African Clean Tech Association Launches To Help Create Green Jobs

The developing world is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which makes it an imperative to develop clean tech. Enter the African Clean Tech Association (ACTA) which launched on October 24. The purpose of ACTA, according to ACTA founder Suza Adam, “goes beyond mere introduction of projects, but rather becoming a vehicle to bring about greater awareness and changes within countries in the region.” ACTA can become a “mouthpiece for the industry and represent it at government and other levels,” Adam said. Adam adds that through ACTA networks, “we can also act as a catalyst towards initiating and promoting biofuel projects.” ACTA is a networking group for “decision makers” to attract venture capital and private equity investors for clean technology, according to the association’s website. ACTA provides a “platform to all stakeholders in Africa to join forces in leveraging our assets in creating green jobs and promoting business development." Clean tech brings “significant socio-economic benefits” to developing countries, as Adam points out. Clean tech projects mentioned on the website include wind, solar, biomass, biofuel, water treatment, conservation and recycling. Surprisingly, two dirty technologies (nuclear and coal) are also mentioned.

“For ATCA, African clean tech is not so much about the reduction of green house gases, individual carbon foot print or a transient fashion, but rather an enabling set of tools/technologies to bring about change to the way of life of many economically marginalized communities,” stated Adam.

Adam said that ACTA is unique because it “has access to individuals who have an in-depth knowledge of Africa, its politics, culture, polices and clean tech needs.” “We therefore believe that this association would differentiate itself from similar associations in the development world, as it is not going to represent just technology developers, but also project initiators, promoters, investors and end users,” Adam said. “It intends to become a business hub for clean technology initiatives in Africa.” Photo: Flickr user, gocarts