HOW AFRICA CAN LEAD IN ENERGY, OTHER SECTORS, BY UNECA CHIEF

THE Executive Secretary of the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Mr. Carlos Lopes, has urged African ministers to be guided by a moral compass of ensuring the “greatest good for the greatest number” of people of the continent.

    Lopes, who made the call while addressing ministers at the Africa Regional Consultative Meeting on the Sustainable Development Goals, explained that sustainable development is about reframing the global development agenda in ways that would give both present and future generations the autonomy to be active forces in their own destinies. “
    “Africa has within its reach, the capacity, the people, resources and opportunities to lead the way on sustainable development,” he was quoted as saying in a statement made available to The Guardian.
   The UNECA chief also proposed opportunities in three sectors where Africa can lead.
   In the energy sector, Lopes said evidence is mounting that Africa’s need to expand its capacity to generate power can be met through renewable energy technologies that deliver clean and sustainable energy supplies. 
    “Overcoming the barriers that prevent the development of renewable energy in a context of climate change will depend largely on improving the policy and institutional environment in Africa,” he said. 
    He added that inclusive green growth is a frontier that could focus on affordable renewable energy services, the promotion of green jobs and the reduction of poverty. 
   According to him, agriculture sector holds the key to unlocking Africa’s growth potential, to attain the seven per cent threshold. “
    He said leveraging the continent’s agricultural sector is critical given its growing population and an ever-increasing demand for food.