ADDIS ABABA-The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) emphasizes the necessity of transparent and fair-trade practices for Africa’s just energy transition. Speaking at an African Consultative Webinar on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and the UN Global Framework on Just Energy Transitions, Deputy Executive Secretary Antonio Pedro highlighted the critical role of competitive mineral resource development for Africa’s economic future.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Africa must harness its rich mineral resources, including cobalt, manganese, lithium, and others, by promoting local processing to benefit from higher value chains rather than exporting raw materials. He noted the technological advancements creating mineral substitutes are progressing rapidly, urging African nations to adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness. The webinar, attended by regional government officials, civil society, and other stakeholders, focused on enhancing the domestic footprint of critical energy transition minerals (CETMs) through strategies such as value addition and beneficiation.
Pedro also addressed the multifaceted challenges in mineral exploitation, including environmental, social, and geopolitical issues, asserting that fair exploitation could generate sustainable jobs and boost economies significantly. Additionally, Angela Kariuki of the UN Environment Programme and Clovis Freire of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development underscored the importance of a just transition framework that protects local communities and promotes sustainability in the mining sector. John Sloan from ECA further stressed the importance of regional cooperation and policy stability to foster economic transformation through mineral-based development.