Why Africa is well-positioned to lead the zero-carbon maritime transition

Dar es Salaam. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has said Africa’s strategic position to attract partnerships, investments, and collaborations will reduce carbon emissions in the maritime transport sector.

IMO Secretary-General Antonio Dominguez made the revelation on Friday, November 29, 2024, during the seventh International Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.

During the event, Mr Dominguez highlighted the continent’s potential to spearhead the transition to clean energy through investments in renewable energy sources.

He commended Africa’s ability to lead the global shift to clean energy, particularly through investment in renewable energy.

"Africa is well-positioned to attract global partnerships and investments. Renewable energy sources here can provide the green energy and low-carbon fuels needed by the maritime sector," he said.

He referenced research by the World Economic Forum, which indicated that by 2040, renewable energy could meet 27 percent of Africa’s electricity demand, positioning the continent to benefit greatly from the zero-carbon transition.

The IMO chief highlighted initiatives like the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, a coalition of six coastal nations, including Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, as examples of Africa’s growing efforts to promote clean energy.

“As we achieve this, we enhance Africa's economic maritime capacity and strengthen its global position. Now is the time to leverage all resources—from technology to human capital—with unwavering commitment,” he emphasised running from November 29 to December 1, 2024.

In his opening speech, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, acknowledged that financial challenges often impede progress on key projects, noting that many initiatives falter due to a lack of funding.

“When I was in the waiting room, I discussed with the Secretary-General the need to reduce carbon emissions. This has been a recurring theme in the energy sector, but we rarely reflect on why we fail to meet our targets,” said Dr Biteko.

He revealed that the Secretary-General attributed these failures largely to funding shortages, adding that a lack of financial resources remains a significant obstacle.

Dr Biteko urged conference participants to start small rather than wait for external funds.

"Even in a hundred years, we will still set unattainable goals if we sit and wait. We need to start somewhere, no matter how small, and build from there," he said.

He also shared data showing that the global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy requires over $4 trillion annually.

Dr Biteko who doubles as the Bukombe Constituency Member of Parliament, stressed that the lack of funding had hindered the implementation of many initiatives at both national and global levels, particularly those dependent on international financial support.

"Where will we get these funds? Every country must make an effort to move forward. Over time, we will achieve a zero-carbon world," he insisted.

He encouraged delegates to prioritise action over reliance on external funding, warning that failure to do so, unattainable goals would persist.