Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to its impacts. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent is experiencing some of the most severe consequences of climate change. From extreme weather events to food insecurity and economic downturns, the effects of climate change in Africa are widespread and devastating. This article explores how climate change is affecting Africa’s economy and the challenges the continent faces in adapting to a changing environment.

1. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events in Africa

Africa has been witnessing a rise in extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts, floods, and cyclones. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events have caused significant disruptions to communities and economies across the continent.

a. Droughts and Water Scarcity

Many regions in Africa, such as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, have experienced recurring and severe droughts. These droughts lead to water scarcity, which negatively affects agriculture—the backbone of most African economies. In countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, prolonged droughts have decimated crops, led to the loss of livestock, and exacerbated food insecurity. The agricultural sector, which employs nearly 60% of Africa’s workforce, has been hit hard, leading to widespread poverty and economic instability.

b. Floods and Cyclones

In contrast, other parts of Africa, such as Mozambique and South Sudan, have been devastated by flooding and cyclones. Cyclone Idai, which struck Mozambique in 2019, displaced thousands of people and caused over $2 billion in damages. Flooding destroys infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and schools, and leaves communities vulnerable to diseases such as malaria and cholera. The economic cost of rebuilding after these disasters is immense, and it diverts resources away from development projects.

2. Impact on Agriculture and Food Security

Agriculture is the lifeblood of the African economy, contributing to about 15% of the continent’s GDP and employing millions. Climate change, however, poses a severe threat to agricultural productivity. Erratic rainfall, increasing temperatures, and extreme weather events have led to a decline in crop yields and livestock production.

a. Reduced Crop Yields

Staple crops like maize, wheat, and millet have suffered due to unpredictable weather patterns and shifting growing seasons. According to a report by the African Development Bank, Africa’s food production could decline by 20% to 50% by 2050 if no action is taken. This reduction not only affects local food supply but also impacts export revenues for countries heavily reliant on agriculture.

b. Food Insecurity

The decline in agricultural output has led to widespread food insecurity. The World Food Programme estimates that over 250 million people in Africa are food insecure, a number that is likely to grow as climate change worsens. Countries that import food are also feeling the impact, as rising global food prices make it difficult to meet the nutritional needs of their populations.

3. Economic Impact and Financial Losses

Climate change is having a direct impact on Africa’s economic stability. The continent loses billions of dollars annually due to climate-related disruptions, and these financial losses hinder economic growth and development.

a. Impact on GDP

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), climate change could cost the continent between 2% and 4% of its GDP annually by 2040. For economies already grappling with high levels of debt and poverty, these losses are catastrophic. Reduced agricultural productivity, the destruction of infrastructure, and healthcare costs related to climate-induced diseases all contribute to the economic burden.

b. Rising Energy Costs

Many African countries rely on hydropower for electricity generation. As rivers and water bodies dry up, energy production is significantly affected. Countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe have experienced power shortages due to declining water levels in key dams, leading to increased reliance on costly and polluting alternatives, such as diesel generators. This not only raises energy costs for businesses and households but also hampers economic productivity.

4. Impact on Employment and Livelihoods

Climate change has led to significant job losses, particularly in sectors that depend heavily on natural resources, such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism.

a. Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods

As mentioned earlier, agriculture employs a large portion of Africa’s workforce. Climate change has rendered many farmers jobless as crops fail and livestock perish. The ripple effects are felt throughout rural communities, where entire families depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Migration to urban areas in search of work is becoming increasingly common, leading to overcrowding in cities and putting a strain on urban infrastructure.

b. Impact on Fishing Communities

Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are affecting fish populations along Africa’s coastlines. Countries like Senegal, Ghana, and Tanzania have seen a decline in fish stocks, which directly impacts the livelihoods of fishing communities. Reduced fish availability not only threatens food security but also affects income for thousands of people who depend on the fishing industry.

5. Climate Change and Health Challenges

The changing climate has also contributed to a rise in health-related issues, further straining Africa’s economy. Heatwaves, poor air quality, and the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are becoming more prevalent.

a. Vector-Borne Diseases

Rising temperatures create ideal conditions for disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes. Malaria, which already accounts for significant healthcare costs in Africa, is expected to become even more widespread as the climate warms. Healthcare expenses to treat these diseases are diverting resources away from other critical areas, hindering economic development.

b. Heat-Related Health Issues

Extreme heat events are becoming more common, leading to heatstroke and other related illnesses. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, are particularly at risk. The economic impact includes increased healthcare costs and decreased worker productivity due to heat stress.

6. Adapting to Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities

While the challenges are immense, there are also opportunities for Africa to adapt and build resilience. Investment in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-smart infrastructure can help mitigate some of the adverse effects of climate change.

a. Renewable Energy Investments

Africa has abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and geothermal power. Countries like South Africa and Kenya are making strides in harnessing these resources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Investing in renewable energy can create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy access across the continent.

b. Climate-Smart Agriculture

Innovative farming techniques, such as agroforestry, drip irrigation, and the use of drought-resistant crops, can help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions. International organizations are supporting initiatives to train farmers in these methods, which can boost food security and economic stability.

The effects of climate change in Africa are far-reaching, impacting agriculture, health, employment, and the overall economy. The continent is facing a crisis that demands urgent action, both in terms of mitigation and adaptation. While Africa’s carbon footprint is minimal compared to other regions, the continent bears the brunt of climate-related challenges. Global cooperation, investment in sustainable solutions, and proactive policies are essential to building a resilient and prosperous future for Africa.

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Africa Global News Publication

Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has received the prestigious Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Energy Awards. This esteemed recognition was presented on the sidelines of the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024: Invest in African Energy conference, held from November 4-8 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Recognizing Excellence in African Energy

The award, named in honor of the late Dr. Mohammed S. Barkindo, former Secretary-General of OPEC, celebrates individuals who have made extraordinary, lasting contributions to Africa’s oil, gas, and energy sectors. It stands as the highest accolade in the African energy industry. Previous award recipients include Keith Hill, former President and CEO of Africa Oil Corp, who was honored in 2023.

Professor Oramah’s Impact on Africa’s Energy Sector

With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Oramah has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development across Africa. Since taking leadership of Afreximbank in 2015, he has introduced groundbreaking financing models that have democratized energy access and fast-tracked the industrialization of the continent’s energy sector.

Under his guidance, Afreximbank has mobilized more than USD 70 billion to support Africa’s energy infrastructure. Notable projects include over USD 5 billion invested in refineries in Nigeria, Angola, and Senegal, aimed at achieving refined product independence and reducing Africa’s foreign exchange burden. In Nigeria, Afreximbank now serves as Adviser and Settlement Bank for NGN-denominated crude sales to local refineries, a model that, if replicated across other oil-producing nations, could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in transaction fees.

Establishment of the Africa Energy Bank

One of Professor Oramah’s most significant achievements is the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), signed in June 2024 in Egypt in partnership with the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO). This landmark initiative seeks to mobilize funding for investments across Africa’s entire energy system, prioritizing both energy access and environmental sustainability.

Advancing the Energy Transition

Professor Oramah has also been a leader in promoting renewable energy across Africa. His initiatives include:

• A EUR 1.3 billion ECA-backed Project Gleam for rural electrification through solar panels in Angola.
• A EUR 147 million solar power project for the Government of Cameroon.
• A US$363 million gas extraction and processing project with Gasmeth Energy in Rwanda.

These projects have not only advanced Africa’s renewable energy agenda but have also won numerous industry awards for their innovative structures and impact.

A Distinguished Career in International Trade Finance

Before joining Afreximbank, Professor Oramah made his mark in international trade finance at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), contributing significantly to Nigeria’s export development strategies. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.

Professor Oramah’s Acceptance Speech

Upon receiving the award, Professor Oramah stated:

“It is a great honor to be awarded the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award. While it is a personal accolade, it reflects the dedication and hard work of many, including my colleagues at Afreximbank and our partners. At Afreximbank, we remain deeply committed to addressing Africa’s energy deficit and ensuring energy self-sufficiency.”

This award underscores Professor Oramah’s unwavering commitment to transforming Africa’s energy sector and building a sustainable, energy-secure future for the continent.

Africa Global News Publication

NBA (www.NBA.com) Nigeria is hosting the third edition of “NBA Meets Art,” a curated installation celebrating basketball through the lens of Nigerian art and culture as part of West Africa’s premier art fair Art X Lagos, which is underway at The Federal Palace in Lagos, Nigeria until Sunday, Nov. 3.

“NBA Meets Art continues to be a great platform that represents the unique intersection of basketball and African culture”

This year’s “NBA Meets Art” will showcase the work of Nigerian pop artist and illustrator Williams Chechet through an installation titled “Breaking Barriers,” which explores the role of basketball in shaping new identities, inspiring hope and encouraging the next generation to dream beyond their present limitations. The installation intertwines the game’s energy with cultural symbols and the spirit of activism to represent limitless possibility. The main element of the artwork features the hands of different people reaching out to grab a ball together, reinforcing the idea of collaboration.

“Breaking Barriers” uses the physical and metaphorical dynamics of basketball, such as teamwork, movement, strategy and goal setting, as a powerful analogy for the continuous struggle for change.  The artwork is integrated with augmented reality technology, where visitors can scan a QR code after which the artwork comes to life in animated form on their mobile phones, which they can record and share on their social media channels.  Visitors can also help create an art collage by cutting and trimming colorful images from magazines and newspapers at the installation.

“NBA Meets Art continues to be a great platform that represents the unique intersection of basketball and African culture. For the third edition, we are excited to deepen our engagement at Art X Lagos through the work of Williams Chechet, an artist from Northern Nigeria who draws his basketball inspiration from playing basketball in Zaria,” said Vice President and Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu.  “As we continue to explore our heritage and Nigeria’s impact on basketball, art, and culture, we celebrate the role of the game in building connections, redefining limits, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of African youth to dream big.  We look forward to seeing basketball and art lovers at Art X this weekend.” 

Last year’s “NBA Meets Art” featured the work of Dennis Osadebe at an installation at Art X Lagos titled, “Passing / Building / Victory,” which explored the key role of teamwork on the court and how similar collaboration can help develop communities, aligning with the NBA’s mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  The initiative launched in Nov. 2022 with an evening reception that brought together industry leaders from fashion, music, art, business, and sports and showcased Nigerian art through music, fashion, and a photo display.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Africa Global News Publication

June 25, 2024, will remain etched in the books of history in Kenya as the dark day when more than 10 protestors were shot dead inside and outside the Country’s National Parliament precincts as their counterparts continued to breach the security and occupy the August house after a majority of the members of parliament voted to pass a bill proposing to increase taxes.

What began as a wave of anti-government sentiment on social media opposed to the passing of the Finance Bill 2024 quickly escalated into a dramatic standoff, particularly in the country’s capital, Nairobi, as protesters – mostly young people of the Millennial and Gen Z groups, made good their threat of breaching security and occupying the National Parliament with the police responding with brutal force, including shooting live rounds on the protesters.

^{Police officers prepare to respond to the surging crowds of protesters forcing their way into the country’s National Parliament.}

The young people now aim to occupy the country’s Seat of Power, the State House, President William Ruto’s official residence.

Tuesday’s brazen breach of Parliament by thousands of demonstrators marked a turning point in Kenya’s political history, underscoring deep-seated frustrations with the current administration, particularly among the country’s young people, who make up to 65% of its more than 55 million people.

_{Africa Global News editor Sam Abuya interviewing one of the demonstrators in the barricaded streets of Nairobi.}

The chaotic scenes, broadcast live on mainstream and social media, showed throngs of protesters breaking through parliament’s fence, taking the heavily armed police officers head-on while charging forward and chanting slogans demanding governmental reforms, ending corruption, government wastages and removal of the sitting president.

_{A police truck burning outside the National Parliament.}

Hundreds of thousands of protesters who started flooding the streets of Nairobi early in the morning engaged the anti-riot police officers in running battles, carrying placards encrypted with various anti-government messages.

^{Protesters run past a burning police truck.}

Other cities like Mombasa in the coastal region, Nakuru and Kisumu, plus other main towns, would follow suit and the youth engaged police in mostly peaceful protests.

In a move that shocked the nation, demonstrators in Nairobi left members of parliament scampering for safety after braving water cannons, teargas and live bullets from the police to occupy the legislative chambers for several hours. The act of occupying Parliament, the seat of Kenya’s democracy, sent shockwaves through the country and beyond, fueling further the protests in major cities, including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.

In Nairobi, the epicentre of the demonstrations, tension remains palpable as protesters, who have insisted they do not have a particular leader, announce their next target – the State House.

Security forces have been placed on high alert, with the president deploying the Kenya Defence Forces to boost efforts by the Kenya Police officers, especially in securing critical government institutions, including the State House.

Reports from human rights activists and organizations indicate that at least 200 individuals have been arrested in connection with the protests, though opposition leaders claim the number is likely higher.

^{Anti-riot police in action against the protesters.}

President Ruto conceded to the protesters’ demands, refused to assent the contested Finance Bill 2024 into law, and instead sent it back to parliament for withdrawal. He also extended an olive branch to the protesters for dialogue, something which a section of the youth refused to heed and continued with the anti-government demonstrations across the country.

The people have had enough. We demand an end to corruption and impunity. Occupying State House is our way of showing that power belongs to the people, not a select few.

said one of the youthful protesters in Nairobi.

The catalyst for these widespread demonstrations can be traced back to allegations of widespread government corruption, exacerbated by economic hardships, government wastage, and arrogance in some senior government officials. Critics of President William Ruto accuse his administration of failing to deliver on promises of reforms he promised during campaigns close to two years ago, citing a lack of transparency and accountability as key grievances.

_{A face-off between the police and protesters.}

Meanwhile, the government had condemned the protests as unlawful and disruptive to national security earlier, with the president terming the protests as “treasonous” before quickly making a u-turn and inviting the young people into talks with his government.

^{President William Ruto had termed the demos “treasonous” before making a u-turn and invited the young people for a dialogue over the issues raised.}

International reactions have been mixed. Some foreign diplomats have expressed concern over the escalating tensions, while others have reaffirmed the rights of Kenyan citizens to peaceful protest. The United Nations issued a statement urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution.

As dusk settles over Nairobi, the future remains uncertain. On one side, the protesters continue to regroup in city squares, their determination undiminished by police crackdowns, abductions, and the recent deployment of the military. On the other side, the government has sworn to repulse any attempts to occupy the State House. For many, the protests, including the occupation of the National Assembly, are a stark reminder that the people’s will and voice cannot be ignored.