The argument that African nations need to exploit fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas to meet their development needs overlooks the continent’s exceptional renewable energy potential and the evolving global energy landscape. Investing in clean energy comes with many advantages, including energy security, job creation, and sustainable economic growth, without the environmental degradation and health hazards associated with fossil fuels.

Reliance on fossil fuels also perpetuates the continent’s vulnerability to volatile global markets. Access to energy is essential for development, but African countries have an opportunity to leapfrog to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or even green hydrogen, which would be better for energy security, job creation, and public health while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.