Program
Africa
Climate Change

TThe momentum for global climate action is accelerating. Despite having contributed only a fraction of total emissions, African countries stand to be disproportionately impacted by its effects. Furthermore, the race to net-zero will affect the market for natural resources, financial flows and clean energy technologies in Africa.

The Africa Program’s Climate Change work examines the intersection of global decarbonization policies and innovations with Africa’s economic development priorities. We focus on Africa’s efforts to address energy poverty, achieve economic diversification especially for fossil fuel producers, manage a new scramble for climate minerals, and finance a just transition to a low carbon future.

commentary
How the AGOA Reauthorization Process Could Help Diversify U.S. Critical Mineral Supplies

The ongoing African Growth and Opportunity Act reauthorization process could facilitate the expansion of U.S.-Africa trade in critical minerals.

· April 30, 2024
article
Getting Real: How the United States Can Deliver on Its Commitment to African Infrastructure

Ambitious U.S. rhetoric and commitment to African infrastructure requires follow-through. By taking a few concrete steps, the United States can make real progress on this worthy goal.

· April 23, 2024
paper
Who Finances Energy Projects in Africa?

Africa received an average of $35 billion per year for fossil fuel and clean energy projects over the past decade. That amount was enough to address the continent’s energy finance gap, but unequal distribution has left many countries behind.

  • Oyintarelado Moses
· November 27, 2023
paper
How Can African Countries Participate in U.S. Clean Energy Supply Chains?

The combination of key mineral endowments in African countries and U.S. objectives to reorient clean energy supply chains away from competitors like China can serve as the foundation for a new economic and strategic relationship.

· October 2, 2023
commentary
The IPCC’s Lack of Geographically Diverse Expertise May Be Stymieing Climate Efforts

Ensuring equitable representation is critical for success both in the scientific process and in policymaking.

· September 5, 2023
article
What a U.S.-DRC-Zambia Electric Vehicle Batteries Deal Reveals About the New U.S. Approach Toward Africa

The U.S.-DRC-Zambia memorandum of understanding demonstrates how the United States aims to counter China and bolster its clean energy supply chains by deepening ties with African nations. Yet how distinct is the U.S. approach from the Chinese approach to such deals?

· August 21, 2023
article
How the U.S. Can Better Support Africa’s Energy Transition

The climate and energy policies of the United States and African countries should build on three shared interests—and address three strategic tensions.

· January 31, 2023
event
Advancing Synergies Between the U.S. and African Countries in Just Energy Transitions
December 12, 2022

The Carnegie Endowment is honored to welcome presidents from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and senior U.S. government officials for a program on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

  • +3
Q&A
What to Expect at COP27

“We have to be very clear-eyed about what is feasible, politically and socially.”

· November 4, 2022
commentary
African Climate Research Organizations Database

A compilation of Africa-based research organizations working on climate-related technical and policy issues.

· November 1, 2022
commentary
Five Climate Books to Read for COP27

Carnegie climate experts share their recommended reads on the global warming crisis.

article
At COP27, Egypt Aims to Rebuild Its International Standing

Ahead of COP27, Egypt is bidding itself as a regional power in Africa and the Middle East in hopes of achieving some of its climate change priorities.

  • Mohammed Soliman
· October 26, 2022