As part of measures to overcome the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic, some countries in east, southern and western Africa have adopted a green economy to strengthen economic recovery in the regions.
This was disclosed on Monday in Abuja at a public roundtable on the integration of climate change commitments into macroeconomic recovery responses post COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from East, Southern and Western Africa, organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA).
The adoption among others is also meant to tackle climate change in the continent.
Various speakers at the event said the countries need around $32bn – $50bn to create green economy jobs and fight climate change.
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Six countries; South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal, Tanzania, Somalia were represented at the programme which seek to fight famine, drought and other disasters caused by climate change amidst COVID-19 havocs.
A representative of South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Dr. Joseph Matola, said that though the COVID-19 pandemic ruined the African economy despite the threat from climate change, the countries should not sit by but must adopt a green economy.
“South Africa is in the top 15 most polluted countries in the world. Power generation is based on coal which is causing such a ranking.
In Nigeria, he said there are major programmes that will create jobs through solar power and gas expansion projects.
On her part, Ms. Tikristini Olasode who works with the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), said although climate change was already taking a toll on Nigeria, people stand to benefit from the green economy.
“Five million homes are to get solar panel power to help in the green economy. This will give them clean energy and improve the economy,” Olasode said.
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