Empowering communities.
Empowering communities.
17 out of 20
countries
most threatened by
the climate crisis
are in Africa.
The funding and support pledged by countries around the world is nowhere near enough.
Right now climate activists across the continent are launching REPower Afrika – a campaign to speed up the shift away from fossil fuels to distributed, community-owned renewable energy.
To make it a reality, they need two things: for African Nations to commit to the transition and remove barriers to renewable energy projects. And they need rich countries in the G7 and G20 (such as the US, EU, UK, Japan and others) to commit the money and the resources to fund the transition.
Please sign our petition to REPower Afrika, and help make the voice of African communities demanding a clean renewable energy future too loud to ignore!
SIGN
REPower Afrika
Demand funding and support to renewable energy for communities in Africa
A hundred communities in Uganda and Tanzania, threatened by a destructive mega-pipeline, are about to become a powerful symbol of climate resistance and hope across Africa.
Right now African climate activists are launching REPower Afrika – a campaign to speed up the shift away from fossil fuels to distributed, community-led renewable energy. Communities along the route of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) are the first frontline of this struggle for a better future powered by renewable energy in the hands of the people.
To make it a reality, they need two things: for African Nations to commit to the transition, end their support to fossil fuels and remove barriers to renewable energy projects. And they need rich countries in the G7 and G20 (such as the US, EU, UK, Japan and others) to commit the money and the resources to fund the transition.
Please add your name in support of the demand to REPower Afrika, and help make the voice of African communities building a clean renewable energy future too loud to ignore!
Read REPower Afrika's full statement & demands
Communities in Africa are raising their voices to demand support and funding to community-led renewable energy Add your voice now:
We are the voices of Africa. We are mothers and fathers, children and elders, farmers and teachers, and we are witnessing the devastating impacts of the climate crisis every day.
As our lands dry up and our homes flood, our people die and our children lose hope of a better future. The urgency for a just transition away from fossil fuels to safe, renewable energy alternatives rooted in justice has never been clearer. Enough is enough.
Seventeen out of the twenty countries most threatened by climate change are here in Africa. Recently, East Africa experienced severe rains that caused flooding, hundreds of deaths, displacement, and extensive damage to property and infrastructure in Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi.
Despite these alarming trends, the fossil fuel industry and some governments continue to expand fossil fuel infrastructure, such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). This project is a ticking carbon bomb.
But we are not victims. We are resilient communities fighting back.
A hundred communities in Uganda and Tanzania, threatened by the destructive mega-pipeline, are about to become a powerful symbol of climate resistance and hope across Africa. To stand up to the power of the fossil fuel industry all around the continent, we will work together to build a real alternative, and bring clean solar energy to local people.
As we make this vision reality, we need support - funding and political will. That’s why together, we’re calling on African Nations and Global North leaders to:
- Prioritize Investment in Community-Led Renewable Energy Projects: Allocate significant financial resources to support decentralized and community-driven renewable energy initiatives that directly benefit local populations and empower communities.
- Create Enabling Policies: Implement policies and regulations that streamline the deployment of renewable energy technologies and attract substantial investments in the sector.
- Stop Financing Harmful Fossil Fuel Projects: Redirect funds from fossil fuel projects like EACOP towards sustainable and equitable renewable energy solutions.
- Support a Just Transition: Commit to a just transition that not only addresses climate change but also fosters economic development through the creation of green jobs, improving energy access, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Please add your name in support of our demands. Sustained, widespread international pressure will help us hold our leaders accountable, and build broad public support to community-led renewable energy across Africa.
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What people are saying
Landry Ninteretse, Africa Regional Director at 350.org
"REPower Afrika marks the beginning of a transformative journey where communities at the frontline of the climate crisis take the lead in demanding accessible, affordable, and safe energy for all while creating millions of green jobs. Africa’s wealth of renewable energy potential presents a great opportunity for the continent to not only address its own energy needs but also potentially lead the global energy transition. By working together with governments, civil society, and community leaders, we can create a supportive environment for community-centered renewable energy solutions, avert climate disaster, and ensure a sustainable future for all. This is the time for Africa and the Global South to replace the obsolete energy model and fuel a development powered by renewables."
Edwin Mumbere, Director at Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment
"Uganda faces a significant energy access challenge which hinders economic development and negatively impacts the quality of life for many Ugandans. The high upfront costs, limited financing options, policy and regulatory barriers, and competition from other energy sources are major obstacles to improving electrification rates. To address these challenges, REPower Afrika advocates for off-grid solutions like solar home systems and mini-grids and supports innovative financing models. Additionally, policy reforms and community engagement are crucial for creating a supportive environment for private sector investment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of solar projects. REPower Afrika is empowering communities to own and have a voice in the demand for a just transition to a community-centered renewable energy system."
Rehema Peters, Founder of Partnership for Green Future
"We are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change across Tanzania and Africa. From deadly floods and erratic rainfall to prolonged droughts devastating crops and livelihoods, the toll on our communities is profound. Despite global agreements like the Paris Agreement, there's a glaring gap between promises made and the real-life struggles of those most affected. Climate funding often misses the mark, neglecting projects that could directly benefit vulnerable communities. It's time for actionable policies that prioritize clean energy solutions, including tax incentives and local manufacturing of renewable technologies, to secure a sustainable future for Tanzania."
Agnes Appiah-Hall, Global Campaigns Director at 350.org
"The main barrier to renewable energy across Africa is finance. For the sources of finance, we must turn to the rich countries and corporations that have exploited African countries for fossil fuels and have imposed huge amounts of historical debt to drive their own prosperity within rich nations, with no regard for the development or harmful impacts on communities within Africa itself. It's time to expose the super-rich and the most polluting industries and tax their billions. The money generated by a global wealth tax could help drive forward the renewable energy transition with the kinds of community-driven projects REPower Afrika is putting center stage."
Reports
Renewable Energy Report
This report outlines the current state of renewable energy in Africa. It highlights the great opportunity for Africa in renewable energy, as well as warning against potential pitfalls for the very communities that stand to be empowered.
Renewable Energy Advocacy Report
This report is based on case studies in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. It is an analysis of policies and role of local civil society organisations in boosting renewable energy uptake.