“Several African countries have comprehensive plans to renew their energy mixes and have a strong interest in bioenergy. Countries like South Africa, Morocco and Kenya are committed to decarbonizing their economies,” Lula underlined in a speech delivered during a ceremony marking Africa Day and the closing of the seminar “Brazil-Africa: relaunching partnerships”.
Africa, he added, “is at the heart of the energy and digital transitions. Like South America, the African continent has significant reserves of critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, which will play a strategic role” in this area.
For him, the African continent is the region in the world that emits the least greenhouse gases. “However, it continues to face the most perverse consequences of global warming, such as droughts, floods, fires and cyclones,” lamented the Brazilian head of state.
Furthermore, Lula Da Silva noted that the current dynamism of Africa requires that Brazil update its policy for the continent. “Africa is one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Its relevance in global trade is expressive,” he said, reaffirming Brazil’s support for entry into the Union Africa in the G20.
The Brazilian president also affirmed Brazil’s interest in the African Continental Free Trade Area, which entered into force in 2021, which is the largest in the world, with 1.3 billion inhabitants and a gross domestic product of about 4 trillion dollars. Brazil’s bilateral trade with Africa in 2022 was a third lower than in 2013, when the flow reached almost $30 billion, he noted.
“Our relationship with Africa is a state policy that permeates the entire Brazilian society. It will be deployed as a priority by the different ministerial portfolios, with the active engagement of academia, the media and civil society “, assured Lula, adding that Brazil must “expand its presence in Africa in a sustainable way”, with the opening of embassies, cultural centers and offices of Brazilian institutions of commerce, research and training.
“This also means supporting the internationalization of Brazilian companies, in order to respond to the African call for investment and generate knowledge, jobs and income,” he said.
The president also discussed common agendas and partnership opportunities on environmental issues, energy transition, communication, access to health and the fight against hunger.
On the other hand, Lula stressed the importance of promoting racial equality seeing it as a continuous axis linking national policies to international activities, reiterating his rejection of the racist attacks against the Brazilian footballer Vinicius Júnior of Real Madrid, last Sunday during a match against Valencia counting for the Spanish football championship. “We will not tolerate racism either against Brazilians or against Africans in Brazil,” he insisted.
“The relaunch of the relationship with Africa is also a reunion of Brazil with itself. We reaffirm our deep pride in the central role of the continent in national identity. Recognizing the value of our African roots means celebrating Africa’s contribution to our culture, whether in national policies, or in actions to disseminate Brazilian culture abroad. It is also about renewing our ties through education, training a new generation of young Africans in Brazil,” underlined President Lula.
For four days, participants in the seminar, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed issues on development cooperation, educational exchanges, gender equality, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, creative economy , diversity and contemporary international challenges.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Energy Expert on Africa’s Renewable Energy Initiatives
Editor: Good day! Today, we’re delving into Africa’s ambitious plans for renewable energy and the pivotal role it could play in the global energy and digital transitions. Joining us is Dr. Amina Khamis, an expert in sustainable energy from the African Energy Institute. Welcome, Dr. Khamis!
Dr. Khamis: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Recently, Brazilian President Lula Da Silva emphasized Africa’s potential in bioenergy and its commitment to decarbonizing economies. What do you think drives this interest among African countries like South Africa, Morocco, and Kenya?
Dr. Khamis: Africa’s interest in renewable energy, particularly bioenergy, is largely driven by the need for energy security and sustainable development. Countries are recognizing that diversifying their energy sources is crucial not only for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for stimulating economic growth and creating jobs. These nations are bold in their plans, as seen through comprehensive strategies aimed at integrating renewable resources into their energy mixes.
Editor: It’s fascinating how Africa has significant reserves of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. How does this factor into the continent’s energy future?
Dr. Khamis: Absolutely! These minerals are essential for technologies such as batteries and are increasingly in demand in our transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Africa’s reserves position the continent as a key player in the global energy landscape. By harnessing these resources responsibly, African countries can not only power their own transitions but also become central to global supply chains.
Editor: President Lula pointed out that Africa emits the least greenhouse gases yet faces severe consequences from climate change. What are some of the regional impacts you’re witnessing?
Dr. Khamis: The disparities are stark. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Africa is facing the brunt of climate-related disasters—droughts, floods, and cyclones are becoming more frequent and severe. This highlights the critical need for climate adaptation strategies alongside mitigation efforts. Countries must invest in resilient infrastructure and community programs to respond to these changes effectively.
Editor: Lula also mentioned that Brazil must update its policies toward Africa. How can international partnerships be leveraged to enhance Africa’s renewable energy capabilities?
Dr. Khamis: International partnerships are crucial for knowledge sharing, investment, and technological exchange. Collaborations with countries like Brazil can lead to innovative solutions tailored to African contexts. It’s about creating a network where technology transfer is encouraged and local industries are empowered. This partnership could take many forms—whether through direct investment, training programs, or joint research initiatives.
Editor: Brazil’s bilateral trade with Africa has decreased significantly since 2013. What measures can be taken to rejuvenate this trade relationship?
Dr. Khamis: To rejuvenate trade, both nations must prioritize open communication channels and identify opportunities that cater to each other’s market needs. Brazil can capitalize on its agricultural and bioenergy advancements while engaging with African nations to create mutually beneficial agreements. Additionally, facilitating trade missions and establishing trade offices can help boost interactions between businesses.
Editor: President Lula expressed a commitment to expanding Brazil’s presence in Africa through embassies and cultural centers. How do you think these efforts will impact Brazilian companies in Africa?
Dr. Khamis: Establishing a strong physical presence in Africa is vital for Brazilian companies. It not only demonstrates commitment but also helps in building relationships and trust within local communities. Cultural centers can foster better understanding and collaboration, while embassies can facilitate smoother transactions and navigation of regulatory landscapes. The success of Brazilian companies will depend on their ability to adapt to local contexts and radiate a message of sustainable and equitable growth.
Editor: Dr. Khamis, thank you for your insights. The future of Africa’s energy sector indeed appears promising, especially with international collaboration at the forefront.
Dr. Khamis: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how these initiatives unfold.
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned as we continue to follow the developments in Africa’s energy transition and its implications on global sustainability!