ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY News & Analysis
MAY, 2021
CAN WE FUND THE
FUTURE?
News & Analysis
From The Editor Quick Facts Economy at Large Oil & Gas Mining Renewable Energy The Environment ICT & Telecommunications Youth In Action Tenders and Careers COVID Update Contributing Authors
04 05 07 11 12 15 18 25 24 26 28 29
C ONT E NT S
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
MAY 2021
FROM THE EDITOR CAN WE FUND THE RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.
PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone +264 61 400 171
EMAIL briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za WEBSITE www.rdjconsulting.co.za
FUTURE? Dear Reader,
Welcome to our May 2021 edition! The fight against inefficiency and environmental degradation that results in our planet deteriorating, has been ongoing for decades, and as time passes, with world population continuously increasing, demands for more natural resources and living space also increase, putting much pressure on all resources, especially since the industrial revolution. Once resources are used up, it is hard and takes a long time to find replacement. In this month’s edition, we speak about the possibility of Funding the Future and explore how individuals can contribute towards Funding the Future? Well, from our stories this month, we can see positive and sustainable actions being done in Africa and Namibia in particular, which could contribute towards a more sustainable future. Such examples include: Namibia recognizing individuals and firms that continue incorporating sustainability into the core of their businesses through the much awaited Third Sustainability Awards this May; The official Launch of Mega Solar Initiative; The official Launch of Namibia’s Revenue Agency;
Reasons why Decarbonizing Households may lead to a more sustainable future; and African Committing to cut 32% of Emissions by 2030
After all this, what more can we do to contribute to Funding the Future? To read these and more, please continue to enjoy reading this Briefing and do join our conversations on Twitter and Wordpress. If you are new to the RDJ Briefing, subscribe to this FREE Publication at briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za and freely share the link with others that will benefit from its contents. Enjoy, #Stay Safe and note that your comments are always welcome….….
(David A. Jarrett) Editor
Authors RDJ Interns*
This report is a FREE Publication and was prepared by RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia. The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
quick facts 2.3M
Population Size
66.6%
LTE
Telecom (sophistication)
2.575
Million Mobile(cell phones) Subscribers
Employment
Tourism, Mining, Fishing Industries
-1.1%
GDP Growth (2019)
7.50%
Prime Interest rate
89%
Literacy Rate
8.8M
Water availability (cubic litres/capita)
484.000
Electricity Gen. in MW (Local)
629.000
Electricity Demand in MW (all)
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
3.90%
Inflation (CPI)
3.75% Repo Rate
MINISTRY OF FINANACE MINISTER Hon. Iipumbu W. Shiimi
FISCUS BUILDING
The Ministry of Finance is responsible for issues concerning central government finances, including coordination of the central government budget, forecasts and analyses, tax issues, and management and administration of central government activities. The Ministry is also responsible for matters concerning financial markets and consumer legislation.
VISION To be a dynamic and reputable institution excelling in fiscal and financial management.
MISSION We develop and administer fiscal and financial policies that ensure macro-economic stability, sustainable and equitable socio-economic development.
VALUES INTEGRITY We shall be honest, fair, respectful, transparent and consistent. LOYALTY We shall be committed to hard work and ensure that our actions are dedicated to the priorities and objectives of the Ministry. ACCOUNTABILITY We shall be answerable for our actions and responsive to our stakeholders. COMPETENCY We continuously improve on knowledge, skills and attitude and ensure quality service delivery.
CONTACTS Head Office: Moltke Street Private Bag 13295, Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264-61-2099111 Web: https://mof.gov.na/home
MAY, 2021
7
ECONOMY AT LARGE Namibia Revenue Agency Launched
Credit: www.mof.gov.na
O
n the 7th of April 2021, Namibia officially launched its first-ever autonomous tax administration agency, the Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA),
which will be responsible for administering tax, customs and excise laws and services. NamRA will henceforth go a long way in improving revenue collection, infrastructure development and adherence to taxation in the future according to Namibia’s President, His Excellency, Dr. Hage G. Geingob With NamRA taking up the part of the Ministry of Finance’s duties which were carried out under the Inland Revenue Department and the Customs Directorate because of tax collection, trade facilitation and border management control, the Ministry now operates six departments as follows: administration, which the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) is part of,
state accounts, which is responsible for all treasury operations, economic policy advisory services, public-private partnerships, the procurement policy unit and the government internal audit department. Speaking at the launch event of NamRA, the agency's founding commissioner, Sam Shivute, said they would use autonomous revenue collection to improve the country's efficiency in collecting revenue, and would make sure they operate fairly across all sectors.
Readings: https://www.namra.org.na/ https://www.namibian.com.na/101443/read/Finance-ministryversus-Namra https://www.namibian.com.na/100685/read/Namibia-launchesfirst-autonomous-revenueagency#:~:text=NAMIBIA%20officially%20launched%20its%20first,to %20taxation%20in%20the%20future
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
8
MAY, 2021
Copper Price Hits All-Time High in New York as Bulls Stampede AUTHOR: MINING.COM Staff Writer
Credit: Capital.com
C
opper price hit a record high on Thursday as Chinese investors unleashed fresh demand following a five-day holiday.
Copper for delivery in July was up 1.71% by 1:42 pm (EDT), with futures at $4.6015 per pound ($10,123 a tonne) on the Comex market in New York, over the $4.58 per pound high reached in February 2011. The reopening of major industrial economies is sparking a surge across commodities markets from corn to lumber, with tin climbing above $30,000 a tonne for the first time since 2011 also on Thursday. Copper has gained 28.1% since the end of last year and is up 114.9% from its 2020 low, hit in March of that year amid the global economic fallout as countries locked down their populations to contain the spread of covid-19. “The long-term prospects for metals prices are ‘too good’ and point to higher prices in the next few years,” Commerzbank AG analyst Daniel Briesemann told Bloomberg.
“The decarbonization trends in many countries — which include switching to electric vehicles and expanding wind and solar power — are likely to generate additional demand for metals.” Trading house Trafigura Group, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America also expect copper to extend gains. “Copper could spike to $13,000 a tonne in coming months, partially over low inventories,” Bank of America said. “Copper prices will remain strong as a continued rebound in global PMIs bolstered investors’ bullish sentiment,” Citic Futures Co. said in a note. On the supply side, Peru reported a 19% jump in March copper output, potentially offering some relief to tight global supplies. Meanwhile, Chile’s lower house approved a progressive rate on copper sales in what could become one of the heaviest tax burdens in global mining, potentially stalling investments and boosting prices.
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION AT: https://www.mining.com/copper-price-hits-10000-again-as-chinese-investors-unleash-demand/
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
9
Namibia Launches Affordable Housing Project in Windhoek
A
s a way to improve the standards of living of the Namibian people, the local government through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development
launched an affordable housing project in April, 2021 consisting of 42 units in Osona Village and 90 units in Otjomuise. The project which is handled by Namibia International Capital was funded by Shelter Afrique, Namibian government and the National Housing Enterprise, with individual contributions of about N$150 million, N$50 million and N$7 million respectively. According to Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and
Rural Development, Osona Village Development is a genuine illustration of what an all-around organized mutually beneficial association among public and private area foundations can do to contribute towards the acknowledgment of the country's public objectives on lodging and adjusted land conveyance. He also challenged Namibia International Capital, Shelter Afrique and other organizations to do more and increase their impression in Namibia by providing large and particularly reasonable social housing space.
Reading https://economist.com.na/61072/general-news/affordable-housingproject-launched-for-osona-and-otjomuise/
Mass hosing construction in Windheok, Namibia. Image is for the purpose of illutration only. Credit: RDJ Photo
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
ADVERTISE HERE Size Flexibility Target Marking. Cost Effective. High Ad Recall. Credibility.Position Flexibility advertising@rdjconsulting.co.za +264 61 400171
AUGUST, 2020
OIL & GAS
2021 MAY FUEL PRICES
N$ 13.15 per litre 95 Octane Unleaded Petrol
N$ 13.18 per litre Diesel 50ppm
9
12
MAY, 2021
MINING Drilling Second Well in the Kavango Basin, now in Progress AUTHOR: ReconAfrica
Credit: ReconAfrica
Vancouver, BC – Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the “Company” or “ReconAfrica”) (TSX-V: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) is pleased to announce spudding the second well (6-1) in the Kavango Basin in the Kalahari Desert of North East Namibia.
Operations With the first string of casing set and cemented in the 6-1 well, the Company owned and operated 1000 HP rig (Jarvie-1) is drilling ahead to a target depth of 3,800 meters (12,500 feet). The 6-1 well is designed to evaluate the petroleum systems discovered in the first well (6-2) in an area of maximum thickness. These first two wells are within one of five major sub-basins of the larger, more laterally extensive, Permian aged deep Kavango basin. The Company will take whole core, side-wall core and
conduct a full logging suite of all zones of interest (conventional targets and source rocks). As with the 6-2, a comprehensive state of the art logging program over both sections will be provided by Schlumberger. In addition, a Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) will be run to enable the most accurate tie-in possible, of well data, to the 2D seismic program scheduled to commence in June, 2021.
Technology In keeping with the Company’s policy of implementing environmental best practices, ReconAfrica is using the most advanced drilling fluid available to protect the environment – a water-based system. This Polyamine system, provided by Valence Drilling Fluids, uses freshwater as the base fluid. The plant-based products added to the base fluid are created through an organic process and are biodegradable. Not only is this water-
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
based drilling fluid 100 percent safe to the environment, it provides ideal samples (cuttings and core) to be utilized to determine a range of petroleum properties and locations for future exploration and production wells.
Community and Government Relations The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has assigned a high-level team within his ministry, to which ReconAfrica will keep updated on the project. The committee represents the water resource management, water supply and sanitation, communal land management and agricultural projects departments, within the ministry. ReconAfrica is committed to the adherence of the laws, rules and regulations of Namibia. ReconAfrica places strong emphasis on hiring locally and nationally whenever possible. To date, ReconAfrica has employed more than 200 Namibian residents in such roles as: electricians; rig floor-hands; project managers; material technical specialists (construction, environment, wildlife surveying, water and hydrology); health, safety and environmental experts; administrative assistants; garden site workers; and general laborers. The local and national employment numbers will increase as the Company moves forward with its conventional drilling
13
and seismic programs. Additionally, ReconAfrica is working with Namibian educational institutions to enhance training programs directly related to energy. ReconAfrica is a junior, Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the opening of the newly discovered deep Kavango Sedimentary Basin, in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds petroleum licenses comprising approximately 8.5 million contiguous acres. In all aspects of its operations, ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbances in line with international best standards and will implement environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information contact: Scot Evans CEO | Tel: +1-877-631-1160 Grayson Andersen Manager, IR | Tel: +1-877-631-1160 Email: admin@reconafrica.com IR Inquiries: investors@reconafrica.com Media Inquiries Email: media@reconafrica.com
Credit: Pixabay/Anita starzycka
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
14
MAY, 2021
Lepidico Firms Up Namibia Lithium Resources AUTHOR: batteryindustry.tech
I
ntegrated lithium aspirant Lepidico Ltd., Belmont, Australia, has completed resource estimates for lepidolite-rich surface stockpiles and tailings from
About Lepidico
operations in Namibia, increasing contained lithium by 10%, Mining-journal.com reports. “Inferred” resources of 570,000t grading 0.8% Li2O (plus caesium and rubidium) have been calculated, with a Rubicon tailings upgrade seeing “indicated” resources of 71,000t at 1% Li2O. Lepidico is looking at the redevelopment of two mines within its 80%-owned Karibib project in Namibia and the design of a new flotation plant to produce a lepidolite concentrate for export to a chemical conversion facility it wants to build in Abu Dhabi. Such a business could produce circa-5000tpa lithium hydroxide for 14 years, according to the company. Lepidico has also said “strategic caesium and rubidium high value products” plus bulk by-products collectively give aggregate production on a total lithium-equivalent basis of more than 7000tpa. Total pre-production capital has been put at US$139 million. Talks with potential backers, offtakers and relevant authourities are in train.
Lepidico Ltd is an ASX-listed Company focused on exploration, development and production of lithium chemicals. Lepidico owns the technology to a metallurgical process that has successfully produced lithium carbonate from non-conventional sources, specifically lithiumrich mica minerals including lepidolite and zinnwaldite. The L-Max® Process has the potential to complement the lithium market by adding low-cost lithium carbonate supply from alternative sources. More recently Lepidico has added LOH-Max® to its technology base, which produces lithium hydroxide from lithium sulphate without by-product sodium sulphate. The Company has completed a Definitive Feasibility Study for a nominal 5,000 tonne per annum Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) capacity Phase 1 lithium chemical plant, targeting commercial production for 2023. The Project incorporates the Company’s proprietary LMax® and LOH-Max® technologies into the chemical conversion plant design. Feed to the Phase 1 Plant is planned to be sourced from the Karibib Project in Namibia, 80% owned by Lepidico where a predominantly Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 11.24 Mt grading 0.43% Li2O, (including Measured Resources of 2.20 Mt @ 0.57% Li2O, Indicated Resources of 6.66 Mt @ 0.38% Li2O and Inferred Resources of 2.37 Mt @ 0.43%, at a 0.15% Li2O cutoff) is estimated. (ASX announcement of 30 January 2020). Ore Reserves total 6.72 Mt @ 0.46% Li2O, 2.26% rubidium, 2.02% potassium and 320ppm caesium (ASX announcement of 28 May 2020).
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION AT: Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) is a white hygroscopic crystalline material. Image credit: www.kraftchemical.com
https://batteryindustry.tech/lepidico-firms-up-namibia-lithiumresources/
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
15
RENEWABLE ENERGY 2-5 GW Mega Solar Initiative now a go! AUTHOR: David Jarrett Managing Consultant at RDJ Consulting
U.S. Ambassador Craig Cloud and Botswana Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology, and Energy Security, Mr. Lefoko Moagi
T
The photos commemorate Namibia and Botswana’s signing of a memorandum of intent to develop the gigantic Mega Solar project.
It is well understood that southern Africa has some of the best solar irradiation levels in the world. Coupled with modern technology and the need for more sustainable energy, the Mega Solar Initiative is timely. The Mega Solar is a partnership between Power Africa and the Governments of the Republic of Botswana and Namibia, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and the African Development Bank to support the development of Southern Africa’s largest solar-generation project, which is estimated to result in 2–5 gigawatts of solar power. A memorandum of intent was signed between all partners in April 2021. The signing of the memorandum follows a recent climate summit called by President Joe Biden to catalyze global ambition to address the climate crisis. The Summit convened world leaders to galvanize efforts to keep the vital goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. The Biden-Harris Administration selected the Mega Solar Project as a favourite at the Summit. Mega Solar’s initial goal is to provide additional power from solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal
from solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal technologies to meet local demand, an ultimate benefit of the collaborative efforts of the Mega Solar partners in strengthening the institutional and technical capacity as well as legal and regulatory frameworks of the focal countries. This solar project has the potential to bring renewable energy to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. The Mega Solar project could transform Botswana and Namibia from a net importer and consumer of fossil fuels to a significant producer and exporter of renewable energy, while also reducing Namibia and Botswana’s carbon footprint. U.S. Ambassador Craig Cloud said. “We are excited to be working with Botswana and Namibia to expand renewable energy production and enhance energy security, while addressing climate concerns”. “When fully realized, the Mega Solar Project could be one of the largest solar parks in the world, generating between 3 000 and 5 000 megawatts of energy,” Lisa Johnson, the Ambassador of the United States in Namibia said.
READINGS: https://powerafrica.medium.com/major-milestone-agreementreached-for-mega-solar-in-southern-africa-b9b419429944 https://bw.usembassy.gov/biden-administration-announcesbotswana-namibia-mega-solar-project/ https://yourbotswana.com/2021/04/29/us-signs-pact-for-up-to-5gw-solar-project-in-botswana-namibia/
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
16
MAY, 2021
The Climate Tipping Point we Want AUTHOR: Gernot Wagner
Credit: justenergy.com
T
he green transition comes with costs; but they are well worth it, and they pale in comparison to the costs of inaction. The ever-falling costs of renewa-
-bles have not eliminated the politics of climate change. But they certainly have made our choices much easier. NEW YORK – Like most worthwhile pursuits, reducing carbon pollution comes with costs. If it didn’t, climate change wouldn’t be a problem in the first place – at least not from a narrow economic perspective. But climate change, and what it demands of us, is also a deeply political issue. Now that the direct economic costs of climate action have declined, the debate is shifting to the political and social difficulties of moving away from fossil fuels and toward a low-carbon, high-efficiency world. On the matter of economic costs, climate action is becoming more affordable across the board. The costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have plummeted by over
85% in under a decade, and by well over 99% since the first panels found their way onto people’s roofs in the early 1980s. As a result, global solar PV generation has increased rapidly, with projections pointing to a further quadrupling by the end of this decade. Solar is the fastest-growing source of electricity generation; and wind generation is not far behind. But there still is a long way to go. Worldwide, coal remains king for total electricity generation, as does oil for total energy use (which includes driving, flying, and shipping). This, in a nutshell, is the climate challenge: the costs of renewables are reaching new lows, but older, dirtier forms of energy are still in use, and in demand, everywhere. The eventual outcome is clear, and so are the trends: the green transition will happen. The only question is whether it will proceed quickly enough to contain the risks of climate inaction.
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
It is clear that looking only at the costs of reducing carbon pollution is not enough; they must be compared to the costs of unmitigated climate change. Moreover, neither cost is, nor ever will be, distributed equally. Coal miners and manufacturers of internal combustion engines will necessarily bear more of the costs of climate action, whereas poor and vulnerable communities will bear the brunt of climate inaction. Overall, though, there is no comparison: the costs of inaction far outweigh the costs of cutting carbon-dioxide emissions. To see why, it helps to think in terms of the “social cost of carbon,” which captures the lifetime cost of each ton of CO2 emitted today to the economy, the environment, and society. Calculating this figure is not simple, which is why it has been described as the “holy grail” of climate economics – the one number that captures the big picture. Two key factors in the calculation are an estimate of the actual climate damage caused by each ton of CO2, and a conversion of this estimate into present dollars using a discount rate. Highly conservative estimates of the current social cost of carbon put it at around $50 per ton. I say “highly conservative” because this figure comes from a US government interagency working group using methods that were largely devised over a decade ago. Climate economics has advanced considerably since then, such that re-calculating the number would almost certainly produce a price well over $100 per ton. This implies that for a country like Hungary – which emits around 50 million tons of CO2 per year – the damage caused by keeping emissions at their current level amounts to well over $5 billion per year, some one-sixth of the budget in 2019. Though there are large uncertainties about estimates of the social cost of carbon, the true costs are all but certainly higher than current estimates, implying that we need even more ambitious climate policies. At the same time, the uncertainties about the cost of cutting carbon pollution point in the opposite direction. Energy modelers perennially overestimate the costs of renewables like solar PV, and thus underestimate their rate of deployment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
17
The reason is that there is a crucial distinction between fossil fuels and renewables. While oil, coal, and gas are commodities with fluctuating market prices, solar, wind, and batteries are technologies whose prices can only decrease over time. Yes, solar panels and batteries, in particular, rely on scarce metal inputs that carry political risks of their own; but these scarcities will become only more manageable as a result of technological improvements. Public policy will play a central role in these dynamics, because it affects both the demand and supply sides of low- and zero-carbon technologies, offering both carrots and sticks, domestically and internationally. Those who act early could reap massive rewards. For good reason, the green transition is viewed as a matter not just of energy but of geopolitics. We are undergoing a historic shift from petrostates to “electrostates.” That is why China has eagerly supported the rapid expansion of its renewables industries, particularly the manufacture of solar PV panels, batteries, and wind turbines. While this state sponsorship comes with costs of its own, China’s industrial policies have undeniably enabled it to achieve global dominance over some of the key technologies of the future. The country now produces more than 70% of all solar PV panels, around 70% of lithium-ion batteries, and almost half of all wind turbines. The European Union, meanwhile, has been more focused on demand-side measures, both by pricing and regulating CO2 and other greenhouse gases, and by subsidizing the deployment of low-carbon alternatives. These two approaches are intimately linked, with subsidies often leading to more ambitious pricing policies down the road. The green transition comes with costs; but they are well worth it, and they pale in comparison to the costs of inaction. The ever-falling costs of renewables have not eliminated the politics of climate change. But they certainly have made our choices much easier.
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION AT: https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/climate-actionincreasingly-cheaper-than-inaction-by-gernot-wagner-2021-05
GERNOT WAGNER Writing for Project Syndicate since 2016 Gernot Wagner is an associate professor at New York University, coauthor of Climate Shock, and author of But Will the Planet Notice?
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
18
MAY, 2021
THE ENVIRONMENT Recognizing Sustainability Contributors
B
efore the currently disturbing pandemic, it is necessary to recognise and encourage those putting efforts into still making significant contrib-utions towards a sustainable future. The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) is doing just this through its third Sustainable Development Awards and will hold its crowning ceremony for the winners on 21 May 2021. Launched in 2015 by the Sustainable Development Advisory Council of Namibia and the EIF with the sole purpose of recognizing the importance of integrating sustainability into the core of business and industry as well as the daily lives of all Namibians, the first SDA took place in the same year and was followed by the second edition which happened in 2017, since the aim was to host it every two years. Due to some challenges, the third SDA did not hold in the following period (2019), therefore it is now being held in 2021 under the theme “Accelerating the green economy transformation as we recover from COVID-19” with the goal of recognizing institutions and individuals in all spheres that have integrated environmental, social, economic, and management aspects of sustainable development into their businesses and operations.
With a list of six categories listed on EIF YouTube channel, the 3rd SDA ceremony is made possible through esteemed sponsorship by Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agri Bank), First national Bank of Namibia (FNB), Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and BDO Namibia who will serve as the official auditors of the awards. The categories for nominees are listed below. Despite the country passing through these trying times, this initiative becomes the ray of hope that everyone in the industry needs to revived their strength and work towards a better future. The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is optimistic and asserts that “We remain cognizant about the challenges bestowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the devastating impact it has had on the Namibian economy but has simultaneously provided an opportunity for us to rethink the country’s approach to economic growth and socio-economic development."
Readings: https://www.eif.org.na https://sustainable-development-awards.eif.org.na/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJdvfsDfA3VUVVbQoBv6rCA/vi deos
SOURCE: sustainable-development-awards.eif.org.na/
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
1. PRIVATE SECTOR CHAMPIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
NAMIBIA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
The 9 broad categories for the third edition of the Sustainable Development Awards are as follows:
Environmentally friendly approaches to the management and use of energy, water and waste, and eco-certification schemes.
2. COMMUNITY LEVEL NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION INITIATIVES
3. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Demonstrate real inspiring examples of sustainable development solutions that work for people and the environment.
research achievements that are original and of significance to Namibia.
5. PIONEERING JOURNALISM 4. YOUTH ACTION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Youth leadership through community mobilisation, advocacy and/or educational initiatives to promote youth action for sustainable development in Namibia.
Celebrates the contribution made by journalists and media practitioners towards raising public awareness and educating the public on environmental issues.
6. WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT
Individual women and women’s groups that have shown leadership in community mobilisation, advocacy and/other initiatives to empower women for sustainable development.
7. SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS
Rewards schools that demonstrate sustainability in all spheres of the school environment - teaching, learning and management.
9. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 8. GREEN FINANCIAL SERVICES/INSTITUTION Rewards banks that offer both financial and technical assistance solutions that is tailor made for individuals and entities for affordable green technologies.
This is at the discretion of the MEFT to honour a leader who has used transformative leadership and innovation to efficiently heighten the performance of his or her organisation.
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
19
20
MAY, 2021
Africa Commits to Cut 32% of Emissions by 2030 AUTHOR: Rédaction Africanews
N
igerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday (21st of May 2021) confirmed his nation's commitments to the Paris Agreement at the U.S.led climate summit. Speaking virtually to the White House from Abuja, Buhari said since 2016, Nigeria had undertaken "major environmentally sound and climate friendly programs." He said institutional frameworks have been made to cut emissions by 2030. "Beyond ending gas flaring by 2030, the oil and gas sector has undertaken steps for diversification, risk management systems, insurance (indistinct) research and development and energy crisis planning", Buhari said. Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta laid out the African nation's targets for clean energy and reducing carbon emissions at the U.S.-led climate summit. "In our journey to the 2050 target, Kenya intends to complete its transition to renewable energy. And clean energy already accounts for about 90% of total electricity supply in Kenya, and we intend to increase this to 100% by the year 2030", he said.
South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa used his address to urge developed nations to assist developing nations to meet climate targets. He said poorer countries who typically contribute less global emissions, they «often suffer the most from the devastating effects of climate change". ''We call on developed economies which historically bear the greatest responsibility for emission to meet their responsibilities to developing economies. This will be vital to restoring the bonds of trust between developed and developing economies", said Ramaphosa. Africa has committed to cut 32% of emissions by 2030. The continent is currently developing a strategy for greenhouse gas emissions to be presented to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change before COP 26 in November, Kenyatta added.
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION AT: https://www.africanews.com/2021/04/23/africa-commits-to-cut-32-ofemissions-by-2030/
SOURCE: www.rstreet.org
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
21
Plastic Recycling may not be the Only Solution AUTHOR: Monique Jarrett Environmentalist @ RDJ Consulting
T
he use of plastics has replaced the use of many other materials such as glass, wood, and ceramics over the past 50 years. The increased production and consumerism of plastics, coupled with our lack of effective collection and recycling of plastic waste such as disposed single-use plastic bags, straws and plastic bottles are now polluting many of our ecosystems. Since 1950 to 2018, about 6.3 billion tonnes of plastics have been produced worldwide, 9% of which has been successfully recycled and 12% incinerated. Annually 380 million metric ton is produced globally of which only 20% is recycled. Poor waste management across many countries has led to major ocean pollution. 3% of the globe’s annual waste ends up in the ocean. Plastics are entering our terrestrial water bodies and pose a threat to our drinking water supplies, while the abundant plastic pollution in our oceans are being consumed by marine life leading to bioaccumulation in these organisms threatening our food chains and leading to the death of marine life. Of all the waste generated in Africa it is estimated that 70–80% of the waste is recyclable, yet only 4% of MSW is currently recycled. Simple daily activities that we do not even think twice about are also contributing to the problem such as the increased abundance of micro fibres from our clothes released during our weekly laundry routines and the microbeads found in our daily cosmetic products are also being found amongst marine litter and microplastics being lodged in marine life intestines and act as a vessel for other biotoxins to be consumed. But the real question is, is the problem with the presence and continued production of these products or rather the waste management of these products once disposed of? There is a great push to collect and recycle plastics already in circulation, however many of these materials cannot be recycled. Items and materials such as singleuse plastics bags, nappies, take away coffee cups, Polystyrene (foam), bubble wrap and medical waste cannot be recycled. So even with our best efforts to recycle and reduce the plastic waste filling up landfills or polluting our lands, rivers, and oceans our efforts would prove futile. We also cannot rely on recycling alone as most plastics can only be recycled once or twice. None the less effective collection and management of plastic waste is still important and better uses for plastic waste
needs to be found. In many countries where they are not able to recycle the plastics themselves, they often export collected plastics to other countries to be recycled. There are various innovative solutions and initiatives to reuse these plastic waste items to create new products that can be reused over and over again. Fashion fishing nets used for dresses, melting plastic products, combining additives, and then using the mixture to pave roadways, eco-bricks: reusable building blocks for a number of purposes like building tables, beds, stages or even walls. In South Africa even a school was built from Eco-bricks. Recycled plastics are being used to create shelters for refugees and homeless people etc. However there needs to an overall change in behaviour of people with regards to the appropriate disposal of plastic waste and preventative measures need to be put in place to prevent polluting and littering. There needs to be a greater incentive for consumers to buy sustainable products made out or recyclable or biodegradable products and also a reduction in price for these products. While a heavier price should be placed on the continued use of single use non-recyclable products through heavy taxes or increased prices under the push for ‘polluters pay’. Big producer and consumer companies of plastics should be held responsible for coming up with effective management of the disposal and waste produced by their products that are harmful to the environment. Recyclable plastics should be used more over non-recyclable plastics, or an alternative type of material should be used, preferably products and materials that last longer and reusable. The ultimate change needed to tackle the global plastic pollution lies with the polluter and social awareness and behaviour and willingness to power will always lie the consumer.
Readings: https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijtra/international-journal-oftoxicology-and-risk-assessment-ijtra-5-021.php?jid=ijtra https://ourworldindata.org/plasticpollution#:~:text=The%20world %20now%20produces%20more,our%20natural%20environment%2 0and%20oceans. https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/30975/Afr ica_WMO_Poster.pdf https://www.17goalsmagazin.de/en/9-innovations-to-up-cycleplastic-waste/
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
22
MAY, 2021
Why Buildings are the Foundation of an Energy Efficient Future AUTHOR: Jean-Pascal Tricoire Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric
Buildings have a huge role to play in our sustainable future - but we need to rethink our approach: Image by Shujon Moral / Pixabay
C
OVID-19 and climate-related events have taken a big toll on the world this year. But all shocks, while painful, are also opportunities – to review past policies, to think more holistically, to do things more efficiently, and to build buffers for future challenges. It is clear that we can and must become greener and more efficient. To do so, companies, policy-makers, investors and others need to take a fresh approach – one in which the wider systemic value of investments and policy decisions, rather than narrow financial considerations, is central; and where the digital tools and innovations that can accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon future are incentivized and put to full use. That is why Schneider Electric, together with the World Economic Forum’s Electricity Industry community of CEOs and supported by Accenture, have created a new system value framework. This framework more holistically evaluates the effect of policies and investments on the economy, society, the environment and the energy system. It aims to guide policy-makers, business leaders and the energy community’s stakeholders to thoroughly evaluate the outcomes of their investments.
WHY AIM FOR ZERO-CARBON BUILDINGS? Buildings are a critical piece of our transition to a lowercarbon future. They are where we live, where we rest, and where we work – and they are responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption and about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe alone, more than 220 million existing buildings – or 75% of the building stock – are energy-inefficient, with many relying on fossil fuels for heating and cooling. European analysis from our System Value initiative shows that a 20% shift in heating towards heat pump applications running on clean electricity would reduce CO2 emissions by 9%. Coupled with smart solutions, it could save €3 billion in human health benefits from decreased air pollution between now and 2030. Bear in mind that any building constructed today will be around for the next 50 years or more – so ensuring that new buildings are green, and that existing buildings are decarbonized, is key to our efforts to combat climate change. There are two main ways to achieve this. The traditional
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
way is to improve insulation to reduce the amount of heating (or cooling) loss. Think double glazing and roof insulation. The more innovative, more efficient and cheaper way is to equip buildings with the digital tools that allow them to automatically adjust heating, lighting and other systems to the number of people present at any given time, using real-time data analysis. Such “autonomous buildings” are ultra-efficient, fully electric, perhaps using solar panels to supply power, and can be managed remotely.
23
-ation programmes factor in more fully the role that digital technologies can play in making building stock cleaner and smarter. And to help cities, for instance, decide where best to focus efforts, they need to better measure the condition of their building stock – via macroindicators that help assess the best set of technologies and incentives to be deployed. TICKING MANY BOXES: THE WIDER BENEFITS OF MAKING BUILDINGS GREEN For a sense of what’s already possible, take a look at Deloitte’s The Edge building in Amsterdam, one of the most sustainable office buildings in the world. Constructed in partnership with Schneider Electric, it is equipped with solar panels and thermal energy storage, generates all the energy required for its own heating and cooling, and has a BREEAM-NL rating of 98.36%. Deloitte was able to improve the health, comfort and productivity of its employees, going as far as allowing them to use an application on their smartphones to control the lighting and climate in their individual workspaces. This takes us to the wider benefits of investing in greener buildings. These range from improved working conditions to enhanced job opportunities for the 10% of the global workforce that is employed in the building sector. The EU, for one, estimates that by 2030 an additional 160,000 green jobs could be created in the EU construction sector through a €90 billion-a-year Renovation Wave.
THE POWER OF DIGITAL The energy and carbon emissions reduction potential of such “active” solutions is still widely underestimated, and tops that of “passive” insulation. The cost of investment is generally recouped much faster – in less than five years with digital technologies, compared to more than 15 years for “passive” energy-efficiency solutions. Similarly, with the same budget, digital technologies can renovate 10 times the space of traditional technologies. So it is important that public initiatives to promote renov-
Buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy consumption and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions.
The world can and must become more efficient, digital and green – and taking a wider system value approach will help get us there. Decarbonizing our existing and future building stock through deploying digital technologies more fully is no exception; it makes not just financial sense, but environmental, health, reputational and labour-market sense too. Time for companies, real estate developers, regulators and policy-makers to apply that wider lens in their decision making. Future generations will thank them for it.
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION AT: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/02/why-the-buildings-of-thefuture-are-key-to-an-efficient-energy-ecosystem/
Ensuring new buildings are sustainable and energy-efficient will be key to our efforts to tackle climate change.
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
Green buildings can also benefit employees, bottom lines and investors. Here's how.
MAY, 2021
26
ICT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS Namibia's ICT Policy is Underway
W
hile motivating the Ministry’s budget during the National Assembly, the Minister Information and Communication Technology has announced that the consolidation of a singular uniform National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy is on the cards. A National ICT Policy is a formal statement of the rules and guidelines which must be adhered to by people utilising and managing the ICT facilities. Several developing countries have not yet established defined National ICT policies, this is true for Namibia as well. Despite several high-profile data security incidents in Namibia, no particular policies, frameworks or strategies deal directly with cybercrime, cybersecurity, or data privacy. Namibia stands to benefit from strong ICT and data privacy policies as ICT is the backbone of business activity, productivity, trade and social development. For a developing country like Namibia and other African countries, effective implementation of ICT policies is a precondition to the emergence of a strong market economy. The growth of industries and enhancement of social activities is dependent not only on adequate skilled labour but also effective implementation of ICT policies.
Readings: https://neweralive.na/posts/national-ict-policy-on-the-cards https://www.africanews.com/2019/06/10/africa-needs-effectiveinformation-and-communication-technologies-ict-policiesstrategies-to-enhance-competitiveness-says-economiccommission-for-africa-s-eca-chinganya//
First Capital Bank Launches Chatbot
Zimbabwe
T
he Zimbabwean financial services provider First Capital Bank has announced the launch of Alisa, a mobile banking chatbot. The chatbot interacts with users via the messaging app, WhatsApp. A chatbot is a computer program that's designed to simulate human conversation. Users communicate with these tools using a chat interface or via voice, just like they would converse with another person. First Capital Bank assures users that the service is secure as it employs end-to-end encryption, identification, and verification processes prior to the completion of any personal banking transactions or information sharing. The innovation has allowed First Capital Bank to improve their competitive edge and increased productivity, as the chatbot services puts the financial provider in line with the predominant global digital banking standards. As African countries push ever forward for better network coverage across the continent, access to the internet means being able to save, invest and borrow money, getting an education, having access to basic healthcare, and being able to trade with bigger markets; are all fundamental to socioeconomic advancement. That has been a powerful force fueling economic growth over the past century across Europe, North America and Asia.
Readings: https://allafrica.com/stories/202104120693.html https://www.newzimbabwe.com/first-capital-bank-launcheswhatsapp-banking-chatbot/
Credit: dailystarng.com
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
26
MAY, 2021
YOUTH IN ACTION Interview with Mr. Lebbeus Hashikutuva Interviewed by Ms. Kina Indongo (Communications Contributor - RDJ Consulting)
T
his month we had the pleasure of speaking to the vibrant and candid voice of Social change Mr. Lebbeus Hashikutuva.
Personal Journey Mr. Hashikutuva is currently pursuing an Accounting (Honors) degree at the University of Namibia. He is also a consulting brand architect, social media manager and copywriter, formerly engaged with brands in various sectors, including the One Economy Foundation, the National Youth Council and the Namibian National Students Organisation (NANSO). True to his nature he also handles smaller clients, and, as a labor of love produces copy and other content for #ShutItAllDown and #MeTooNamibia. Finally, Mr, Hashikutuva had also practiced as a trust account bookkeeper at a law firm in Windhoek.
Activism Mr. Hashikutuva’s journey into activism was inspired by an impactful and selfless act. In 2017 while in his first year of pursuing his Accounting (CA) qualification at UNAM, he had been approached by a friend still in secondary school for tutorial lessons in accounting. The year after that, he continued with the provision of these free tutorials at Academia Secondary School, seeing major improvements in the pass rate, as well as quality of symbols. “I may not have known it then but I had offered those tutorials as a way to reduce the inequality I clearly saw when I was in school.” www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
Said Mr. Hashikutuva. Additionally, his earnest efforts and tutorials led him to the Office of the First Lady where, among others, he worked closely with the #MeTooNamibia and the #BeFree Dialogues.
Challenges There is no meaningful engagement that does not come with its share of challenges. Mr. Hashikutuva says the easiest challenge to identify is resistance. “ Being an activist means that you have identified that there is inequality, that the power dynamics are skewed and need to be addressed urgently. Everything you do is, therefore a confrontation of power and a demand for a shift in power dynamics. Not everyone is going to be happy: Asking that we make the world more equal means that someone must give up power that they presently have and enjoy.” The second and, perhaps, the hardest to maneuver is balance. Mr. Hashikutuva says Balance in financial security, in mental wellbeing, in learning and unlearning, in forming and maintaining friendships has been a real challenge. “Sometimes you will be lonely, other times you will not have a single penny to your name, other times you're going through depressive episodes and, most times, you're stuck between "do I know enough" and "this is too much information" he Said.
Advice For Other Youth On what role other youths can take to be an active force of change, Mr. Hashikutuva says, the most important way to take action is to learn. To read, understand and learn the ways in which power corrodes,
and the ways in which we can confront it to build a better, and more prosperous world for everyone. That's important. The world has a better chance at changing when we all learn and unlearn our biases, and when we all address inequality from a common baseline of facts and assumptions. The second is to get involved. Knowing is not enough. Get involved. Join a protest. Sign a petition. Speak out against violence. Share the work and content of activists and civil society organisations. Amplify the messages, and support the causes, in whatever way you can. The third, and most personal, is to take personal responsibility in building a better community. When you see someone being catcalled, what do you do? Do you laugh along? When your friend speaks ill of a minority group, what do you do? Call out bias? Call out violent speech? Safely intervene when you see violence. On whether or not Namibia has enough investments in youth and women Mr. Hashikutuva laments the disheartening state of youth investment in Namibia. “It is heartbreaking when I go into social spaces, and young, visionary creators and entrepreneurs tell me about their endeavours, their products, and their ideas. It's heartbreaking because most of them have innovative ideas and products, and, yet, many of these ideas and products are buried by inaccessibility to finance and markets. That's a problem.” he lamented. He goes on to add that “We have to arrive — as a nation — to a point where we realise that young people and women will not experience meaningful change in their economic
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
27
statuses if we do not deliberately finance and mentor them. We have to make financing accessible. We have to make markets and shelves accessible. And most importantly, we have to support young and women entrepreneurs. The world can only be changed when we all agree that it must change, and that such change will make it more equitable for everyone.” he emphasized.
Accomplishments & Goals Mr. Hashikutuva says his experience in an unequal society that disregards gender and sexual diversity is his biggest motivator. He says he learned that if he did not speak up about the violence he had experienced he would always be a victim to it. His biggest personal accomplishment was helping the Accounting higher level students between 2017 and 2019 achieve better results.
Other involvements Mr. Hashikutuva is presently the Board chairperson of the African Pathfinder Leaders Initiative (APLI), as well as a self-published author of his debut piece of literary work, ‘breakingfree — a collection of essays, poems and images that address sexual and gendered violence, homophobia and xenophobia.’
Conclusion In conclusion Mr. Hashikutuva advises other youths to “Never stop learning and unlearning. You will mess up. You will say something that seems hypocritical. We all do. Everyone does. Activism is a neverending exploration and confrontation of how power relates, manifests and corrodes.”
28
MAY, 2021
TENDERS
CAREERS
NAMPOWER
UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA
Description: Design, supply, delivery, installation, spicing, testing and commissioning of optic Fibre networks between Gnus Substation and Otjiwarongo Substation. Bid Closing Date: 11 June 2021
Description: Bidders are hereby invited to submit their bids for an Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) for the University of Namibia. Bid Closing Date: 10 June 2021
NAMPORT
CENORED
Description: Bids are hereby invited for the supply and delivery 1 (one) 41 ton single lift container spreader for the Port of Lüderitz. Please confirm the closing time as it was not published. Bid Closing Date: 15 June 2021
Description: Expressions of Interest and pre-qualifications are hereby invited for the procurement of alternative energy. Delivery address: The Chairperson - Cenored Procurement Committee (PC), PO Box 560, 30 Dr. Frans Indongo Street, Otjiwarongo.. Bid Closing Date: 3 June 2021
ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT FUND
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND MARINE RESOURCES Position: Senior Biologist grade 6 Closing Date: 11 June 2021 Reference: PSM Document (Government vacancies) TRUSTCO NAMIBIA Position: Head Mining operations and development Closing Date: 24 May 2021 Reference: nieis.namibiaatwork.gov.na KAVANGO REGIONAL COUNCIL Position: Engineer Closing Date: 10 may 2021 Reference: PSM Document (Government vacancies) MINISTRY OF WORKS AND TRANSPORT
Description:The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia hereby invite bids from suitable qualified and competent entities for the following: Supply and installation of irrigation system at Saili Plot. Bid closing date: 25 May 2021
Position: Senior Administrative Officer Closing Date: 11 June 2021 Reference: PSM Document (Government vacancies) ZAMBEZI REGIONAL COUNCIL Position: Chief Development Planner Grade 6 Closing Date: 11 June 2021 Reference: PSM Document (Government vacancies)
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
MAY, 2021
CONRIBUTING AUTHORS
David Jarrett (Managing Consultant) RDJ Consulting Services CC Chilombo Olga Priscila (Operations Manager / Economist) RDJ Consulting Services CC Misozi Mugala (Research Contributor) RDJ Consulting Services CC Kina Indongo (Communications Contribiutor) RDJ Consulting Services CC Monique Jarrett (Environmental Biology intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC
www.rdjconsulting.co.za
29
DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED EXPOSURE? EMAIL: advertising@rdjconsulting.co.za
TEL: +264 61 400 171