Germany and Kenya have announced intentions to deepen ties and enhance cooperation in the fields of climate action and green energy production. This was announced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Kenya in a joint press briefing with Kenya’s President William Ruto last week.
The German Chancellor made a stop-over in Ethiopia on his trip, and was accompanied by about a dozen business representatives from Germany.
Germany is known for its expertise in renewable energy systems, and will contribute its wealth of knowledge and experience to support Kenya’s ambitious renewable energy projects. Kenya, on the other hand, possesses vast renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, which can greatly benefit German companies.
The collaboration between the two countries extends beyond mere knowledge sharing. Germany has committed to providing substantial financial assistance to Kenya, enabling the country to develop and implement renewable energy projects on a larger scale. This financial support will help Kenya expand its energy infrastructure, decrease its reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance its resilience to climate change impacts.
Moreover, this partnership paves the way for further cooperation in research and development, capacity building, and technology transfer. Both countries recognize the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in the green energy sector. Through joint initiatives, they will invest in training programs and exchange opportunities to foster the growth of sustainable industries and create job opportunities for their citizens.
With China enjoying massive influence on the continent, Germany is looking to play an increasingly important role on the continent. The German Chancellor has visited the continent for a second time since taking office 17 months ago.
Germany emphasised on the importance of international cooperation and multilateralism in addressing global challenges. Germany and Kenya committed to working together within the framework of international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, to achieve their climate goals.
“I am very impressed that Kenya wants to achieve its goal of going from 90% to 100% renewable electricity production by 2030 even faster,” the German chancellor said.