insert_link Africa 1 in every 3 dollars invested into startups in Africa in 2023 went into climate tech By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Climate tech startups bucked the trend in Africa's venture capital space, actively notching up an impressive $1 billion amidst a broader funding fall-off in 2023. Data tracker, Africa: The Big Deal notes that around 1 in 3 dollars invested into startups on the continent in the forecast period went to climate tech startups. The strength of the sector according to the Deal, illustrates […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa South Africa ramps up commercial solar installations to counter load shedding By Conrad Onyango, via bird story agency South Africa is leading other countries in a radical shift towards more reliable energy sources as its business and industry owners contributed the highest addition of the 3.7-Gigawatt peak (GWp) in new solar capacity on the continent in 2023. The Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) annual Solar Outlook 2024 released recently revealed that South Africa more than doubled its new solar installations, from […] todayJanuary 24, 2024 14
insert_link Opinion Pieces South Africa’s new plan to end power cuts is seriously flawed. Here’s why By Hartmut Winkler, University of Johannesburg South Africa experienced unprecedented electricity shortages in 2023 as ageing coal plants became increasingly prone to breakdowns. The country urgently needs to develop new electricity generation facilities and reduce reliance on coal power. In the first week of 2024, the South African energy minister, Gwede Mantashe, released a proposed roadmap for the future of electricity in South Africa. Unfortunately, the draft Integrated Resource […] todayJanuary 11, 2024 3
insert_link Business / Economics ATIDI signs partnership agreement to underwrite AMEA Power’s 20 MW Solar Project in Uganda African Trade & Investment Development Insurance, ATIDI, announced its intent to support the 20 MW Ituka West Nile Uganda Ltd solar project developed by AMEA Power, a Dubai-based Independent Power Producer (IPP). ATIDI will support the project via its Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF) by providing payment guarantees for the benefit of the project on behalf of the Ugandan national power utility, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL). The partnership was announced in a signing […] todayDecember 15, 2023 43
insert_link Environment Disagreements over fossil fuels threaten COP28 success The UN climate summit in Dubai faces potential failure as delegates disagree on the role of fossil fuels. Oil-rich nations are advocating for increased use of carbon capture technology to mitigate emissions, while scientists and developed countries argue that reducing fossil fuel usage is crucial to combating global warming. Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, addresses the issue at COP28. todayDecember 12, 2023 7
insert_link Africa Africa’s rich biodiversity offers a wealth of carbon offset projects for Gulf investors By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Africa is a prime target for new multimillion-dollar carbon offset projects as companies increasingly seek to blunt the effects of their carbon footprints. In September, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced plans to shell out US$450 million to secure carbon credits from various carbon offset initiatives on the continent. Already, carbon offset firms are snapping up new deals. Eco Netix, a measurement, reporting […] todayDecember 12, 2023 6
insert_link Africa COP28: The deals so far From historic agreements on Loss and Damage, to transformative declarations on food systems and health, COP28 could mark a monumental shift in how the world addresses environmental challenges. Here are some of the deals announced so far. COP28 has mobilized over $83 billion in funding, setting the pace for a new era in climate action. These include the first ever declarations on food systems transformation and health, plus declarations on […] todayDecember 12, 2023 5
insert_link Africa From trash to power: how to harness energy from Africa’s garbage dumps – and save billions in future damage By Nkweauseh Reginald Longfor, Sophia University New research on garbage dumps in 44 sub-Saharan African countries shows that 95% are unregulated. The landfill sites still take in new garbage even when they are filled to capacity. As the waste decomposes, these sites release harmful greenhouse gases. However, using the methane gas to generate energy instead could save the continent billions of dollars. We talk to sustainability scientist and author of […] todayDecember 12, 2023 12
insert_link Africa Global leaders call for increased resources to provide 1 billion people with clean cooking solutions in Africa “Every woman, every mother must be able to turn on the gas cooker and cook a decent meal like anywhere else in the world”—Adesina African Development Bank to scale up contribution to clean cooking solutions “Lack of access to clean cooking is a stain on humanity”—Birol Africa requires $4 billion in annual investment,to provide 250 million with clean cooking energy, says the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih […] todayDecember 7, 2023 5
