Africa holds over 80% of the world’s renewable energy potential, yet remains shackled by energy poverty, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 80% of the global unelectrified population; hence, the Pan-African artists are coming out to take a part in advocating for change through art.
This stark contradiction fuels a growing movement, “All Power to The People: Pan-African Artists’ Pledge”, a visionary campaign harnessing the power of art to demand climate justice.
Launched ahead of Africa Climate Week (September 2024), the initiative calls on artists across the continent to amplify the voices of frontline communities suffering the brutal consequences of fossil fuel exploitation.
Despite Africa’s vast solar, wind, and hydropower resources, decades of oil, gas, and coal extraction have left a toxic legacy: violent conflicts, ecological ruin, energy poverty, and systemic underdevelopment.
“The fossil fuel industry has failed Africa by design,” says Seble Samuel (Head of Africa Campaigns, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative). “Wealth and energy have been shipped out for decades, leaving behind pillaged ecosystems and communities in darkness. Yet, we have the solutions; renewables should mean energy for all, not empty promises.“
Art as a Weapon for Change
The campaign invites African artists to submit original works, visual art, music, poetry, and more, to be featured on social media and exhibited in Addis Ababa during the Africa Climate Summit. Selected contributors will join the African Creative Action Network (ACAN), a collective using art to drive social justice.
“Artists don’t just reflect reality, they shape it,” emphasizes Ancel Langwa (Africans Rising). “Through creativity, we honor the resilience of frontline communities and demand a future powered by sun and wind, not exploitation.“
The campaign’s launch follows a historic International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which affirmed nations’ legal duty to prevent environmental harm. “With legal pressure mounting, people power must rise too,” says Marina Agortimevor (Africa Just Transition Network). “Artists will ignite public momentum for reparations and a just transition.“
Six Demands for a Fossil-Free Africa
The Pan-African artists campaign, backed by Africans Rising, the Africa Just Transition Network, and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, unites around six key demands:
- Halt all new coal, oil, and gas projects.
- Phase out existing fossil fuel infrastructure fairly.
- Fund a rapid, people-centered shift to renewables.
- End energy poverty, 100% clean energy access for all.
- Deliver climate reparations for exploited communities.
- Endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
“To break free from fossil fuels, we need art’s power, its sounds, visuals, and rhythm,” says Seble Samuel. “Africa’s energy future must be in the hands of its people, not polluters.“
Join the movement: Artists can pledge and submit work at www.allpowertothepeople.art.
