A recent discussion between Michael Oche, a Nigerian journalist, and Dr. Fadhel Kaboub, an associate professor of economics at Denison University, shed light on the complexities of Africa’s Just Energy Transition strategies and climate finance issues.
During their conversation, Dr. Kaboub emphasised that Africa cannot achieve decarbonization without decolonization, highlighting the continent’s historical and ongoing exploitation.
Dr. Kaboub pointed out that colonialism imposed a particular set of economic functions on Africa that still persist today. “You can’t be telling Africa about decarbonization without first decolonizing,” he said.
These functions include Africa providing cheap raw materials for the industrialized world, remaining consumers of finished goods that are often unaffordable, and hosting obsolete industries outsourced to the continent in the name of “job creation.”
The conversation revealed that even in the context of the green transition, nothing has changed. Africa is expected to supply critical minerals, borrow money to import green technologies, and assemble outdated products, all for the benefit of the industrialized world.
This realization led Michael Oche to reflect on the enormity of the challenge Africa faces, noting that the people holding Africa back are ruthless and set the terms of the game.
Despite the bleak outlook, the discussion offered a message of hope. Michael Oche emphasised that if African governments, trade unions, media, and ordinary citizens come together and speak with one voice, they can reclaim their leverage and redraw the terms of global economic engagement.
The idea of “polluters must pay” resonated strongly, with climate finance being framed as development finance, structural transformation, and climate reparations rather than aid or charity.
Dr. Kaboub stressed that Africa, as a continent with 54 countries, emits only about 4% of carbon, roughly the same amount as Spain, while Texas, a state in the US, emits more than the entire African continent. He emphasised that climate finance must not be confused with aid or charity but rather seen as a form of reparations.
“The industrialized world owes Africa a climate debt,” he said. “Yet, instead of paying what they owe, they dictate crumbs, impose conditions, seize our forests for carbon offsets, and exploit our land, labour, and resources under the banner of ‘green growth.'”
The conversation concluded that decolonization is not optional but necessary for a just energy transition. Africa must push for a people-centered, debt-free, and inclusive energy future that reflects its realities and affirms its right to develop on its own terms.