EDF, Africa Practice collaborate to drive sustainable energy transformation in Africa

By Esther Agbo 

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has joined forces with Africa Practice to push forward sustainable energy solutions aimed at tackling Africa’s unique climate challenges.

The strategic collaboration, as announced by EDF’s Senior Vice President of Energy Transition, Mark Brownstein, will focus on two key areas: reducing methane emissions from the continent’s oil and gas sector and developing Africa’s hydrogen energy systems. 

Brownstein emphasised the importance of integrating science into Africa’s climate and energy policy discussions to ensure effective solutions.

“This partnership builds on the Environmental Defense Fund’s long history of effective collaboration globally and locally and commitment to turn science into action to stabilise the climate. 

“We look forward to working with Africa Practice to help put sound science at the heart of Africa’s energy and climate policy discourse and to focus on two immediate action areas: cutting climate-warming methane emissions from Africa’s oil and gas sector and getting its emerging hydrogen systems right,” Brownstein said. 

The Africa Practice’s Managing Director and Group Chief Commercial Officer for East Africa, Richard Kiplagat, highlighted the significance of the partnership for the continent’s green energy future. 

“This MoU with the Environmental Defense Fund marks a significant step in our commitment to driving sustainable development in Africa. Green hydrogen is poised to be a significant catalyst for Africa’s sustainable development.

“This clean energy carrier offers immense potential to transform Africa’s energy landscape, drive economic growth, and contribute significantly to global decarbonization efforts,” Kiplagat stated.

With the collaboration, both organisations aim to promote stronger climate policy engagement, amplify African perspectives in global discourse, and address methane reduction opportunities across the continent.