Fossil fuels propel the climate crisis, disproportionately impacting many African countries, while causing severe harm in the countries where they are extracted. They drive economies into dependence on fossil companies, compounding the disastrous impacts on local populations.

In Nigeria, oil spills contaminate entire regions. In Senegal, gas extraction threatens marine reserves. The Democratic Republic the Congo is selling crude oil concessions for areas deep in the rainforest. In Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, violence is escalating...

Renewable energies are not only climate and environmentally friendly. Due to their easy installation, renewable energies also ensure quicker access to energy, paving the way to positive economic development, better jobs, increased prosperity and improved education. In Kenya, almost ten times more people have access to power today than in 2000, now reaching 75% of the population – all thanks to solar energy. In Misereor projects, solar power systems and small hydropower plants provide clean and safe energy for remote areas.

Money can only be spent once. That’s why every new oil, gas or coal project diverts resources away from expanding renewable energies, hindering sustainable development.

• ending German and European investments in fossil fuels,
• historical high-emission countries committing to financial and technological support for Africa’s transition to renewable energies,
• a rapid and just transition to 100% renewable energy systems in Africa, focussing on decentralised energy access,
• energy partnerships that create jobs in the field of renewable energies, enabling workers from the fossil fuel sector to join the transformation,
• energy projects that involve local communities and organisations and recognise traditional land and use rights.