On Africa Industrialisation Day, celebrated on November 20th every year, Development Reimagined is proud to release its latest report, “Unleash Africa’s Untapped Potential on Environmental Goods Manufacturing.” This comprehensive analysis shines a spotlight on Africa’s capacity to lead in environmental goods (EG) manufacturing, offering actionable strategies for sustainable development. Please click here for the report infographic.
Africa, despite contributing a mere 3.8% to global greenhouse gas emissions, bears the weight of severe climate hazards. Environmental goods, integral to environmental protection and sustainability, play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. In 2020, Africa spent US$26.22 billion on EG imports, constituting 77.5% of its overall EG trade volume, raising concerns about potential dependency on EG imports in the long run combat against climate change. While Africa is at a crucial junction in its industrial journey, the report underscores that local manufacturing of environmental goods is not only economically prudent but vital for Africa’s climate and manufacturing resilience, positioning the continent as a key player in the global market for environmental goods.
The findings reveal Africa’s untapped potential for EG manufacturing, leveraging its rich natural resources, renewable energy, and mineral wealth. Integrated markets and regional collaboration can drive economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainability, supported by eco-friendly production policies.
Employing a data-driven approach, the report identifies ten countries across Africa’s 5 sub-regions, including Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, as promising hubs for EG manufacturing. These nations showcase readiness for EG production, signaling robust investment prospects in renewable energy components, electric vehicles, and waste management.
The report also reveals an increase in China-Africa climate change cooperation, including investment in clean energy projects, but also indicates where even more can be done, including to add value to existing investments. Finally, acknowledging challenges like inadequate infrastructure, limited technical capabilities, and political influences, the report proposes targeted recommendations to overcome these hurdles.
This report echoes a clarion call for collaborative action, urging governments, industries, and communities to unite for a greener and more prosperous Africa. The untapped potential of local EG manufacturing is presented not just as an economic boost but as a global “win-win” contribution to sustainability.
Looking ahead, Development Reimagined will use this report to work with and encourage all partners to deliver new and sustained investment in environmental goods manufacturing in Africa, a key means for delivering green growth, environmental sovereignty and Agenda 2063.
To access and download the full report, please click here for English and here for Chinese.
To talk with our global team of experts and consultants, please contact us at clients@developmentreimagined.com.
November 2023
