Green Governance Africa (GGA) has launched its inaugural Just Earth Dialogues Series, offering a new platform to rethink energy transitions through the lens of justice and community empowerment.
The series focuses on how microgrids can expand clean energy access in off-grid communities, particularly in Zimbabwe, while promoting policies that protect both human rights and ecological limits.
“As Green Governance Africa, we have launched the Just Earth Dialogues Series, a bold and timely conversation platform that brings together diverse actors to interrogate and reimagine the future of Africa’s energy, climate, and natural resource landscape,” said GGA Director Frank Mpahlo.
“These dialogues are not just events; they are spaces for critical reflection, movement building, and strategic action,” he added.
The conversations arrive at a time of growing urgency. Over 570 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa live without reliable electricity. Although the continent holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, solar power accounts for just 3% of its total electricity output.
Engineer Hilton Chingosho said ensuring a fair energy transition means uplifting those historically left behind.
“Within the framework of a just energy transition, we must focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable and historically marginalized communities.”
“We believe this transition should promote equity, fairness, and ultimately contribute to building a just society,” he said.
Professor James Groves made the case for solar as Zimbabwe’s most abundant and underused energy resource.
“The sun shines on your country day in and day out, and now with solar panels and related technologies, you have the opportunity to leverage it for community prosperity,” he said.
He also highlighted how access to electricity improves well-being.
“Those with energy access have prosperity access. If you have access to energy, there’s opportunities to improve your health and well-being, physical, mental and your opportunity to become better educated,” Groves said.
In 2023, Africa attracted around US$15 billion in renewable energy investment, a fraction of what is needed to address its energy deficit.
