We are working to resist oil and gas development and support partners and allies across the continent of Africa.
In Africa, Oil Change is supporting movement partners in challenging key proposed fossil fuel projects and calling on African governments and institutions to stop fossil fuel expansion and support energy access and a just transition.
Together with local partners, we’re working to shift energy financing away from fossil fuels and increase financing for distributed renewable energy to support the goal of providing universal access to all; increase public financing for distributed renewable energy that also ensures a higher degree of local ownership of solutions; expose the scale and source of financing for fossil fuel projects on the continent; support frontline groups in their efforts to resist harmful fossil fuel projects; and support and facilitate convenings for movement partners to support information, capacity sharing, and strategy development.
The fossil fuel industry plans to sink $230 billion into the development of new extraction projects in Africa in the next decade — and $1.4 trillion by 2050. These projects are not compatible with a safe climate future and are at risk of becoming stranded assets that leave behind unfunded clean-up, shortfalls of government revenue, and overnight job losses. OCI is working with partners to call on African governments and institutions to enact a gradual, equitable, and managed phase-out of fossil fuel production in Africa alongside a just transition to renewable energy and green economies.
We are supporting key fights against fossil fuel projects in the region, including oil and gas development in the Okavango Delta, the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, and emerging areas at risk for oil and gas expansion in the region.
We are producing and sharing research, analysis, and messaging to help change the narrative around fossil fuels, and particularly gas, in Africa. We provide partners and movements with data, messaging, strategic advice, and other support.
The fossil fuel industry plans to sink USD $230 billion into the development of new extraction projects in Africa in the next decade — and USD $1.4 trillion by 2050.
66% of new extraction projects are owned by international corporations, leaving local communities behind.
The climate impacts, human costs, and economic risks of new oil, gas, and coal projects mean that no new fossil fuel extraction projects should be approved – in Africa or anywhere.
Per dollar invested, renewable energy creates 2 to 5 times more jobs than fossil fuels, and other green economy investments like conservation agriculture, climate adaptation, public transit and energy-efficient building retrofits provide 5 to 25 times more jobs. Africa’s extractive sectors as a whole employ less than 1% of Africa’s workforce, with few permanent and high-paying jobs going to local populations.
Fossil fuel extraction is not good for local communities. Communities near extraction have faced displacement, job losses as farmland, fisheries, or tourism prospects are damaged, serious health conditions, environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and increased violent conflict, and militarization.
African countries export almost all the oil, gas, and coal they extract. Both current and planned pipeline and port infrastructure have been designed to supply overseas markets rather than address energy poverty on the continent.
This is the first factsheet in a forthcoming series that details why fossil gas is dangerous for our planet and our communities in Africa, and how gas acts as a barrier to the energy transition we need for a safe, secure and healthy future.
A new infographic reveals how fossil-fueled development bypasses African communities, but also illustrates the continent's potential for a just transition. As Africa holds 39 percent of global renewable energy potential, governments and banks must shift their climate finance commitments towards a renewable just transition in Africa.
The Sky’s Limit Africa assesses fossil fuel industry plans to sink USD $230 billion into the development of new extraction projects in Africa in the next decade — and USD $1.4 trillion by 2050. It finds these projects are not compatible with a safe climate future and that they are at risk of becoming stranded assets that leave behind unfunded clean-up, shortfalls of government revenue, and overnight job losses.
The fossil fuel industry plans to sink billions into fossil fuel extraction projects in Africa in the coming years — this is bad for the environment, bad for communities in the region, and bad for the climate.
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