Amidst ongoing efforts by global economies to transition to clean and sustainable energy, Nigeria’s former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, says African leaders cannot be compelled to phase out fossil fuel use without effective climate financing for the continent.

Mr Osinbajo made this known while addressing Nigerian journalists in Kenya on Monday after moderating a panel session on “Carbon Markets in the Global South” at the ongoing Africa Climate Summit/Week in Nairobi, Kenya.

“So we cannot be asked to do a dramatic transition. We are saying we need Carbon market, we need finance to be able to transition,” Mr Osinbajo said.

He noted that to transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, there must be some use of fossil fuel, especially gas, as transition fuel.

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“It is impossible to expect countries) that are gas or fossil fuel rated to just suddenly change from gas or fossil fuel straight into renewable energy,” the former vice president said.

He added that no country anywhere in the world has been known to develop industries using purely renewable energy, and all of the developed countries have used fossil fuels to some extent to attain their feat.

Based on this, Mr Osinbajo explained that African countries cannot be asked to do a dramatic transition.


The Africa Climate Summit/ Week
As the inaugural Africa Climate Summit kicks off on Monday in Nairobi, Kenya, President Bola Tinubu and Mr Osinbajo are some of the African leaders expected from Nigeria to address key issues around climate change, including green growth, carbon pricing, climate financing, climate adaptation, renewable and clean energy, among others

The summit is championed by Kenyan President William Ruto, who doubles as the Chairman of the Committee of Heads of State of the African Union on Climate Change. It is themed: “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,” with the crucial objective of delivering green growth and climate finance solutions for Africa.

According to the organisers, throughout the event, Heads of state are expected to join forces to develop a united “stance on vital issues such as adaptation and resilience, renewable energy, sustainable development, food and water security, and financing for climate action on the African continent

At the summit, discussions are expected to serve as vital preparations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 28, scheduled for November in the United Arab Emirates


Climate finance


Mr Osinbajo, who was recently appointed as a “Global Advisor”, hinted that Africa needs finance to be able to transition


We are saying we need a Carbon market; we need finance to be able to transition. You don’t tell a country that has tremendous fossil fuel resources to one day just switch to renewable energy, no,” he said.

He explained that experts came to the summit to craft an African agenda because Africa needs finance to fulfil its climate pledges.

“We are saying that, don’t say transition without supporting that transition with adequate capital,” he said


Mr Osinbajo said climate capital will come from the carbon market being proposed and that it is the reason why African leaders are pushing for it, in addition to other sources of finances.

He said Africa needs between $6 trillion and $7 trillion if it will do a successful transition

Asked if there is hope for Nigeria, he replied in the affirmative, saying, “Indeed there is hope for Nigeria”.

Similarly, when asked what he thinks Africa will do differently at the forthcoming 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) later this year, Mr Osinbajo said Africa has its own agenda, which is why the ACS conference is important.

He explained that African negotiators also present an agenda, which is why they are saying Africa can become the first truly Green civilisation in the world.

“We can become the first continent that will industrialise and grow its economy using renewable energy,” he added.

To achieve this, Mr Osinbajo said Africa needs investments and support and that the pledge of $100 billion is not what they are asking for.

“We are saying that we can have a fundamental change in the way that we approach our net zero ambition if we invest in Africa,” he noted.

“The truth of the matter is that, if Africa developed at a trajectory as the global north using fossil fuel, no one is ever going to achieve net zero by any target, so the investment has to come into Africa so that it becomes the first truly green civilisation and if we are able to do so everyone will achieve their net zero objectives.”

Climate Action for Africa
During his address at the summit’s opening plenary, Mr Ruto noted that in the face of the profound challenges posed by climate change in Africa, the continent stands unwavering in its commitment to confront the existential threat to all of humanity.

“Africa’s abundance of wind and solar energy can power our development, creating jobs, protecting local economies, and accelerating the sustainable industrialisation of the continent, “ the Kenyan president said.

For them to lead the way toward a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent and the world, finance and technology must be provided to developing countries.



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I'm happy Osinbajo is making waves across Africa.

That is absolutely correct Africa can’t be compelled to dramatic energy transition.

The great Man indeed