Daniel Featherston, Climate Change Counsellor, Australian High Commission, Nairobi
Accra, Ghana – In a significant push towards sustainable development, Australia is deepening its collaboration with Africa in the areas of clean energy and critical minerals. Speaking at a climate symposium held at Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Daniel Featherston, the keynote speaker, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Africa’s transition to renewable energy while ensuring responsible exploitation of its mineral resources.
The event, organized by the Australian High Commission in partnership with GCTU, brought together policymakers, energy experts, environmental advocates, and industry players to discuss the future of Africa-Australia cooperation in clean energy and mineral development. Ghana, with its rich mineral deposits and growing interest in renewable energy, stands to benefit immensely from strengthened ties with Australia.
Featherston emphasized that Australia recognizes Africa’s vast renewable energy potential and critical mineral reserves, which are essential for the global clean energy transition. “As the world shifts towards renewable energy, minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel – many of which are abundant in Africa – will be in high demand for batteries, electric vehicles, and solar technology,” he said. “Australia is eager to partner with African nations to ensure responsible, sustainable, and mutually beneficial extraction and utilization of these resources.”
With Australia already a global leader in mining and renewable energy technologies, Featherston highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, investment, and technological cooperation between the two regions. “Our experience in mining governance, environmental sustainability, and ethical sourcing can serve as a model for Africa as it navigates its path towards a green economy,” he noted.
Ghana, which has long relied on gold, bauxite, and manganese mining, is now exploring opportunities in lithium extraction – a mineral critical for the renewable energy sector. Australia’s expertise in lithium mining could be instrumental in helping Ghana develop its reserves responsibly while ensuring local communities benefit from the industry.
Beyond mining, Featherston also underscored Australia’s support for Africa’s renewable energy ambitions. He cited Australia’s investments in solar, wind, and green hydrogen as potential areas for collaboration. “Energy access is a major challenge across the continent, and we believe that by working together, we can accelerate Africa’s shift to clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources,” he said.
High Commissioner Berenice Owen-Jones in her remarks highlighted Australia’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s sustainability agenda. “Australia recognizes Ghana as a key partner in Africa’s clean energy transition. We are committed to sharing expertise, fostering investment, and ensuring access to critical resources that will power the future,” she stated.
Australia is a leader in renewable energy research, and Ghana is emerging as a hub for climate-resilient policies in West Africa. The symposium emphasized collaborative efforts in solar, wind, and green hydrogen technologies, as well as the responsible extraction and processing of critical minerals needed for clean energy systems.
Ghana recently appointed a Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, signaling its dedication to tackling environmental challenges. The symposium underscored how Ghana can leverage its natural resources, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships to accelerate its energy transition.
The symposium served as a platform for discussions on policy frameworks, investment opportunities, and skills development in clean energy and mineral resource management. Attendees acknowledged the importance of ensuring that Africa’s mineral wealth is harnessed in a way that aligns with global sustainability goals while prioritizing local economic benefits.
