At the 26th United Nations International Climate Conference (COP26), bank officials affirmed that Africa has enormous energy potential to harness. Africa has, in addition to natural gas, significant quantities of other resources, including forests and minerals, arable land, and water and wind, capable of producing enough clean energy to meet the needs of its people and to industrialize, while supporting sustainable development.
The AfDB believes these resources, including the minerals and metals used in batteries such as lithium and cobalt, should be exploited to support the global energy transition and the sustainable development of Africa. At the same time, the continent should maintain carbon neutrality and ensure food security as well as water and energy security for the African people, said environmental experts during one of the AfDB side events during COP26.