Power shortage and the lack of clean cooking fuels in Africa:

Eziakonwa emphasized the energy challenges in Africa, where 600 million lack electricity and 970 million lack clean cooking fuel. To achieve universal access to affordable energy in Africa by 2030, 90 million people need to be connected annually, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). She explained UNDP's strategic approach, which encompasses six impact areas that are focused on addressing the root causes of challenges rather than just the symptoms.

"An energy transition is ‘just’ if it is affordable, meaning that it is within relatively easy reach of the end-users, and available, meaning that the supply of energy is adequate and reliable to meet the demand of end-users," said Eziakonwa. 

Africa's Natural Resources and Economic Challenges:

Effective governance of Africa's abundant natural resources is crucial for a Just Energy Transition, both domestically and internationally. However, a significant challenge lies in the disconnect between these resources and enabling shared prosperity. Eziakonwa highlighted the continent's extractive growth, lacking substantial industrialization or manufacturing, perpetuating poverty through the export of raw materials and import of finished goods at a higher cost.

Technological Advancements and Productivity:

Despite rapid technological advancements, Eziakonwa emphasizes that large-scale automation isn't an imminent threat to Africa's current productivity levels. She underscores the need to prioritize enhancing production for job creation and sees potential growth in intra-Africa trade through increased productivity and manufacturing. Eziakonwa views technology as an enabler rather than a labor substitute.

On renewable energy, she notes promising advancements and decreasing costs. Despite concealed expenses, she stresses the importance of global collaboration to subsidize renewable energy costs for Africa, given the continent's potential for significant contributions to global emission reductions. Financial support, capacity building, and advanced technology are deemed imperative.