Kofi Annan dead at 80: CNBC Africa shares his last interview

In honor of the late Chair of the Africa Progress Panel, Nobel Laureate, and former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, CNBC Africa shares his last interview on the progress and challenges in the drive to electrify Africa. During the interview, Annan emphasized the critical importance of energy access for the continent's growth and development. He stated that without access to electricity and energy, progress would be considerably slowed down, affecting areas such as job creation, education, and healthcare. Annan pointed out that infrastructure and energy were key barriers to African development, highlighting their removal as a potential catalyst for significantly boosting intra-African trade. In fact, an analysis suggested that addressing these challenges could increase trade by $250 to $300 billion within a decade. Annan also underscored the environmental benefits of electrification, emphasizing the need for affordable and sustainable energy sources to combat deforestation and mitigate climate change. He noted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa despite the continent contributing minimally to global emissions. Discussing positive strides in renewable energy, Annan identified countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa as making commendable progress. While acknowledging that renewables currently represent a small portion of the energy mix, he stressed the importance of scaling up such efforts across the continent. Annan urged a reimagining of energy distribution in Africa, advocating for decentralized off-grid systems to reach remote communities efficiently. By leveraging renewable resources and allowing for electricity sales back to the national grid, he believed that such systems could accelerate energy access and create economic opportunities at the local level. Furthermore, Annan highlighted the role of African citizens in driving the energy agenda, emphasizing their participation in advocating for sustainable energy solutions. In conclusion, Kofi Annan's vision for advancing energy access in Africa centered on innovative solutions that address both developmental and environmental challenges. By prioritizing renewable energy and decentralized distribution systems, he believed that Africa could overcome barriers to development and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change. Annan's legacy as a champion for sustainable development and environmental protection continues to inspire initiatives aimed at electrifying the continent and empowering its citizens towards a brighter, more sustainable future.