The recent news that captured the attention of many Africans beyond their borders included the outcome of the US election and the scandal involving Equatorial Guinea’s finance minister who was linked to numerous high-profile married women. While these topics may have been interesting to follow and discuss, it is important to consider the value that was gained from focusing on them.
Perhaps, if the leaders of Africa’s larger economies displayed the same courage as Rwanda and Ethiopia, we could be making more significant progress instead of being consumed by foreign news that may not necessarily benefit us. Unfortunately, Rwanda and Ethiopia are not the most influential countries in Africa, so their actions may not receive as much attention from the rest of the continent.
The courage that is needed is not just about challenging stronger opponents, but about making independent decisions that prioritize the long-term well-being of our nations. For example, when Rwanda decided to ban the importation of second-hand clothes, many Africans applauded this move as a way to support the local textile industry and encourage the growth of related industries like design and fashion.
Similarly, Ethiopia made a bold decision by banning the public importation of fuel vehicles, including diplomatic vehicles. This action may not receive the recognition it deserves at the ongoing Climate Conference of Parties (COP) in Azerbaijan, where the focus is on climate finance for developing countries.
As COP-29 commences, there is hope that the funds pledged will prioritize initiatives that promote sustainable transport in regions like Africa, where the need for greener infrastructure is crucial. It is essential that these pledges translate into concrete actions rather than just empty promises.
One can only imagine the impact if countries like Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya come together to advocate for climate financing for Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with its vast rainforests that absorb a significant amount of the world’s emissions, should ideally take a leading role in these discussions.
It is ironic that the DRC, a country that absorbs a large amount of emissions, also holds a substantial amount of essential minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, and tantalum, which are crucial for green technologies. This puts DRC in a unique position to demand fair representation and support at COP meetings.
At COP-29, it is crucial that substantial funding, potentially reaching a trillion dollars, is pledged to support countries like the DRC in their efforts to combat climate change. It is imperative that Africa’s key players in Abuja, Pretoria, Cairo, and Nairobi advocate for these funds to be allocated effectively and transparently to drive real change.
Overall, as Africa navigates the complex landscape of climate change and sustainable development, it is essential for leaders to prioritize bold and decisive action that will benefit the continent and its people in the long run.
