Q&A: Climate leaders with answers

Hassana Mbeirick is the CEO of Meen & Meen, which offers green economy consulting and services in Mauritania

Q.  Is the green economy taking off in the continent’s north-west? A: Energy transition in this region is very tough. Countries have poor infrastructure. Although international partners are helping, developers are more focused on how to generate profits. 

Q: In any particular sector? A: For instance in the case of green hydrogen. Africa has started to develop a supply chain that can bring sustainable development and create a platform for exports. Africa should leverage this neutral initial stage to accelerate the green transition.

Q: But there are challenges? A: It’s true that the region struggles with water scarcity. It’s a point of concern when developing hydrogen plants which rely on water for the electrolysis process. It needs addressing. 

Q: What’s being done? A: Currently, the world lacks large enough electrolysers. But Africa is on track researching how to combat water scarcity.