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Africa Focus: Summer 2022

Sustainably powering Africa’s development

As the world in early 2022 seeks to balance multiple, vital and competing priorities, our eighth edition of Africa Focus focuses on issues related to sustainable development, infrastructure and international investment on the continent. 

Africa has endless opportunities to implement policies and attract foreign direct investment into low-carbon energy, digital infrastructure and other projects that could also create jobs and stimulate the local use of renewable technologies.

The first article of this edition of Africa Focus covers "Transitioning from coal to renewables in Africa." Looking at options for development across the continent, it considers the role of gas in Africa's energy transition.

In "Energy transition, funding African infrastructure and sustainable finance," Sibusiso Zungu, a partner in our Johannesburg office, discusses South Africa's energy transition, current trends in African finance and challenges to achieving South Africa's sustainable development goals. His views are relevant as Southern Africa debates how to balance short-term economic growth with long-term climate change needs while developing major infrastructure projects.

“Our eighth edition of Africa Focus focuses on issues related to sustainable development, infrastructure and international investment on the continent.”

Increased internet access and related infrastructure in Africa could also have a profound impact across the continent on individual and national growth. Africa's demand for internet access, data center processing capabilities and related infrastructure means that the digital infrastructure is growing at a rapid rate, creating many opportunities for the continent. "Africa's digital infrastructure transformation" discusses the challenges, drivers and investment trends in aiming for universal, affordable digital infrastructure in Africa.

The People's Republic of China’s relationship with Africa is well established, deep and thriving on many fronts. "China's pivotal role in supporting post-COVID growth in Africa" highlights how the historical context affects the current China-Africa relationship in Africa, as well as China's long-term plans for engagement with African nations

Finally, "Is 'low-carbon' hydrogen a useful option for Africa's energy needs?" explains how African policies can encourage hydrogen production through low-carbon processes. 

As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments on these topics.

Transitioning from coal to renewables in Africa

Blocking funding for gas energy projects in Africa may seem like sensible climate policy. But is it?

Transitioning from coal to renewables in Africa

Energy transition, funding African infrastructure and sustainable finance

A conversation with White & Case partner Sibusiso Zungu

Energy transition, funding African infrastructure and sustainable finance

Africa's digital infrastructure transformation

Affordable, universal digital access is key to Africa's growth and development

Transitioning from coal to renewables in Africa

China's pivotal role in supporting post-COVID growth in Africa

China's relationship with Africa is well established, deep and thriving on many fronts

China's pivotal role in supporting post-COVID growth in Africa

Is "low-carbon" hydrogen a useful option for Africa's energy needs?

African policies can encourage low-carbon hydrogen production processes

Is "low-carbon" hydrogen a useful option for Africa's energy needs?
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