AfDB, CIF Spearhead Just Transition Workshops in Uganda

The two-day conference convened key stakeholders to guarantee that the transition to a sustainable economy does not disadvantage vulnerable communities.

Participants in the Uganda Just Transition Framework workshops, held in Kampala, June 19-20, 2024

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) are collaborating to conduct Just Transition Workshops in Uganda.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) have commenced a series of pioneering workshops with the objective of incorporating 'just transition' principles into Uganda's sustainable development strategy.

This two-day event convened key stakeholders to guarantee that the transition towards a clean economy does not disadvantage vulnerable communities. This initiative underscores the AfDB's commitment to achieving a balance between environmental progress and social justice across the continent.

"Uganda is at the forefront of climate action, which will inevitably lead to both positive and negative impacts," said Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, African Development Bank Country Manager for Uganda. "This project aims to support the government in better understanding the risks and opportunities associated with climate mitigation measures in the transport sector."

During the workshops, Neyen Consulting presented a noteworthy socio-economic impact assessment model. This model primarily focuses on Kampala, where approximately half of Uganda's vehicles are concentrated, with particular emphasis on the informal sectors.

During our meeting, two significant proposals were presented for consideration. The first proposal involves the gradual replacement of 60% of the current boda boda (motorcycle taxi) fleet with electric vehicles by the year 2035. The second proposal focuses on increasing the ratio of minibus taxis to boda-bodas by introducing a substantial number of electric minibuses by 2035. These proposed measures are aligned with Uganda's National Determined Contributions (NDC) and aim to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

In a concurrent initiative, Uganda has commenced the development of its national Just Transition Framework, receiving assistance from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the African Development Bank Group. This framework will delineate a development trajectory that aims to mitigate vulnerability, alleviate poverty, and address inequalities as the nation progresses towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Moses Masiga, Climate Finance Expert and CIF/World Bank Consultant, noted that, "Workshop participants demonstrated understanding of current strategies to transition towards the low carbon and climate resilient pathway pursued in various national development plans."

Key sectors earmarked for just transition planning encompass agriculture and forestry, energy and minerals, transportation, urban planning, and green industrialization..

"The standout recommendations were ensuring synergies between just transition strategies across different sectors, demonstrating the benefits versus costs of the just transition, and developing from existing national and sector strategies," Masiga added.

The workshops build on national kickoff sessions held in early April, which involved over 50 representatives from government and non-government stakeholders.

Ngafuan, the Bank's country manager, concluded that this process further demonstrates the Bank's dedication to equitable and transformative climate action across the continent, particularly in Uganda. Analyzing climate actions through a sectoral lens is crucial for identifying sectoral priorities while ensuring synergies and coherence at the national level.

July 02, 2024