Matsi Modise: Why Africa’s Green Energy Transition Must Be African-Led
- World Climate Foundation
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Africa’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon future requires collective ownership, coordinated action and leadership from across the continent.
At the World Climate Investment Summit 2026 in London, Matsi Modise, Africa Lead at the World Climate Foundation, discussed how African countries can shape a transition that reflects the continent’s priorities, builds on its strengths and creates lasting value for its people.
Her message comes at a pivotal moment, as momentum builds towards COP32 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2027 — an important opportunity to place African leadership at the centre of the global climate agenda.
Watch the full interview below:
Here are the key takeaways from the conversation with Matsi Modise.
1. Africa needs a strategy shaped by African priorities
Africa possesses extraordinary biodiversity, abundant natural resources and a growing base of human talent. Harnessing these strengths will require a shared strategy—developed by Africans and grounded in the continent’s diverse economic, social and energy realities.
While international partners have long advanced their own visions for Africa’s development, Matsi argues that the continent must take the lead in defining its pathway towards clean energy and sustainable growth. African ownership will be essential to ensuring that the transition strengthens local economies, expands opportunity and delivers long-term value across the continent.
2. Greater collaboration can unlock Africa’s collective strength
Fragmentation remains one of the most significant barriers to progress. Africa’s 54 countries hold substantial natural, mineral and human resources, yet national priorities and markets often remain disconnected.
Matsi calls for stronger cooperation across borders, sectors and institutions. By aligning priorities, sharing expertise and combining resources, African countries can build greater scale, attract investment and strengthen their position in the global transition economy.
This collaboration must extend beyond governments. Business, finance, civil society and international partners all have a role in turning shared ambition into coordinated, investable action.
3. Industry must help lead the transition
The time for industry to show collective leadership is now, she says.
Many of the resources, capabilities and sources of capital needed to accelerate the transition already exist. The challenge is to bring them together around credible strategies and practical pathways for implementation.
Rather than waiting for change to be shaped elsewhere, industry leaders can help build the partnerships, value chains and investment models needed to move from ambition to delivery — while ensuring that more of the resulting value remains within Africa.
As the global climate community looks towards COP32 in Addis Ababa, the focus should be on supporting African leaders to shape and deliver the continent’s transition on their own terms.
This means moving beyond recognition to practical action: backing African leadership, investing in locally driven solutions, and building partnerships aligned with the continent’s priorities, realities, and ambitions. COP32 can provide a platform to advance these efforts and strengthen Africa’s role in shaping a more equitable and effective global response to the climate crisis.
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