President’s Donald Trump second reign is causing waves across the climate change sector, especially due to the revived focus on fossil fuel investments. The ripple effect is directly felt in Africa in mixed reactions.
There were details that President Donald Trump’s energy plan of action, which prioritizes fossil fuels, might increase funding, resulting in new investments in African countries like Nigeria. Trump’s administration is set to prioritize new oil and gas finds, where regions like West Africa, have vast oil virgin lands.
This will improve the nation’s economy, including foreign exchange, employment to the youth and women empowerment in the energy sector. Apart from the improved livelihoods, we will see infrastructural growth and a boost to related businesses, especially SMEs.
On the other hand, environmentalists fear of the abandonment of clean renewable energy sources. However, various groups argue that Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Climate Act doesn’t abandon renewable investments.
According to the Executive Chairman of African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, in an interview with Vanguard, “President Trump’s directive does not suggest abandoning renewable energy but rather emphasizes the need for balanced energy policies, something the AEC has been advocating for many years.”
He added that investments in fossil fuels must complement renewable energy expansion to ensure nations can meet their energy needs while fostering economic growth.
Nonetheless, it is fair to understand pro-renewable energy investors and activists, considering America’s history of evading commitment to set climate finance goals and initiatives.
Only time will tell on the real implications of President Trump’s renewed energy policies. Automatically, we can expect protests from concerned parties, similar to #stopEACOP campaign.
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