Campaigner warns fossil fuel push threatens African transition

Continued capital allocation towards oil, gas, and coal projects across the continent risks undermining broader sustainability objectives, according to Powershift Africa. TheCable reported that Kudakwashe Manjonjo, a just transition advisor with the organisation, addressed delegates at the ongoing COP31 summit in Antalya, Turkey, warning that domestic policies often diverge from international climate rhetoric.

Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Manjonjo acknowledged that governments frequently justify fossil fuel expansion on the grounds of economic security. However, he argued that emerging green industries offer significantly greater long-term economic returns than traditional hydrocarbons. TheCable reported his remark: "Of course, the excuse is economic security."

The advisor also scrutinised private sector capital deployment, pointing to heavy investments in traditional infrastructure by figures such as Aliko Dangote. He suggested that such substantial financial resources would yield greater developmental benefits if redirected towards solar and wind power generation, thereby accelerating equitable green industrialisation.

COP31 negotiations and the Just Transition Mechanism

Delegates at COP31 are currently finalising the operational structures of the Just Transition Mechanism agreed upon during previous climate talks. Discussions centre on governance frameworks and practical implementation tools. According to TheCable, developing nations are pressing for concrete support systems, including resource mobilisation and knowledge-sharing initiatives, rather than relying solely on intergovernmental dialogue sessions.

Concerns remain regarding the level of ambition among participating states, with some nations appearing content with minimal procedural outcomes. Campaigners emphasise that the mechanism must deliver tangible assistance to communities and workers affected by energy shifts.

Nuclear energy skepticism

In addition to hydrocarbon expansion, Manjonjo questioned the growing interest in nuclear power across several African nations. While countries like South Africa operate commercial facilities, and others including Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria explore nuclear options, critics argue the technology is financially prohibitive. Building complex nuclear infrastructure requires capital outlays that far exceed what many developing economies can mobilise, potentially diverting scarce funds away from readily accessible solar, wind, and geothermal resources.

Why it matters

For energy investors and policymakers, the tension between hydrocarbon revenues and renewable imperatives highlights a critical strategic crossroads. With Brent crude trading at 107.03 US dollars per barrel as of November 2026, according to US Energy Information Administration data provided by the CEII, governments face powerful short-term financial incentives to expand fossil fuel extraction.

Yet, prioritising immediate oil and gas windfalls risks locking African economies into stranded assets as global energy markets transition. For a continent striving to close persistent energy access gaps, misallocating capital toward expensive nuclear projects or legacy fossil infrastructure could delay the deployment of decentralised, scalable renewable energy systems. Investors must carefully evaluate whether domestic policy frameworks will genuinely support green industrial growth or continue to prioritise short-term hydrocarbon gains.