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Casablanca to become 97th C40 city

Michael Simire
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Casablanca to become 97th C40 city

Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, is to become the newest member of C40 Cities, joining a global network of nearly 100 cities committed to urgent and equitable climate action.

Casablanca
Casablanca, Morocco

According to C40 Cities, Casablanca’s membership reinforces the growing momentum for transformative change to address the climate crisis.

As Morocco’s largest city (population: 4.2 million) and economic hub, Casablanca is taking bold steps to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement, reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.

Key initiatives instigated by Mayor Nabila Rmili include expanding sustainable transport with new tram lines and high-efficiency buses, restoring public spaces through revegetation and land rehabilitation, and reusing wastewater to sustain urban green areas. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to promote preserving natural resources.

Like many African cities, Casablanca is on the frontline of the climate emergency. Six consecutive years of drought and a rapidly changing climate, causing record temperatures leading to more evaporation, have threatened water supplies across Morocco, endangering public health and the economy. 

Casablanca’s membership was approved by the C40 Steering Committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro in November. The city will officially become a C40 member in January 2025.

Casablanca becomes the 14th African city in the C40 network and the first in North Africa. The city, which has already developed a territorial local development plan, is committed to develop a compliant climate action plan that will deliver action consistent with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement, and addresses both the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change.These targets aim to reduce climate risks while delivering social and economic benefits equitably across all communities.

C40 will collaborate closely with Casablanca to mainstream climate action into city planning, share best practices, and support the implementation of its climate action plan. 

Nabila Rmili, Mayor of Casablanca said: “Joining the C40 Cities network is an important step for Casablanca, highlighting our dedication to growing sustainably. 

“By working together, we aim to become better at tackling the climate crisis, cut down on harmful emissions, and ensure that all our residents benefit fairly from these efforts while collaborating with C40 cities from around the world.”

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown and Co-Chair of C40 Cities said: “I am delighted to welcome Casablanca to the C40 network, further strengthening the voice and leadership of cities in the Global South in taking climate actions.

“Communities across Africa are united by the urgent need to respond to the climate crisis, and it is critical that we work together to implement solutions that address these challenges while fostering equitable development.

“I look forward to supporting Mayor Rmili and the people of Casablanca as they pursue their ambitious climate goals.”

Cisse Bacongo , Minister Governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan, C40 Vice Chair for Africa said: ‘’We are delighted with the cultural diversity that Casablanca, the largest city in the Maghreb, will bring to the C40 network. 

“Africa will then be represented within the C40 network from north to south, east to west, but above all with greater linguistic diversity. We look forward to exchanging views with the city on initiatives that are essential to the fight against climate change in Africa, in particular those relating to resilience and the revegetation of green spaces.”

Mark Watts, C40 Executive Director said: “As we close a pivotal year for climate action, I am delighted to welcome Casablanca as the newest member of the C40 network.

“Under Mayor Rmili’s leadership, Casablanca has already made significant progress in expanding green transportation, water conservation, and climate resilience. 

“I look forward to seeing how, together, C40 and Casablanca will drive forward innovative solutions, accelerate climate action, and share knowledge across our global network of cities.”

Dora Modise, C40 Africa Regional Director, said: “We are excited to welcome Casablanca as the 14th African city to join the C40 network. 

“The city exemplifies the resilience, ambition, and innovation that characterise our continent’s response to the climate crisis. Casablanca’s membership in C40 Cities is a significant milestone for Africa.”

Shelter Afrique, African Union sign MoU to advance housing, urban development

Michael Simire
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0
Shelter Afrique, African Union sign MoU to advance housing, urban development

Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the African Union (AU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on addressing Africa’s critical housing and urban development challenges.

Shelter Afrique
Ambassador Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) (right), sign the MoU with Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director of ShafDB

The partnership, which confers Shelter Afrique an Observer Status at the African Union, aligns with Agenda 2063 and underscores a shared commitment to ensuring a high standard of living, quality of life, and well-being for all African citizens.

The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation aimed at tackling Africa’s housing deficit, promoting sustainable urban development, and advancing capacity-building efforts.

With approximately 53 million housing units required across the continent and a $1.4 trillion financing gap, this partnership will leverage innovative solutions, resource mobilisation, and policy development to create lasting impact.

Scope of Collaboration

The MoU emphasises strategic collaboration in the following areas:

  1. Sustainable Housing and Urban Development: Joint initiatives to support environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient communities.
  2. Addressing the Housing Deficit: Development of strategies to reduce Africa’s housing gap and improve urban settlements.
  3. Capacity Building: Training programmes and workshops for policymakers, developers, and stakeholders in housing and urban development.
  4. Resource Mobilisation: Coordinated efforts to secure financial and technical resources, including partnerships with regional and international financial institutions.
  5. Policy Development and Advocacy: Development of conducive policies and advocacy to elevate housing and urban challenges on national, regional, and international agendas.
  6. Research and Technological Innovation: Collaboration on research, data collection, and the adoption of innovative technologies in housing and urban planning.
  7. Environmental Sustainability: Initiatives to enhance climate resilience in housing and urban infrastructure.

The agreement also includes provisions for cooperation with AU sub-bodies such as AUDA-NEPAD and the African Union Peace Fund to harmonise efforts across the continent.

Operationalisation of the MOU

To ensure effective implementation, ShafDB and the AU will develop a Joint Action Plan (JAP) outlining specific activities, timelines, and review mechanisms. The collaboration may also include staff secondment arrangements and supplementary agreements to address emerging areas of mutual concern.

Ambassador Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), remarked: “We warmly welcome Shelter Afrique Development Bank as one of our strategic collaborators. Together, we shall enhance efforts to unlock Africa’s investable wealth and mobilise it towards meeting the continent’s housing deficit anchored on inclusive and sustainable urbanisation.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director of ShafDB, said: “This MOU marks a significant step forward in our shared vision of sustainable housing and urban development in Africa. As a pan-African multilateral development bank focused on housing and urban development, we are confident that this collaboration with the African Union will scale our ability to create transformative solutions that address the housing deficit and enhance the quality of life for millions.”

HEDA, NiMet, NIHSA to enlighten trainers on climate prediction, flood forecasting

Michael Simire
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0
HEDA, NiMet, NIHSA to enlighten trainers on climate prediction, flood forecasting

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is set to organise a “Train-the-Trainer Workshop on the Interpretation and Application of Climate Prediction and Flood Forecasting Tools for States and NGOs”. A part of the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, the initiative is in partnership with Oxfam and Community Action for Food Security (CAFS).

Sulaimon Arigbabu
Sulaimon Arigbabu

The regional workshop, scheduled to take place in Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Adamawa and Oyo states from December 18 to December 27, 2024, aims to address the persistent challenges associated with the dissemination and understanding of climate-related information in Nigeria.

According to HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, despite the timely and reliable Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and flood forecasts provided by NiMet and NIHSA, there is still a significant gap exists in the interpretation and practical use of this information at the grassroots level.

“Key stakeholders, such as environmental and agricultural development officers, often face difficulties translating these forecasts into actionable plans. This gap increases vulnerabilities in critical areas like agriculture, food security, and disaster preparedness, especially as climate shocks like floods and droughts continue to have severe consequences,” he stated.

Stressing the importance of the training, Arigbabu noted that the workshop aims to bridge this gap by enhancing the technical capacity of environmental and agricultural officers. Participants will learn advanced skills to accurately interpret SCP and flood forecasts and apply this knowledge to guide communities in adopting climate-resilient practices. This capacity-building effort will support decision-making within state ministries of agriculture, environment, and planning, ultimately improving climate-responsive planning and interventions.

The workshop will also address barriers that hinder effective communication of climate forecasts. These barriers include language challenges, technical complexity, and inadequate outreach strategies. By overcoming these obstacles, the project will ensure that climate data reaches and benefits those who need it most, enhancing the resilience of Nigerian communities to climate risks.

“This workshop strengthens collaboration between NiMet, NIHSA, HEDA, and regional stakeholders, aiming to improve access to climate information for frontline communities. The initiative further reflects HEDA’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, environmental justice, and community resilience in the face of climate challenges,” noted Arigbabu.

IOM, Microsoft collaborate to address climate-driven displacement

Michael Simire
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IOM, Microsoft collaborate to address climate-driven displacement

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Microsoft have collaborated to address climate-induced displacement by harnessing artificial intelligence and data insights.

Amy Pope
Amy Pope, Director-General of IOM

IOM, in a statement on Monday, December 16, 2024, said the collaboration aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change on migration and enhance resilience among vulnerable communities.

This, the organisation said, is through innovative pilot projects with Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab in the Maldives, Ethiopia, and Libya.

According to IOM, climate change is a growing driver of displacement, with 26.4 million internal displacements recorded in 2023 alone.

Amy Pope, Director-General of IOM, was quoted to have said the world could no longer simply reacts to climate change.

“This collaboration with Microsoft empowers IOM with data and insights that enable us to proactively address the impact of climate change on migration so we can better protect vulnerable communities.

“IOM and Microsoft have combined advanced AI tools, local expertise, and data-driven insights to support communities impacted by climate-related risks and strengthen their resilience to future challenges.”

Dr Juan Ferres, Chief Data Scientist and Director of Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, said the collaboration demonstrates how AI helps address the urgent challenges posed by climate-driven displacement.

According to him, the projects show how local teams on the ground can unlock insights with AI to anticipate risks and respond with solutions that improve the resilience of communities.

IOM said in Ethiopia, data analysis revealed that 700,000 people and 1.5 per cent of the country’s croplands are at risk of flooding.

“This information enables IOM to plan more effective interventions, supporting displaced populations and reducing the likelihood of future displacement.”

The statement noted that both organisations would showcase the outcomes of the partnership through the Climate Action Portal, a platform that will offer key insights on climate change and migration.

“The portal will present pilot results through interactive maps and dynamic data visualisations to empower policymakers and humanitarians with actionable insights.

“By combining the power of AI with local expertise, IOM and Microsoft are setting a new standard for identifying vulnerable populations, and predicting displacement hotspots.

“Equipping decision-makers and humanitarian actors with the tools needed to mitigate risks and support at-risk communities.”

By Busayo Onijala

Oil spill: NOSDRA chief urges Shell to mitigate impact on communities

Michael Simire
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0
Oil spill: NOSDRA chief urges Shell to mitigate impact on communities

The Director-General, National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, has urged the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to mitigate the impact of oil leaks from its facilities on local communities.

Chukwuemeka Woke
Director-General, National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke

Woke made the call on Monday, December 16, 2024, when he led the agency’s management team on an emergency evaluation tour of oil spill sites from an SPDC facility in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

He said that the emergency visit was aimed to evaluate SPDC’s efforts in managing the recent oil spill which had already affected the Oyorokoto community in Andoni Local Government Area.

During the visit, discussions centered around the effectiveness of SPDC’s initial intervention and ongoing measures to contain and mitigate the spill

The NOSDRA helmsman commended SPDC for its proactive steps towards containing the incident, and reiterated the importance of preventing further spread.

“Our presence here ahead of the Joint Investigation meeting  underscores our commitment towards addressing the containment strategies.

“It is imperative to assess both the immediate measures and the long-term plans to manage and remediate the effects of the spill,” he said.

Woke restated NOSDRA’s dual roles of environmental stewardship and rapid response capability.

He highlighted the agency’s recent provisional approval for the use of dispersants to control the spill, and emphasised its dedication to minimise ecological damage through collaborations with industry partners.

Also speaking, Dr Sola Oladipo, the Director, Planning, Policy Analysis and Research, said that NOSDRA was focused on preventing further environmental degradation and safeguarding national interests.

In response, Abatam Nwosu, the Commander, Emergency Response at Shell Nigeria, reiterated SPDC’s commitment towards prioritising community safety and environmental protection.

“Our protocols are stringent, focusing first on human safety and environmental integrity. We have begun multiple responsive actions, including containment via maritime vessels.

“Although pinpointing leak origins in open waters is complex, we are working in alignment with NOSDRA, especially in conducting source analysis,” he said.

Nwosu said that there was need for analytical sampling on the spill to ascertain its true origin because of multiple operational activities offshore.

By Desmond Ejibas

Self Help Africa to support Nigerian youths in implementation of WASH Innovation programmes

Michael Simire
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0
Self Help Africa to support Nigerian youths in implementation of WASH Innovation programmes

In the next 12 months, the Nigerian youths answering the clarion call across the country will benefit from a mentorship programme in technical and leadership support aimed at ensuring that they go back to their various communities and implement the WASH Innovative Challenge to promote a healthy environment.

WASH Innovative Challenge
Winners of the WASH Innovative Challenge

Mr. Shadrack Guusu, Head of Water Sanitation & Hygiene Programmes, gave this submission in a chat with journalists at the 2024 WASH Innovative Challenge which took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Lagos on Saturday, December 14.

Guusu, while speaking on behalf of the Country Director of Self Help Africa, disclosed that “there will also be funding because the Youth Corps members have sought the funding that will go into the initiatives they have picked, so the winners will have that support to ensure that they go back and implement programmes.”

Talking about the rationale behind the move, Guusu opined that “the initiative is part of our water, sanitation and hygiene programme. We are doing this engagemenr programme with Corps members as a result of support to the implementation of National Youth Strategy which was launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation as well as the Ministry of Youth Development.

“The essence of the strategy is to increase youth involvement in solving the sanitation and water hygiene challenges in Nigeria.”

He added: “Over 48 million Nigerians still defecate in the open, it means they don’t have access to basic sanitation services which simply means that many Nigerians do not have access to potable water supply and as well handwashing behaviour is very poor. So, the youth strategy is leveraging the power of the youth population in Nigeria, the innovative, energetic features of the young person to launch innovative equitable solutions to water sanitation and hygiene services in ensuring that the SDG Goal 6 is achieved in due time.”

In his remarks, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, said: “I want to reiterate our commitment to aligning the mission of the NYSC scheme with the objectives of the Youth WASH Strategy. Our Corps members are uniquely positioned, serving in communities across the country, including remote and underserved areas. They are invaluable agents of change, capable of driving public health initiatives like this campaign to the grassroots level.

The D-G, represented by Mrs. Christy Salmwang, Lagos State NYSC Camp Coordinator, stressed: “The NYSC remains fully committed to collaborating with all stakeholders – government ministries, development partners, and private organisations to ensure the success of this campaign. Together, we will leverage the passion, innovation, and reach of our Corps members to create lasting behavioural change and improve sanitation and hygiene practices nationwide.”

In his remarks, Dr Jamila Ibrahim Bio, the Minister of Youth Development, submitted: “This is a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and the remarkable potential of our youth in driving solutions to critical challenges facing our nation.

“The essence of WASH are not just buzzwords. They are cornerstones of public health, economic stability, and community resilience. Clean hands save lives, and improved sanitation ensures dignity.

“Access to safe water is not just a human need; it is a human right. These principles underline why this campaign is so significant and why we, as a nation, must rally together to champion this cause. This campaign is about more than hygiene practices. It is about equipping our young people – our Corps members – with the tools, knowledge, and leadership skills to become ambassadors of change.

“The Heartbeat of This Campaign – the NYSC – has always been a symbol of hope and unity. As you take on an even greater role through initiatives like the WASH Hackathon, we are witnessing your creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for driving meaningful change,” he stressed.

In a goodwill message, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, said: “Clean hands represent one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to break the cycle of disease and poverty. As we commemorate the Global Handwashing Day 2024, we are reminded that over 1.5 million children globally still lose their lives annually to preventable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia, many of which could be averted through the simplest act of handwashing with soap.

“This year’s theme, ‘Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?’, highlights the urgent need to address hygiene challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where over 70 million people lack access to basic handwashing facilities. Poor hygiene not only endangers health but also affects school attendance, economic productivity, and community resilience.

“Our partnership with Self Help Africa reinforces our dedication to addressing these challenges. By engaging thousands of NYSC members as WASH Ambassadors, we are equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to champion sustainable WASH solutions in schools, homes, and communities. These efforts align with the Federal Government’s National Action Plan for the Revitalisation of Nigeria’s Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (2019–2030), as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6), aimed at ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.”

Dignitaries at the events include the National Coordinator of Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign, Mrs. Chizoba Opara; the Minister of Youth Development, Olawande Wisdom Ayodele, represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Director of Reform, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Moses Jo-Medugu, among others.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Lagos varsity inaugurates buses using solar energy, electricity

Michael Simire
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0
Lagos varsity inaugurates buses using solar energy, electricity

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday, December 16, 2024, inaugurated buses using solar energy and electricity aimed at achieving zero emission.

UNILAG
Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, inaugurating buses using solar energy and electricity

The university also unveiled its updated logo.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, unveiled the buses and logo at a media parley in Lagos.

Ogunsola said that the buses were made and donated by two alumni of the institution who owned companies called Ogata Global Resources and Chart Eco Global Services.

“The buses will be used for public transportation.

“These buses are prepared for sustainable planning. They are using solar and can be charged through electricity.

“UNILAG has a good air quality, and we want to maintain that. One of the pollution sources is emission from cars.

“The old logo does not represent the brand of UNILAG; we want our partners and stakeholders to use the updated logo,” she said.

She thanked media organisations for support and constructive criticisms.

“Thank you for being the part of our journey and interrogating us when necessary.

“We are looking forward to great and better 2025 for all of us including students and staff,” she said.

Mr Itunu Okusami, Consultant-in-Chief, Chart Eco Global Services, said that the company partnered with UNILAG in the innovation “because this institution is an impact house for technologies”.

Okusami said that the organisation also wanted to enhance UNILAG’s work-study initiatives “because we want to get students to join our workforce”.

“We also want to increase their creativity. Most importantly, we want to reduce the cost of transportation in the university,” he said.

Mr Henry Eke, Chairman, Ogata Global Resources, said that the organisation was happy to introduce the buses to his alma mater.

“These buses are fully zero emission and fully electric.

Mr. Mojeed Alabi, National President, Education Writers Association of Nigeria, thanked UNILAG management, at the event, for support for education reporters.

The buses were tested by some members of UNILAG management.

By Oluwakemi Oladipo

Tinubu hails Shell’s $5bn Bonga north investment

Michael Simire
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0
Tinubu hails Shell’s $5bn Bonga north investment

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, December 16, 2024, lauded the $5 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) made by Shell and its partners on the Bonga North Deep Offshore Field.

Shell
L-R: Osagie Okunbor- Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria; Zoe Yujnovich- Executive Director, Integrated Gas & Upstream, Shell Global; President Bola Tinubu; Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy; and Mele Kyari, Group CEO, NNPC Ltd.

The FID marks Nigeria’s first deepwater oil project in more than a decade. It underscores the transformative impact of the Tinubu administration’s policies and reforms in attracting investments to the oil and gas sector.

This achievement, according to a statement from the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, reflected the government’s commitment to creating a more competitive and investor-friendly environment.

The Bonga North oilfield, located 130 kilometers offshore in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118, represents an estimated investment of 5 billion dollars and is expected to yield approximately 350 million barrels of crude oil.

Shell holds the largest operational stake in the project, with 55 per cent, while other partners include the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Eni.

In the statement, President Tinubu emphasised that the FID signalled renewed confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector and underscored the effectiveness of the administration’s strategic focus on creating a robust and competitive investment climate.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda fundamentally focuses on attracting investments to transform the Nigerian economy and deliver prosperity to our people.

“We designed our policies and reforms from the start of my administration to achieve this goal. Shell and its partners’ decision to invest in Bonga North affirms the success of our efforts,” President Tinubu said.

He further assured: “We will continue to offer the necessary support to ensure their success and the realisation of Nigeria’s energy potential.”

The President’s engagement with global energy stakeholders has been a key factor in this wave of renewed investments.

In July 2023, during a high-level meeting with Shell’s global leadership, President Tinubu declared, “We are open for business and serious about creating a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly environment.”

Additionally, Presidential Directives issued in early 2024 further reinforced this commitment, accelerating regulatory approvals, reducing operational costs, and introducing competitive fiscal incentives.

“The Bonga North project is the second major initiative under President Tinubu’s transformative Presidential Directives 40, 41, and 42, which were issued in the first quarter of 2024.

“These directives aim to improve regulatory clarity, shorten project timelines, and incentivise investment in Nigeria’s energy sector.”

Earlier this year, the Ubeta oilfield (OML 58), the first project under these initiatives, also achieved an FID through a partnership between TotalEnergies and NNPC Limited.

The Ubeta project, dormant since its discovery in 1965, is expected to produce 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, boosting domestic supply and enhancing Nigeria’s presence in the global energy market.

Ms. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, highlighted the significance of the Bonga North FID, saying it dispelled misconceptions about International Oil Companies (IOCs) exiting Nigeria.

“Instead, we are witnessing a strategic pivot of IOCs-powered capital and technical capacity to deepwater and integrated gas projects.

“These projects align with President Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a global energy hub,” she noted.

She added that the divestments from onshore operations opened opportunities for local oil and gas companies to expand, thus creating a solid foundation for Nigeria’s energy future.

“The success of Bonga North and Ubeta demonstrates the efficacy of the reforms and directives championed by the President.

“These projects will trigger broader investments that will revolutionise Nigeria’s power generation, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

“As we look ahead to 2025, we anticipate further FIDs from both international and domestic players, marking a new era of growth and opportunity for Nigeria.”

By Salif Atojoko

Electric mobility: Morocco, DRC, Zambia detail joint roadmap with ECA support

Michael Simire
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0
Electric mobility: Morocco, DRC, Zambia detail joint roadmap with ECA support

Meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Lusaka, Zambia, on the occasion of the “High-level Policy Dialogue on the Development of Regional Automotive and Electric Mobility Value Chains” organised by the ECA, representatives from Morocco, the DRC and Zambia agreed on the broad outlines of a joint roadmap for the development of value chains bringing together the three countries.

Lusaka
Participants at the high-level dialogue in Lusaka

Senior officials and private sector representatives from Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe, who also participated in the high-level dialogue, identified opportunities to expand automotive component production within their existing capacities and strengthen their presence in regional automotive value chains.

Jointly organised by the ECA Offices in North and Southern Africa, the meeting aimed to explore strategic priorities for the development of regional value chains (RVCs) in the automotive and electric mobility (e-mobility) sectors, assess the potential for partnerships and refine regulatory frameworks to create an enabling environment for their development.

At the end of the work, the participants agreed on the need to integrate the project’s partnership framework into the national public policies and sectoral plans of their respective countries in order to ensure their alignment with national development priorities. They also recommended the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2025 and the inclusion of Morocco in the Zambia – DRC Special Economic Zone.

For its part, the ECA will support these interventions through the finalisation of the roadmap, the implementation plan and the partnership framework with a view to submitting them to member countries for validation. The UN organisation will also be responsible for producing strategic studies, facilitating exchanges between the various stakeholders concerned, and supporting the capacity building of SMEs in the automotive sector.

“The African automotive industry is expected to grow by 40%, reaching $42.06 billion by 2027. At the same time, the global shift to electric mobility presents transformative opportunities, with the global electric vehicle market expected to reach $46 trillion by 2050,” said Adam Elhiraika, Director of the ECA Office for North Africa.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can play a key role in enabling Africa to seize this opportunity, Mr. Elhiraika stressed.

According to a soon-to-be-published ECA study, the removal of tariff barriers under the agreement can provide a significant boost to intra-African trade in intermediate products with trade increases of nearly 85% for vehicles and transport equipment, 46% for transport services, and 28% for energy and mining products by 2045.

Enabling Africa to position itself in competitive automotive value chains requires mapping countries that can supply competitive intermediate components and putting in place policies and arrangements that can encourage investment and enable the development of a viable automotive sector, said Eunice Kamwendo, Director of the ECA Office for Southern Africa, in a speech read on her behalf.

Today, challenges remain in terms of policy frameworks, harmonization and standards for the formulation of CVRs in the automotive sector, particularly in Southern Africa. These gaps – which impact the ability to achieve economies of scale – affect aspects such as rules of origin, sectoral incentives required under special economic zone regimes and the integration of related production of key components, Ms. Kamwendo added.

“Our government has waived all taxes on electric vehicles except VAT. We have also eliminated VAT on locally produced electric vehicles. In addition, our government has committed to ensuring that at least 50% of its vehicle fleet will be electric vehicles. This policy change is not just a financial incentive; it is a statement of our commitment to fostering a green economy and promoting sustainable industrialisation,” said Zambian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Chipoka Mulenga, in a speech read on his behalf.

Organised following a three-day workshop under the theme “Development of the regional electric mobility value chain (DRC – Morocco – Zambia)”, the High-level Policy Dialogue on the development of regional automotive and electric mobility value chains brought together representatives of governments, the private sector, experts and representatives of development organisations from eight countries.

The work was an opportunity to look at the issues of the value chains of electric mobility (e-mobility) and automobiles, the priorities for the harmonisation of policies in Africa, existing financing opportunities, the methods of developing ecosystems for research and development, and collaboration between the public and private sectors – know-how, sustainable industrialisation and competitiveness of SMEs.

It is now estimated that automobile demand in Africa will reach 10 million vehicles per year by 2030. Furthermore, the global market for electric vehicles (EVs) could reach $46 trillion by 2050.

With around 30% of the world’s reserves of cobalt, lithium and copper, essential minerals for electric vehicle batteries, Africa is strategically positioned to capture a share of this market, thereby strengthening its sustainable development and facilitating the implementation of its environmental objectives.

The development of African automotive and electric mobility value chains will, however, require coordinated efforts from member countries to establish an appropriate ecosystem, with the reduction of regulatory divergences, the development of essential infrastructure including energy and suitable charging stations, adequate workforce training and awareness-raising work among the public to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

Researchers discover 230 new plant, animal species

Michael Simire
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0
Researchers discover 230 new plant, animal species

Researchers working in the Mekong region in South-East Asia have discovered more than 230 as yet unrecorded vertebrate and plant species over the past year.

Green-black pit viper
The green-black pit viper (Trimeresurus ciliaris) is among the discoveries

According to a new report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) scientists working in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam found 173 vascular plants, 26 reptiles, 17 amphibia, 15 fish species and three mammals.

The new finds bring to 3,623 the species discovered along the huge river since 1997.

Among the strangest discoveries in 2023, is a well camouflaged lizard (Laodracon carsticola) that the WWF believes would be worthy of a role in “Game of Thrones.”

Hylomys macarong, a member of the hairy hedgehog or moonrat family with soft fur and sharp incisors, has been named for vampire in Vietnamese Ma ca rong.

A green-black pit viper (Trimeresurus ciliaris), which looks like it has long eyelashes, was also among the discoveries.

The researchers found a leafless orchid species (Chiloschista quangdangii), which is thought to be endangered by overexploitation.

“Although these species were identified by scientists for the first time last year, they have been living for millennia in the unique habitats of the Mekong region,’’ WWF Asia expert, Stefan Ziegler, said.

The WWF, a non-governmental international organisation based in Switzerland, called on governments in the region to ensure the protection of these rare species and their habitats in the face of expanding human exploitation.

The illegal wildlife trade, loss of habitat, climate change, pollution, the introduction of invasive species and intensive logging and agriculture are all threatening this “treasure house of biodiversity,” the WWF said.

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