available, and affordable. Gas, described as a “big clean fuel,” holds immense potential for driving sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.
She commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing incentives to attract investments in the gas sector.
However, Emenike underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment and ensuring ease of doing business to secure energy security and optimize the country’s oil and gas resources.
The highly dollarized nature of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry poses additional challenges, making it less attractive to investors.
To address this, Emenike called for robust measures to protect investors from losses and guarantee returns on investment.
She emphasized the critical need for policies that not only attract investments but also ensure their retention to maximize the potential of Nigeria’s energy resources.
Tracing the roots of energy poverty: Africa’s journey since 1886 – Damcida
The CEO of Energy Culture, in a counter argument, in support of the Global Climate Agenda a Fair Pathway for Africa’s Development Needs, traced Africa’s energy challenges back to 1886 when the first oil well was drilled in Egypt.
“Since then, the continent has remained locked in energy poverty,” he noted.
He further argued that the real issue lies not in the source of energy but in ensuring access and affordability for the people.
Africa’s Sahara Desert, spanning over 9.2 million square kilometers, represents a significant untapped resource for renewable energy.
Damcida highlighted that installing solar panels across just a portion of the desert could generate approximately 649 GW at 25% efficiency—exceeding Europe’s current energy consumption.
He noted that despite such potential, Africa remains trapped in energy poverty, struggling to utilize its natural resources effectively.
He criticized the historical reliance on hydrocarbons, which, while fueling industrial progress elsewhere, left Africa behind.
“The Industrial Age was built on fossil fuels, and Africa missed that transformation. Now, as the world transitions to a technological age, Africa risks being left out again,” he noted.
Damcida emphasized that Africa holds the largest deposits of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and magnesium—essential for batteries and renewable energy technologies.
“Yet, rather than leveraging these assets, the continent continues to depend on imported, second-hand fossil-fuel-based technologies, contributing to CO2 emissions while others transition to electric vehicles and cleaner energy systems,” he said.
He challenged the narrative that Africa is responsible for only 4% of global emissions.
“This figure is misleading,” he argued, pointing out that the ships, planes, and manufacturing processes that deliver goods to Africa contribute significantly to global carbon emissions.
“For instance, a single ship emits approximately 14 grams of CO2 per kilometer, and a vessel traveling 6,000 kilometers to deliver goods to West Africa contributes heavily to carbon pollution,” he said.
Damcida also criticized the environmental and social degradation in oil-producing regions like the Niger Delta.
“People living in these areas endure poverty, not because they lack knowledge or skills, but because the activities of extractive industries undermine their capacity to thrive,” he said.
Damcida urged African leaders to adopt practical, data-driven approaches in presenting the continent’s energy transition agenda to the world.
“The transition to a cleaner future is long overdue, and it’s time Africa leverages its resources to lead, not follow, in this global transformation,” he affirmed.
The Case for Africa’s Transition to a Sustainable Energy Future- Ifeoma Finnih
The Senior Vice President for Infrastructure and Climate at Chapel Hill Denham, in a passionate argument in favour of the global climate agenda, underscored the urgency of Africa embracing sustainable energy solutions to address its energy poverty crisis and build a resilient future.
“Africa stands at an unprecedented junction,” Finnih remarked, highlighting the continent’s vast natural resources, from its expansive coastlines to its sun-drenched deserts.
These resources, according to her, position Africa to lead the world in sustainable energy development. Yet over 600 million Africans, including many Nigerians, still lack access to electricity—a stark reminder of the region’s energy poverty.
Finnih dismissed the notion of “energy sovereignty” tied to fossil fuels as both misleading and counterproductive.
“What has it done for us?” she asked rhetorically.
“Relying on fossil fuels has exposed us to global volatility and economic shocks. Clinging to this past only deepens our vulnerabilities.”
Instead, she advocated for leveraging Africa’s abundant renewable energy potential to redefine its energy narrative.
The push for global emissions reduction, she argued, offers Africa an opportunity to leapfrog into a sustainable energy future. By embracing decentralized energy systems, the continent can address energy poverty and health challenges effectively.
Finnih provided a powerful example, sharing how her organization recently financed projects across 22 communities in Oyo and Kwara states, connecting 68,000 people who had never before experienced grid power.
“We need to inspire a transformation,” Finnih emphasized.
“An Africa that leads in sustainability, an Africa where innovative, solution-based energy systems replace the outdated fossil fuel dependency. We want an Africa that is not only desirable but a global leader in renewable energy.”
Finnih’ call to action was clear—Africa must look forward, not backward, as it charts its path in the global energy transition.
Adigun: Africa’s Energy Sovereignty at Risk Under Global Climate Agenda
Adigun provided a critical perspective during the debate on whether the global climate agenda represents a fair pathway for Africa’s development or a threat to its energy sovereignty.
He argued that the policies advanced by developed nations often undermine Africa’s growth, perpetuating energy poverty and economic dependence.
“There’s a misconception that high consumption of industrially produced goods is exclusive to developed countries,” Adigun began.
“The reality is that energy consumption is directly tied to prosperity. The more prosperous a nation, the more energy it consumes. Africa cannot grow without significantly increasing its energy usage.”
Adigun highlighted the hypocrisy of the West during the COVID-19 pandemic when developed nations, after advocating for a halt in fossil fuel production, turned to Africa for natural gas.
He cited instances like Germany’s calls during the pandemic to African nations pleading to be connected to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project, as evidence of the West’s self-interest.
He further criticized the West’s imposition of templates and policies that keep Africa dependent and energy poor.
“Their approach ensures Africa remains a consumer, not a producer. Our GDP, as a continent, is comparable to that of France, a single European country.
“Yet, we import most of what we consume. This is a sad and telling reality.”
Adigun emphasized the urgent need for Africa to prioritize all forms of energy to bridge the access gap for the over 600 million people living without electricity.
“Every form of energy is legitimate and necessary now. Until our per capita income matches that of developed nations, we should focus on growth, not on prematurely abandoning oil and gas production.”
He likened the global climate agenda to a scenario of unequal reciprocity.
“I live in an area in Abuja where I was constantly complaining about cows polluting the environment.
“Rather than continuing with endless complaints, I decided to buy a cow myself, creating a sense of mutual accountability. This action indirectly encouraged everyone involved to come together and address the issue,” he gave an analogy.
“Africa must take control of its energy narrative rather than depend on others’ agendas,” Adigun said.
Addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis, he further highlighted systemic issues like the lack of industrial capacity, which forces households to bear the burden of higher electricity tariffs.
“In developed countries, industries shoulder most of the energy costs, easing the burden on households. Here, the absence of industrial bases shifts that burden directly to residential users.”
He questioned the viability of solar energy as a primary energy source for Africa, noting its limitations in powering industries and the high costs of panels and batteries.
“Solar energy abroad maintains existing infrastructure; it doesn’t power manufacturing or heavy industries. Expecting Nigeria to build a manufacturing base on solar energy is impractical.”
Adigun also warned against Africa becoming a testing ground for global agendas.
“When developed nations were emitting heavily, they took no action. Now that they’ve industrialized, they want us to adopt their agenda, not ours!” he warned.
Finally, he stressed the economic losses Africa faces by exporting raw resources for processing abroad.
“When we export crude oil, we lose over 90% of its value. Refining locally could increase the value by over 1,200%. Nigeria must be selfish with its resources to survive economically. A nation without a self-interested strategy is doomed,” he said.
Finnih: Leveraging Africa’s Energy Potential for Development
Mrs. Finnih in the debate, further emphasized Africa’s unique potential to transition from being a consumer to a producer of energy and green technology during the debate on the global climate agenda.
She argued that Africa has both the natural resources and the opportunity to redefine its energy landscape to foster development.
“Sub-Saharan Africa offers the highest solar energy potential globally,” Finnih stated.
“We have the capacity to generate 600GW of power daily, which is sufficient to power the entire continent. Beyond solar, Africa also holds a significant share of the world’s hydropower potential, with major rivers offering untapped opportunities.”
She noted that Africa’s mineral wealth, including essential materials like cobalt, lithium, and copper, places it at the center of the green energy transition. These resources are critical for manufacturing batteries and electric vehicles.
“The question is, when will Africa transition from merely consuming to producing the technologies we need?” she asked.
Finnih highlighted the stark reality of energy poverty on the continent, where over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity.
“Only 56% of urban areas and a mere 26% of rural areas have reliable electricity access. This is unacceptable and underscores the need for decentralized electricity systems.”
She advocated for the rapid deployment of scalable solutions like solar energy, which can quickly bring power to underserved communities, particularly where infrastructure for gas power plants and transmission networks is lacking.
“Addressing energy poverty is not just about technology; it’s about changing our mindset and refusing to be left behind,” Finnih urged.
On financing sustainable energy, Finnih emphasized that Africa now has access to innovative funding mechanisms.
She pointed to initiatives like the Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund (NIDF), which raises funds from sources such as pension funds and channels them into infrastructure projects.
“Nigeria’s pension fund alone holds about 20 trillion naira in local currency financing, which can be utilized for renewable energy projects. We no longer need to rely solely on international funding, especially since global institutions are locking up financing for oil and gas projects,” she explained.
Finnih also praised Africa’s emerging leadership in global renewable energy discussions, citing examples such as Damilola Ogunbiyi’s work with SE4ALL and Africa’s negotiating efforts at platforms like COP29.
“The world is beginning to recognize Africa’s capacity to lead the conversation on renewable energy.”
She therefore urged African countries to embrace this opportunity.
“Africa must capitalize on its natural resources and move away from outdated paths that have locked us into economic stagnation. This is our chance to redefine our future and ensure sustainable development for the continent,”Finnih said.
Ahmad Damcida: Unlocking Africa’s Energy Potential through Innovation and Sustainable Practices
The CEO of Energy Culture in his perspective shared his perspective on the immense potential of biomass in addressing Africa’s energy challenges.
He pointed out that Africa has untapped resources that could revolutionize its energy sector and contribute to sustainable development.
“Biomass, particularly in the agricultural sector, holds immense potential,” Damcida explained.
“For example, rice farmers often rely on diesel-powered generators to process their crops, when they could be using rice husks as biofuel feedstock to generate electricity. This highlights a deeper issue: it’s not just about energy choices, but more about access and affordability.”
Damcida emphasized that access to affordable energy, rather than the availability of energy options, is Africa’s primary challenge.
“Hydropower has been the backbone of our energy supply since independence, and natural gas only started flowing into our plants in the 1980s. Despite this, we have not fully maximized the potential of these resources.”
He suggested that Africa has the capacity to lead the world in innovative solutions for decarbonizing its energy production.
“Our natural gas has a carbon content of 5-10 percent on average. Africa can take a proactive role in decarbonizing our natural gas before it enters the market. Our engineers should focus on finding solutions to remove the carbon from gas and oil molecules, utilizing the technology available.”
Damcida argued that Africa’s energy challenges cannot be solved without investing in human capacity development.
“If we had invested the revenue from fossil fuel exports into developing our human capital, we would have seen significant progress.
“Nigeria, for instance, is heavily reliant on oil and gas exports for foreign exchange, but countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland, which don’t export a single barrel of oil, generate more dollar revenue through services and production,” he said.
He also highlighted the missed opportunities in Africa’s agricultural sector, noting that prior to independence, Nigeria was exporting a wide variety of goods, including agro-allied products.
“For example, the global market for palm oil exceeds $40 billion, yet Africa has not tapped into this potential fully. We can even generate electricity from palm oil husks.”
Damcida urged Africa to shift its focus from emotionally charged arguments to practical solutions that align with global expectations.
“We can do what the world expects of us, but it requires a mindset change. The global climate agenda offers a fair pathway for Africa’s development, and we have the resources and capacity to meet these challenges head-on.”
Engr. Chichi Emenike: Overcoming Regulatory Challenges for Africa’s Energy Future
The Ag. MD and Gas Asset Manager at Neconde, arguing on the global climate agenda, shared her perspective on the regulatory challenges facing both the oil and gas industry and the renewable energy sector in Africa.
Emenike pointed out that while the advocacy for renewable energy adoption grows the region’s regulatory landscape remains a significant barrier to progress.
“The oil and gas industry has long been battling regulatory issues, and the renewable energy sector is likely to face similar challenges,” Emenike stated.
“The way forward, whether for hydrocarbon or renewable energy, lies in the policies and regulations we have in place.
“Historically, we’ve been doing things wrong, and the solution is not simply about transitioning away from hydrocarbons but creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, and investors can feel secure.”
Emenike emphasized the importance of improving the regulatory environment to foster growth and innovation in both sectors.
“Once an enabling environment is created, investors will have no choice but to invest in research and development, adopting cleaner and more sustainable practices,” she explained.
“The key is collaboration rather than stifling business.”
“Many new upstream companies are transitioning from exploration and production (E&P) to broader energy companies. This shift is driven by a commitment to doing business more sustainably and adopting cleaner methods.”
However, Emenike stressed that the private sector requires protection from inconsistent regulations and penalties.
“For example, drilling a well in the Niger Delta today requires an investment of $33 million. If I bring this kind of investment, I need protection, not frequent regulatory penalties that hinder business growth,” she argued.
“This is the reality many companies face, and it’s why some prefer to invest in other countries, like Mozambique or Ghana, where there is a clearer path to seeing returns.”
“We need to think selfishly as a nation and encourage those who have the financial resources to invest. The government cannot do this alone.
“Without a proper regulatory environment, even the most promising renewable energy projects will eventually face the same stifling issues that have affected the oil and gas industry,” she concluded
ADEMOLA Adigun: Energy Security and Africa’s Sovereignty in the Global Climate Debate
Adigun, in counter argument addressed the issue of energy security in Nigeria, highlighting the critical role of fossil fuels in the country’s energy mix.
According to Adigun, the current energy challenges stem from a lack of clear direction, poor implementation of policies, and the absence of industrialization, which are further compounded by the reliance on external support.
“Energy security in Nigeria is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, but this is not the only issue,” Adigun explained.
“We lack the positive direction and effective implementation needed to build a robust energy sector. Without energy, there can be no industrialization. Producers cannot predict the cost of their operations due to the high cost of energy, which is a significant challenge.”
Adigun emphasized the importance of affordable energy, noting that an energy mix, which includes both traditional and renewable sources, is essential for sustainable growth.
“The best way forward is through energy mixes, but we must avoid being trapped in a cycle of dependency that only leads to more poverty,” he warned.
He further criticized the current state of aid dependency, suggesting that the West will continue offering loans and assistance, keeping African nations in a position of reliance.
“The West will keep lending us money and supporting migration to their countries as long as we allow them to. It is time for Africa to show its capabilities and do things in our own way,” Adigun said.
Engr. Chichi Emenike: Strengthening Africa’s Energy Sovereignty Amid the Global Climate Agenda
Engr. Emenike, in her defence, called for a critical reevaluation of Africa’s approach to energy production and transition. Reflecting on over 50 years of oil and gas operations, Emenike argued that the continent needs to be more intentional and strategic in how it develops its energy sector.
She pointed out that recent efforts, such as Nigeria’s oil and gas reserve rebasing, have sparked important conversations about how to double production while addressing the depletion of resources.
“While there is technology available to support the entire gas value chain, even in stranded areas, the real challenge lies in how we manage these resources sustainably,” Emenike said.
“It’s crucial that Africa starts developing solutions made by Africans for Africans, and we should focus on self-interest in this regard.”
Emenike emphasized that Africa’s growing population is outpacing the continent’s energy infrastructure, which is a significant obstacle to progress.
“How many light bulbs have we lit in Nigeria?” she asked, pointing out that leaders must adopt bold strategies and move away from a rent-seeking mentality.
She advocated for a shift in regulatory practices, urging that penalties and taxes should not stifle investment in the sector. Instead, investors should be assured of protection and the opportunity to make profitable returns.
“Regulators need to stop overregulating and making penalties so severe that they drive investors away. We need to create an enabling environment where operations can be efficient, and costs are managed effectively,” she said.
Emenike also called for greater flexibility in government bureaucracy and for the Ministry of Petroleum to be more accessible to investors.
In conclusion, Emenike stressed that, whether in renewable energy or hydrocarbon production, there must be clear direction and vision for Africa’s energy future.
“If we are serious about attracting investment and driving economic prosperity, we must ensure that both local and international investors can operate with confidence in our energy sector,” she asserted.
Ifeoma Finnih: The Role of Renewable Energy in Africa’s Development
Mrs. Finnih highlighted the significant shift in funding dynamics between the renewable energy and hydrocarbon sectors, emphasizing that the funding landscape for renewable projects, particularly mini grids, is vastly different.
“The renewable energy space, especially mini grids, is not facing the same funding challenges as the hydrocarbon industry,” Finnih stated.
“In fact, ample structured funds are flowing into mini-grid projects across the country, making them a viable solution for addressing energy access.”
She further noted that renewable energy solutions are not only faster but also more affordable and scalable compared to traditional energy sources.
“Renewable energy offers a sustainable, scalable pathway to meet Africa’s energy needs, and with the right funding, it can accelerate economic development,” she added, stressing the importance of these investments in shaping the continent’s energy future.
Ahmad Damcida: Inefficiency in Hydrocarbon Utilization and Its Impact on Africa’s Development
Damcida in his argument expressed concern over the inefficient use of hydrocarbon resources in Africa, particularly the waste of associated gas.
“In many African offshore oil fields, diesel is still being used for production, despite the fact that associated gas from crude oil production is available and could be utilized for power supply,” he explained.
Damcida pointed out that large volumes of gas are flared, which could instead be harnessed to power the continent.
He also noted the inefficiency in coal utilization across the continent, citing that only South Africa is actively purifying and using coal deposits, while other African nations continue to waste this valuable resource.
“In places like Enugu, where coal once powered locomotives and power stations, the discovery of hydrocarbons has led to a neglect of coal,” Damcida observed.
“This lack of responsibility in resource utilization is not just a Nigerian issue but extends across other African nations producing oil, like Ghana.”
Damcida further highlighted the environmental toll of unchecked hydrocarbon extraction, sharing the case of Peremabiri, a community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, which has been devastated by oil production.
“One of the largest rice farming projects in Nigeria, the Rice Fadama project, has been destroyed due to soil damage caused by oil producers,” he said.
He also referenced the widespread environmental damage from gas flaring, particularly in places like Sagbama, where local communities are forced to use burning gas for drying cassava.
“The intensity of the gas flaring is so severe that it can burn anyone within 50 meters of the site,” he added, criticizing the lack of care for the environment by the polluting companies.
Despite the availability of hydro projects like Zungeru and Mambilla, which exceed the capacity of current natural gas power plants, the country is not fully utilizing its gas resources.
“Even the 18 gas power plants in Nigeria are selling electricity below cost, failing to utilize the gas that the country has,” he said.
Damcida further emphasized that “Net Zero” does not equate to the complete elimination of hydrocarbon production, nor does it mean a simple substitution of energy sources.
Instead, he views it as a balanced approach to achieving a sustainable economy through collaborative efforts.
“Net Zero is about finding a balance that makes sense for a sustainable economy.
“The issue lies not only in regulatory frameworks but also in the attitudes and behaviors that drive decision-making,” Damcida explained.
Drawing on Robert Klitgaard’s formula for corruption, Damcida argued that governance issues contribute to inefficiencies in the energy sector. Klitgaard’s formula—Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion − Accountability—illustrates how corruption thrives when individuals in positions of authority have excessive discretion and access to rent, while accountability is lacking.
“When those in power have unchecked discretion and control over resources, corruption rises,” Damcida stated.
He continued, “The person who steals public wealth will build lavish structures and install security systems to protect their assets, but when it comes to managing public trust, there is laxity, as it favors their own interests.”
Damcida also advocated for greater investment in research and development (R&D) to address environmental concerns in the oil and gas sector.
He suggested that oil and gas companies should finance R&D initiatives at local universities and institutions, particularly to develop technologies for extracting CO2 during the oil extraction process.
“We should not wait for technology to be developed in the U.S. and then import it into Nigeria. We have the capacity to innovate within Africa,” he stressed.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for a more pragmatic, less emotional approach when addressing Africa’s energy future.
“When African countries engage in global discussions on energy and climate change, the conversation should not be driven by emotion but by practical solutions and investment in innovation,” Damcida argued.
