“Voix du Paysan” Empowering Citizens Through Education for Social and Climate Justice
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is facing a major energy crisis, with only 50% of its population having access to electricity. A heavy reliance on coal (62% of power generation) weakens infrastructure, causes frequent blackouts, and intensifies climate change impacts. Rural communities are the most affected, lacking basic services and turning to harmful, polluting fuels that pose serious health and environmental risks.
According to civil society organizations (CSOs), the solution lies in a bold and just energy transition. Southern Africa holds immense renewable energy potential — solar, wind, hydro, and biomass — capable of achieving universal electrification by 2050 while reducing carbon emissions. Decentralized systems, such as solar mini-grids, provide a sustainable way to boost community resilience to climate impacts — including droughts, floods, and cyclones — while supporting vital sectors like education, health, and agriculture.
At the 45th SADC Summit in Madagascar, CSOs submitted a set of strong recommendations. They urge leaders to massively promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, center human rights in the transition process, raise public awareness about clean energy benefits, and encourage partnerships for technology transfer. They also call for the full implementation of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (REEESAP), adopted in 2017.
Finally, CSOs call on member states to scale up investment in solar, wind, and other clean sources to reduce coal dependency and ensure universal energy access through inclusive, community-based solutions. This regional mobilization — led by the “Renewables4AfricaNow” campaign — seeks to build an equitable and sustainable energy future for Southern Africa. The signatories call on heads of state to demonstrate bold leadership by laying the foundation today for a low-carbon, just, and inclusive development path.
The Editorial Team
