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The global energy market has long been characterized by the commanding influence of developed nations, wielding substantial control over market dynamics, global decisions, and financial injections. This dominance has perpetuated a landscape where the developed countries dictate the trajectory of the energy sector, leaving developing nations, particularly those in Africa, grappling with pressing energy security challenges. This power asymmetry emphasizes the urgent need for international collaboration to address the impending consequences of climate change on these developing economies heavily reliant on oil production.

Africa in Focus

It is no longer news that oil-rich nations in Africa must manage their economies; however, this growth driven by natural resources must be considered for their environmental and climate impact. These countries have traditionally been dependent on fossil fuels, and their share of greenhouse gas emissions has increased over the years, even though Africa currently emits less than 5% of the global emissions. Diversification of their economies to become sustainable energy sources has emerged as a requirement for long-term resilience as set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. International cooperation can make this transition process easier through knowledge supplies, technological transfer and funding. While there have been several corporations and meetings to facilitate funding, there is still more to be done by the developed countries, especially in their pledge, as the annual pledged climate finance fund for developed countries has never been met since its establishment.

During the Nigerian President’s address at the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, Ahmed Bola Tinubu emphasized the proactive stance of developing nations in addressing climate-related challenges with courage and ambition. President Tinubu spoke on the importance for developed countries to expeditiously fulfil their commitment to providing $1 trillion in climate finance. This financial support is essential to meet their pledged annual commitment of $100 billion for climate finance to assist developing countries in their sustainable development efforts.

Source: OECD (2023), Climate Finance Provided and Mobilised by Developed Countries in 2013-2021.

Also, cooperation among nations entails the transfer of knowledge and advancement in research and development. Learning from best practices and developing innovative solutions can help developing countries move faster in dealing with the challenges of energy security and those related to climate change. For example, clean energy technologies can be transferred through collaborative efforts; these include progress in renewable energy, energy storage and energy efficiency. Capacity-building programs can enable local systems to utilize these emerging technologies, developing a long-lasting energy grid.

International coordination of policies is crucial for ensuring an enabling environment that supports sustainable development. This entails linking economic growth strategies with climate change mitigation objectives. Coordinated efforts can promote the adoption of green policies and regulations. International cooperation also has an effective positive effect beyond environmentally related concerns when it comes to developing countries, especially in Africa. Focusing on energy security and climate change in an integrated approach allows African countries to undergo transformations in many fields.

The relationship between energy security, economic growth and climate change requires international cooperation that will offer practical solutions to meet the challenges of Africa, especially the oil producing countries. Through the utilization of shared resources, knowledge and finances, the world can promote sustainable development and build a resilient world where the fight against climate change is inseparable from the pursuit of economic prosperity for all.