Avoiding the Carbon Trap: Rethinking Infrastructure Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Infrastructure is at the heart of global economic development, but it is also the largest contributor to climate change. According to the UNOPS "Infrastructure for Climate Action Report 2021," infrastructure is responsible for 79% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the built environment alone accounting for 42% of these emissions. This alarming statistic underscores the need to rethink and transform how infrastructure projects are planned, designed, and implemented to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) and align with global climate commitments.

The Urgency of Decarbonizing Infrastructure

Infrastructure projects are critical to economic growth, urbanization, and societal well-being, cutting across all SDGs. However, the environmental carbon footprint of infrastructure is unsustainable. From energy and transport to water and waste management, every sector of infrastructure significantly contributes to carbon emissions. The construction, operation, and maintenance of these systems involve intensive use of resources and energy, often relying on fossil fuels, and produce vast quantities of emissions.

Sub-Saharan Africa is a prime example where infrastructure development is rapidly accelerating. Countries in the region are investing heavily in expanding transport, energy, and water systems to support their growing populations and economies. Yet, without significant changes to how infrastructure is conceived and delivered, these investments could lock in high-emission pathways for decades, exacerbating climate impacts.

The Need for Collaborative Action

Tackling the emissions from infrastructure requires a coordinated approach among public and private sector stakeholders. Governments, developers, engineers, and financiers must work together to integrate climate resilience and sustainability into every stage of the infrastructure lifecycle—from planning to decommissioning. This approach aligns with calls made at the 2023 FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference, which urged built environment professionals to take proactive steps in minimizing the environmental footprint of projects to achieve net-zero emissions.

Governments can lead by setting ambitious climate targets, incentivizing green investment, and enforcing regulations that promote sustainable infrastructure. For instance, developing standards and guidelines for using low-carbon materials like sustainable concrete or incorporating nature-based solutions such as blue-green infrastructure, can reduce emissions and improve climate resilience.

Implementing Structural Changes for Sustainable Development

Decarbonization of the built environment will require structural changes throughout the construction project lifecycle. This involves adopting sustainable procurement practices, integrating green building technologies, and using circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Infrastructure systems must be viewed not just as physical assets but as interconnected systems that interact with the natural and built environments.

The UNOPS report emphasizes that promoting climate-compatible infrastructure requires understanding the synergies and trade-offs between different sectors and stakeholders. Effective strategies include enhancing data collection and analysis, investing in modular and adaptive infrastructure designs, and integrating renewable energy sources. African countries, in particular, could gain significant returns from investing in resilient infrastructure, with studies indicating a $4 return for every $1 spent in low and middle-income earning countries on sustainable infrastructure.

Prioritizing Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure

Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to limited adaptive capacity and exposure to climate hazards. It is crucial that infrastructure investments prioritize resilience and inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind. For example, improving the resilience of transport systems in flood-prone areas or designing energy infrastructure that is adaptable to changing weather conditions can significantly mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

The integration of resilience measures also extends to infrastructure management and maintenance. Proactive maintenance of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure can enhance their longevity, reduce operational costs, and prevent emissions associated with frequent repairs and replacements.

Infrastructure Projects Setting The Pace

1. Kenya: Lake Turkana Wind Power Project

• Overview: The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project is Africa's largest wind farm and one of the largest wind energy projects globally. It generates approximately 310 MW of renewable energy, significantly contributing to Kenya’s energy grid.
• Decarbonization Impact: By producing clean energy, this project has reduced Kenya's reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions. It has also contributed to the country’s goal of achieving universal electricity access with renewable sources.
• Key Benefits: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy access, and local economic development through job creation.

2. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa Light Rail

• Overview: The Addis Ababa Light Rail is the first modern urban rail system in Sub-Saharan Africa, designed to ease traffic congestion and reduce emissions from cars.
• Decarbonization Impact: By offering an energy-efficient public transportation alternative, the project reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable urban mobility.
• Key Benefits: Reduction in traffic-related emissions, improved public transportation access, and urban development.

3. Ghana: Accra Waste-to-Energy Plant

• Overview: Ghana is working on transforming waste into energy in Accra, focusing on reducing landfill waste and generating electricity through waste conversion.
• Decarbonization Impact: By converting municipal waste into energy, the project mitigates methane emissions from landfills and reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
• Key Benefits: Waste management, clean energy generation, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility for a Sustainable Future

The findings from the UNOPS report and the discussions at global infrastructure conferences highlight a clear imperative: we must urgently shift towards sustainable infrastructure systems to combat climate change effectively. This transformation requires collective action from all stakeholders, driven by evidence-based decision-making, innovative design approaches, and a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects.

By embracing sustainable practices, investing in green technologies, and fostering collaboration, we can reshape the built environment to support the needs of present and future generations. Safeguarding the planet is a shared responsibility, and it starts with how we build the world around us.