The green rise and the foreign ties

Hey,

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

We heard you, you don’t want green jobs insights through rose-tinted glasses. 😎

Today, we are digging deeper into the transition. What are the challenges facing this growing industry? And can we still push forward with the transition despite them? 

Heads up: long read!

Africa is awakening to a new wave of green transition. Shifting away from activities that harm our continent to finding ways to keep everyday life moving while ensuring 100 years from now the air is still breathable.

With this shift, new job roles have emerged. But here’s the question; What challenges stand in the way of this transition, and could they impact the future of green jobs?

Under article 9(1) of the Paris Agreement, states that developed country Parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention.

This obligation has become a major point of contention in global climate negotiations. At SB62, progress was stalled due to disputes over finance, often referred to as "agenda fights." Developing countries are calling for stronger, clearer financial commitments from industrialised nations.

You ask why? Take a look at the map below.

Scientists warn that we need to reduce emissions by 7% every year to avoid the worst climate impacts. But in 2024, emissions actually increased by 0.9%.

The U.S., the second-largest CO₂ emitter, withdrew from the Paris Agreement. According to CARE, an international aid organisation, this results in the loss of approximately $11 billion in climate financing every year.

This has seen other industrialised countries follow suit. Germany has also reduced its aid budget, shifting resources toward strengthening its security and defense system. There are growing concerns that the European Union is sidelining its green commitments while revitalising its military capacities. This trend follows Trump’s push to increase military spending and his threats to withdraw from NATO.

CARE notes that future funding is highly uncertain. What was projected as $45 billion in support may fall to just $41 billion by 2026. 

Even more concerning is that only 8 out of the 27 countries surveyed have set any concrete targets for climate financing beyond 2025.

This begs the question: Will Africa’s transition continue despite funding cuts? 

I believe yes. It may slow us down, but it will not stop us completely.

Africa has plentiful solar, wind, and geothermal resources. 

• Africa receives more sunlight than any other continent, with vast areas like the Sahara Desert offering immense potential. 

• A recent study shows that a solar-generating facility covering just 0.3% of North Africa could supply all of the European Union’s energy needs.

• Africa’s large coastline, where wind and wave power resources are abundant.

Green hydrogen, however, will likely face major setbacks. Although we possess the necessary natural resources, production remains heavily reliant on foreign aid. Limited funding restricts our ability to develop a skilled workforce, acquire advanced technology, and build the required infrastructure. 

In addition, most green hydrogen development is geared toward export markets, not local use, making us heavily dependent on foreign investment and demand.

EVs? Yes, many African countries already have local EV or battery plants. Existing startups will likely continue operating. Once again, the pace may slow, but the movement will continue.

Are we worried about the decline of green jobs? Mmmh…not really. As long as there’s progress, even the tiniest steps, I am not stressing.

Me right now: feet up on the table, latte in hand, watching the geopolitical drama unfold.

But I want to hear from you, do you think we can keep up with the transition if funding fades?