US EXIT from Paris Agreement & WHO: Ramifications for Africa

(4 Minutes Read)

Africa, while contributing the least to global emissions, suffers the most from climate change. The continent depends significantly on international climate funding for initiatives like the Africa Clean Energy Corridor, which aims to enhance regional energy connectivity and renewable energy projects. The US withdrawal not only strips Africa of vital funding but also removes access to technological expertise and capacity-building programs for renewable energy.

Donald Trump’s second term as the US President started with some disconcerting announcements. In a major setback to multilateralism, President Trump issued executive orders announcing the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Climate Treaty as well as from the World Health Organization.  Given Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and epidemics, the announcements entail far-reaching implications.

The year 2024, marked a grim milestone, with global warming crossing the threshold of 1.5 degrees. The US, the largest contributor to global emissions, withdrew from the Paris Treaty cutting all financial commitments at this crucial juncture when collective, robust climate action was urgently needed. Political analysts are worried that the US exit from the Paris Accord may create a dangerous trend where developed nations shirk their responsibilities.

Africa, the least contributor to global emissions but the greatest victim of climate change was dependent on the US and international aid to address its climate challenges.  With a mounting debt crisis, Africa has little fiscal space for independent renewable energy investments.  The continent relies heavily on climate funding for projects such as the Africa Clean Energy Corridor, to boost regional energy connectivity and renewable projects. The US withdrawal deprives Africa of not only funding support but also technological expertise and capacity-building programs for renewable energy. Inadequate funding threatens large-scale solar, wind, and geothermal projects, endangering the sustainable development goal of affordable and clean energy as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 objectives.  Even the commitments made by the US at the recent 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are now ambivalent.

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement highlights the vulnerability of excessive reliance on external actors for climate finance and technology. Regional cooperation is the way forward to overcome this.  Collaborative platforms such as the African Union’s Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) could explore resources from private corporations and alternative funding streams. However, robust regulatory frameworks should be put in place to encourage private investments with tax incentives and green bonds while protecting public interests.

Africa can leverage initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create economies of scale for renewable energy investments. The continent is blessed with abundant solar, wind, and geothermal resources. By leveraging innovative financing mechanisms, it can attract investment and move away from volatile international commitments. Africa may also deepen its partnerships with China, the biggest manufacturer of green technology products globally.

Another announcement with grave consequences for Africa and the rest of the world is the US withdrawal from WHO. This also raises questions about how Africa, with its devastating diseases and limited resources, will manage its public health infrastructure.

The US is the founding member and the largest donor of WHO and accounts for nearly 18% of its budget. It has been the continent’s main partner providing a large spectrum of services in the public health sector.  According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the US withdrawal will put massive strain on the continent’s fragile healthcare infrastructure. The funding crunch will cripple Africa’s capacity to fight diseases and respond to health emergencies impacting key programs such as HIV/AIDS, polio, malaria, and tuberculosis eradication, fighting malnutrition, and vaccine distribution.

To bridge the funding gap, Africa will have to seek alternate sources of financing. Here also, China, which has a long record of influence in Africa in diverse fields emerges as a potential partner. Over the years, it has been enhancing its soft power in Africa’s public health, by building hospitals and sending medical aid ships and doctors. With Washington’s withdrawal, Beijing may step in and strengthen its support. Other partnership options may include India, Turkey, and the Middle East.

Africa also will have to explore homegrown solutions such as boosting domestic and private investment and formation of an African epidemic fund.

In short, the US withdrawal from both the Paris Accord and WHO portends a tectonic shift in global leadership roles in these international institutions. China, with its soaring geopolitical interests and manufacturing capacity, seems to be well positioned to fill the vacuum.  This will also usher in radical changes in Africa’s strategic partnerships.