PRESIDENT Joe Biden’s ambitious green energy policies aimed at Africa are facing criticism from US lawmakers who argue that the administration is prioritising symbolic ‘green’ projects over practical solutions to combat energy poverty on the continent. US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart expressed their concerns in a recent op-ed in the New York Post, highlighting the administration’s failure to address Africa’s pressing energy challenges.
McCaul and Diaz-Balart emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach, with McCaul stating, ‘Neglecting effective tools to alleviate energy poverty in Africa is profoundly concerning.’ Their criticism centres on the administration’s exclusive focus on ‘green-energy projects,’ which they argue do not provide sufficient support for African nations attempting to overcome destitution and dependence.
In their op-ed, the lawmakers described Biden’s Africa policy as ‘simply energy colonialism,’ noting that the administration ‘only allows so-called “green-energy projects” to receive funding and support.’ Diaz-Balart expressed concern, stating, ‘Imposing oppressive, burdensome restrictions on developing African countries is profoundly concerning.’
The critique extends to the Biden administration’s climate envoy, John Kerry, and other officials who attended the recent COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. McCaul and Diaz-Balart called the administration’s pledges of billions in taxpayer money to the Green Climate Fund a ‘huge waste of money and opportunities.’ McCaul remarked, ‘These pledges invested only in perceived ‘green’ projects will do nothing to address the true drivers of pollution or empower the African continent.’
The lawmakers underscored the need for practical measures tailored to the specific needs of African countries, criticising the administration for its exclusive focus on symbolic gestures. Diaz-Balart concluded, ‘Biden’s policy in Africa is hypocritical and a huge waste of money and opportunities.’ The concern raised by these lawmakers reflects a growing sentiment that the Biden administration must prioritise tangible, effective solutions to directly address Africa’s energy poverty.