Climate Change, Exploitative Paradigms and Neocolonial Energy Transitions in Africa

This article addresses how climate change and energy colonialism intersect in Africa. The continent is experiencing renewed interested from both Western and Asian countries that often replicates historical patterns of exploitation. As global temperatures rise due to human-induced climate change, the urgency for renewable energy sources has intensified. However, this transition is not merely a technological shift; it is deeply entwined with the legacy of colonialism, which continues to shape the dynamics of resource extraction and energy production in Africa. The modern energy transition, initially driven by the scarcity of resources, is now increasingly motivated by the need to address climate change. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in energy systems, encompassing production, distribution, and consumption. Yet, as Africa seeks to adopt renewable energy technologies, there is a risk that the new energy paradigm may perpetuate colonial-like exploitation, where foreign interests dominate local resources and decision-making processes. Through the use of secondary sources, this paper provides some theoretical insights andempirical evidence to counterbalance official narratives portraying the social benefits of decarbonisation and renewable energy initiatives, emphasising their potential to foster local economic development, create jobs, and enhance energy security. The article concludes that the energy policies of the wealthiest nations and large corporations do not aim to fundamentally alter the prevailing models of production and consumption, and that hence they do not really address climate change. Consequently, these policies are not sustainable for the territories involved, particularly in the Global South.