JOHANNESBURG, Nov 22 (NNN-SANEWS) — The European Union has announced a new €7 billion pledge to accelerate renewable energy rollout across Africa, marking one of the largest commitments to the continent’s clean-power transition ahead of this weekend’s G20 Leaders’ Summit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the pledge during the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa event in Johannesburg on Friday, saying Europe was committed to standing with African nations now and in future.
“We can be so proud of what we have accomplished together… Now I promised that Europe will make a new pledge for this campaign. I’m delighted to pledge on behalf of Team Europe, an additional 7 billion euros for renewables in Africa…This is basically Europe standing with you now and in future,” von der Leyen said.
The EU commitment forms part of a broader global effort championed by Global Citizen to mobilise new investment for clean energy infrastructure across the continent. Von der Leyen announced that, counting all contributions made since November last year, the campaign has reached a total of €15.5 billion.
“What a great journey. So many partners. And now it’s time to take stock… It is extraordinary. The world has stepped up for Africa.
“The final tally of our campaign is €15.5 billion in total and now, in addition, you heard it, commitments announced will generate almost 27 gigawatts of clean power and will bring renewable electricity to 17.5 million households… This is more than funding. This is power for millions of people, fuel for progress, and this is hope for the future,” von der Leyen said.
Global Citizen CEO and co-founder Hugh Evans said the scale of the pledges marks a turning point for Africa’s energy transition.
“This is what extraordinary leadership looks like, partnership grounded in ambition and focused on impact,” Evans said.
He noted that the commitments made through the campaign will double the continent’s current renewable energy capability.
He added that the €15.5 billion mobilised represents 1/6 of the total investment needed for Africa to meet its energy and climate targets by 2030.
“This is what real progress looks like. This is what happens when global citizens take action, when millions of people raise their voices and demand a cleaner, more just energy future for Africa,” he said.
Calling the campaign’s results only the beginning, Evans urged continued global engagement to help end extreme poverty, quoting Nelson Mandela’s words that poverty “can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”
The Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign is part of broader efforts to close the continent’s energy access gap and expand clean-power infrastructure amid rising global climate commitments.
The new pledges announced on Friday are expected to catalyse further public and private investment into solar, wind, and grid-strengthening projects across Africa. — NNN-SANEWS
