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Paper short abstract:

This paper explores strategies for a just energy transition in Africa, focusing on workforce retraining, green job creation, and policy coordination. It examines how sustainable decarbonization can address socio-economic inequalities while fostering industrialization and energy access.

Paper long abstract:

Africa's energy transition offers a critical opportunity to promote sustainable development and resolve the global climate crisis. Nevertheless, this transition presents substantial socio-economic obstacles, particularly for communities that rely on fossil fuels. This paper examines how Africa can navigate the intricacies of a just energy transition, with a particular emphasis on creating green jobs, workforce retraining, and policy coordination to alleviate economic disruptions and inequalities. The research emphasizes sustainable decarbonization strategies, such as integrating solar photovoltaic panel refurbishment into local industries, promoting bioenergy technologies such as biogas systems for rural electrification, and recycling electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries. These strategies capitalize on Africa's abundant renewable energy resources to encourage industrialization, improve energy access for marginalized populations, and create employment opportunities in emerging sectors. The paper also discusses the risks associated with uncoordinated energy policies, underscoring the necessity of inclusive policymaking consistent with international climate commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, while protecting development priorities. Using case studies, it investigates the potential of inventive financing mechanisms, technology transfer, and localized solutions to facilitate sustainable and equitable energy transitions. This paper contributes to the existing discourse on effective strategies for harmonizing economic growth with environmental sustainability by offering a framework that integrates environmental, economic, and social dimensions. It encourages the collaboration of policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to convert potential crises into catalysts for the sustainable development of Africa.