ABBBA -‐ African Bioenergy and Biofuels Business Assessment
Global Challenge is an independent think tank that analyzes problems and proposes solutions to global challenges in economics, climate and migration. The Global Challenge initiative ABBBA is a three-‐year project, co-‐funded by Sida. ABBBA aims to bring about investments in African forestry, biomass and bioenergy sector that meet high sustainability standards. Relevant background information: 1) In order to reach the EU target of 20 % renewable bioenergy by 2013, it will require 50-‐100 % more biomass than what is produced today to replace coal and fossil oil as raw material in the energy production. 2) Africa has the potential to become a significant producer of forest products, bioenergy and biofuels with the capacity to produce large quantities of high quality at a competitive price. Social and economic sustainability requires investments that would support local development, employment and livelihood. 3) Investments in the production of biomass and biofuels are far from unproblematic. In many parts of the world, rapid deforestation is taking place, often with illegal practices in areas of high biodiversity and high conservation value. The problems are many, but the solution is not to halt investments. That would give the illegal market a big advantage, and overlook the forestry sector's inherent potential as a carbon sink. Currently, logging is responsible for almost a fifth of the global emissions. Global Challenge's role is to act as a mediator between African actors / projects and Nordic companies that have an interest in getting involved in business development in Africa with an emphasis in biomass and sustainable forestry. Our partners in Africa will identify potential projects and collaboration possibilities, mainly in southern and eastern Africa. Our network in the Nordic region will identify relevant partners and stakeholders in Sweden and the Nordic countries. ABBBA consists of Project group: Tove Strauss (Project manager), Hanna Begler and Mattias Goldmann. Steering Committee: Bo Göransson (Chairman), Lennart Båge and Kristina Persson.