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UN commission says green industrialization vital for Africa's development

Xinhua, July 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) said on Wednesday that green industrialization was imperative for Africa's economic development.

Said Adejumobi, UNECA director for the southern Africa sub-region said Africa needs to embrace green industrialization if it was to experience sustained economic development.

"Although we are the least contributor to global carbon emission, we have been one of the worst, if not the worst hit, in terms of its consequences," he said.

"The El-nino phenomenon which has caused drought and virtual food shortages in southern Africa compels us to think and act smartly. It challenges us to think proactively in being ahead of the game in addressing the challenges the problem of global warming, climate and environmental degradation," he said in a statement following the release of the organization's 2016 Economic Report on Africa titled "Greening Africa's Industrialization in Lusaka, the Zambian capital.

He said green industrialization will become good economics in the long-run because it would enhance in more efficiency and enhance cheaper productivity.

According to him, Africa should embrace green industrialization because it will position the continent on the cutting edge of science and technological innovation that may change the fortune and position of the continent in the global economy.

"If Africa seizes the initiative, invest early in green technology and education and provide good incentives for private firms to adopt green technology, then Africa could have succeeded in promoting economic transformation and leap-frogging its development," he added.

The report has highlighted that Africa was poised for growth through green industrialization, with case studies of projects in several countries, among them Kenya and Malawi, showing how countries could develop through green industrialization.

The report however notes lack of infrastructure conducive for greening Africa's industrialization process but acknowledges the willingness of African governments to transition from coal to greener pathways of development. Endit