Africa must move away from its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and invest in cleaner energy sources if the continent is to address the growing impacts of climate change. This is according to Khabonina Masango, a climate and energy specialist at WWF South Africa.
Masango was speaking ahead of the inaugural Africa Matters Summit, which will be hosted by Channel Africa on March 25, 2026 at the Wits Business School in Johannesburg. The summit will focus on the theme “Climate Change: Financing Africa’s Recovery.”
She says fossil fuels have been a major contributor to rising global temperatures and increasing climate variability.
“Fossil fuels are scientifically proven to be one of the core drivers of global warming and the climate changes we are experiencing in our cities and countries,” Masango explains. “Moving away from them also opens opportunities for economic growth, job creation and skills development in the green economy.”
Masango notes that the transition to renewable energy requires a whole-of-society approach, involving governments, businesses, civil society and communities.
“It is not only governments that must act. Society as a whole needs to change the way we consume energy and manage waste, while governments reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and invest in cleaner alternatives,” she says.
She adds that Africa’s energy transition also presents opportunities to create new industries and jobs, particularly in renewable energy manufacturing and green technology.
Masango believes platforms like the Africa Matters Summit are crucial for bringing together policymakers, investors and experts to develop practical solutions.
“These engagements allow people with influence, information and access to finance to come together and find ways to implement real solutions for Africa’s energy transition,” she says.
–ChannelAfrica–
