Negotiating Sustainable Development: African Perspectives on Global Governance and Just Transitions

How can African countries pursue sustainable development while navigating global inequalities, climate pressures, and shifting geopolitical realities? This question was at the heart of a roundtable hosted by the ARUA-GUILD Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE) on the Politics of Sustainable Development at Future Africa, University of Pretoria, on 28 April 2026.

Bringing together researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners from across the continent, the discussion explored how African voices can play a more prominent role in shaping global debates on sustainable development, climate governance, and just transitions. Throughout the day, participants emphasised that sustainable development cannot simply be imported through global frameworks but must be grounded in African priorities, institutions, and lived realities.

A recurring theme was the importance of ensuring that African knowledge and perspectives are recognised in international policy processes. Participants reflected on whose knowledge counts in sustainability debates, arguing that African scholars, communities, and local institutions must play a more central role in defining development pathways. Universities were seen as key spaces for generating locally relevant knowledge while also empowering younger generations to contribute more confidently to global conversations.

The discussion also highlighted the complex trade-offs surrounding energy transitions. While participants recognised the urgency of addressing climate change, many argued that the transition to cleaner energy must not come at the expense of energy access, industrialisation, or economic opportunity. Rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions, speakers stressed that countries should be able to determine their own energy pathways based on local contexts, resources, and development priorities.

Several contributors emphasised that a just transition is not only about changing energy sources but also about addressing inequality. Questions of land, access to finance, skills development, and community participation were identified as critical to ensuring that the benefits of the green transition are shared equitably. Participants also discussed the importance of preparing workers and young people for emerging green industries while strengthening the links between research, education, and employment.

Another important theme was the need to rethink existing models of development. Participants argued that many current approaches continue to reproduce unequal global relationships, particularly through externally driven policies, extractive investment models, and dependence on imported technologies. Instead, they called for stronger African ownership of development strategies, greater investment in domestic research and innovation, and partnerships that enable countries to retain greater control over their natural resources and technological futures.

Throughout the discussions, speakers repeatedly returned to the role of citizens and communities in shaping sustainable development. Drawing on evidence from across Africa, participants highlighted growing public awareness of climate change alongside strong support for government action, while also recognising that communities require practical support and affordable alternatives if they are to participate fully in climate action.

Rather than framing Africa solely as a region vulnerable to global crises, the roundtable highlighted the continent’s growing capacity to shape international debates and develop context-specific solutions. The discussions underscored that achieving sustainable development will require stronger institutions, locally grounded knowledge, and meaningful participation by African scholars, policymakers, and citizens in shaping the continent’s future.