The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on African nations to take a leading role in the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry.
Speaking at the African Strategic Summit on Green Shipping Decarbonisation held in Abuja, Oyetola emphasized the need for Africa to move beyond discussions and implement concrete solutions that will ensure the continent’s maritime sector remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
The global shipping industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately three percent of global emissions. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. Africa, with its 38 coastal nations, has a critical role to play in achieving this target.
Oyetola emphasized that Africa must take a leading role in the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry. “Africa has a rare opportunity to benefit from the global energy transition, but only if it approaches the process strategically,” he said. The minister highlighted the need for Africa to develop its own green shipping solutions, including renewable energy-powered ports, green corridors, and maritime workforce development.
Oyetola outlined key areas where Africa can take a leading role in green shipping solutions. These include:
- – Renewable Energy-Powered Ports: Africa can integrate wind, solar, and hydrogen power into port infrastructure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- – Green Corridors: Africa can create decarbonised shipping routes across the continent, reducing emissions and promoting sustainable trade.
- – Maritime Workforce Development: Africa can develop a skilled and knowledgeable maritime workforce to support the transition to zero or near-zero emission technologies
Oyetola emphasized the need for Africa to institutionalise technical expertise to ensure the continent is an active participant in shaping global maritime decarbonisation policies. “By leveraging the current LEAP Project’s successes and institutionalising technical expertise through Professional Technical Network and Advisory, we can ensure that Africa moves forward not only as an observer but also as an active participant in shaping global maritime decarbonisation policies,” he said.
In conclusion, Oyetola’s call for Africa to spearhead green shipping decarbonisation is a timely and imperative one. Africa has a critical role to play in achieving the IMO’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. By developing its own green shipping solutions and institutionalising technical expertise, Africa can ensure its maritime sector remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.