Challenges and Opportunities for Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Africa

This policy brief examines the commitments, challenges, and opportunities of JETPs between Africa and the International Partners Group (IPG) (Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, the European Union, Denmark, Canada and the Netherlands) in supporting a just and equitable transition. [...] In June 2023, Senegal signed a JETP with the International Partner Group (IPG), which then included France, Ger- many, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada.6 The members of the IPG and multilateral development banks have pledged to mobilize EUR 2.5 billion in new and addi- tional financing over three to five years, starting in 2023. [...] The country faces a particularly complex challenge in this transition due to its heavy reliance on coal, which accounts for 80 per cent of its energy mix.7 As part of the JETP, multiple developed countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and the European Union, pledged an initial USD 8.5 bil- lion to support South Africa in achieving a fair energy transition, unde. [...] While a transition to renewable energy is essential, a just and equitable approach is critical to prevent job losses.41 South Africa's high unemployment rate of approximately 33 per cent underscores the urgency of agreeing on detailed plans to manage potential job losses arising from JETP im- plementation.42 While the South Africa JETP acknowledges the need for a “just transition,” the plan lacks. [...] Opportunities and Approaches to Improve JETPs Given the considerable diversity in the structure of economies and the technical and legal frameworks of energy systems across potential partner countries, it becomes evident that there cannot be a “one-size-fits-all” approach to implementing JETPs.