The importance of African countries leveraging their mineral wealth, particularly critical minerals like cobalt and lithium, to assert control over their future and ensure economic development is highlighted in the section. African policymakers are encouraged to adopt common beneficiation thresholds to promote local processing of minerals before export, with examples of countries like Namibia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe implementing such measures provided. The African Union's African Mining Vision is mentioned as a way to strengthen the continent's bargaining power and prevent exploitation by foreign companies. Mineral revenues can be used to fund climate plans, but effective regulation, energy supply, infrastructure investment, and regional coordination are essential for success. Strong transparency standards under the EITI can strengthen public trust and fiscal stability, while frameworks like the AfCFTA can build cross-border value chains and move beyond aid-dependent development. Africa's mineral wealth, if governed with the right policies, transparency, and foresight, can anchor green industrialization and position Africa as a decisive architect of a more just and sustainable global order, with young people playing a key role in shaping the future.
Tag: Ghana
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Efficient solar PV cooking with sand-based thermal energy storage
Scientists in Ghana have developed a solar PV-powered steam cooker with sand-based thermal energy storage, achieving a thermal efficiency of 38.9% and a payback period of 4.5 years. The system utilizes sand for its thermal stability and low cost, with the potential to reduce emissions and support Ghana's climate targets. Testing showed the system could cook large quantities of food efficiently and reliably, with a lifecycle cost analysis indicating significant cost savings compared to traditional biomass stoves. The integration of steam cooking with sand-based TES in solar PV-electric systems is a novel approach with promising results for sustainable cooking solutions. The Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Technology Consultancy Centre, International Centre for Innovation, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship, and Cape Coast Technical University are likely involved in technology and innovation related to climate solutions.