The Energising Women & Youth in Agri-Food Systems Programme (EWAS) in Nigeria aims to empower women and youth in agriculture through the provision of affordable finance, training, and commercial opportunities, complemented by solar-powered technologies. This initiative intends to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance incomes for smallholder farmers, thereby contributing to economic development and sustainable livelihoods. The program will deploy 300 solar-powered refrigeration units to help stabilize income for women and youth in rural areas.
In China, the country is advancing its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with a target of over 20 million chargers operational by the end of 2025, supporting more than 40 million new energy vehicles. This effort addresses severe air pollution, while the nation continues to lead in renewable energy technologies, despite ongoing reliance on coal for a portion of its energy needs.
India is positioning itself to become the world’s first “electrostate,” significantly increasing its solar generation capacity and electric vehicle sales. While it still relies on coal, the country is making strides toward cleaner energy, outpacing other nations in electrification and reducing fossil fuel consumption. However, it faces challenges related to its dependence on Chinese lithium-ion battery technology.
In Morocco, the UN Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is addressing the anticipated demand for minerals needed for renewable energy, advocating for fair policies and improved governance to ensure a Just Energy Transition, and exploring opportunities for North Africa to export green energy to Europe.
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Places mentioned in this update: Africa, China, Europe, India, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, North Africa, Pakistan, South Africa