Enhancing African research capacity for a Just transition through the lens of World Day of Social Justice, 2025.
Each year on February 20th, the world comes together to observe the World Day of Social Justice, a day aimed at raising awareness about social inequality, the importance of justice in every corner of the globe, and the ongoing fight for human rights.
This year’s theme, “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizes the critical need for transformation in the way we think about climate change, sustainability, and economic development.
Enhancing African Research Capacity for a Just Transition: World Day of Social Justice 2025
As African countries face increasing climate vulnerabilities, economic disparities, and environmental challenges, the need to fortify research capacities to support a just transition has never been more urgent.
The future of Africa’s sustainable development hinges on its ability to conduct and utilize innovative, context-specific research that directly addresses both social justice and environmental sustainability.
This article explores how enhancing African research capacity can play a key role in advancing a just transition for a sustainable future.
Understanding a Just Transition
A “just transition” refers to the process of transforming economies and societies to become more sustainable while ensuring that all people—especially the most marginalized—are treated fairly. It encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including equitable access to jobs, social services, and the opportunities created by green economies.
In essence, a just transition seeks to leave no one behind as countries work toward mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing environmental harm.
For Africa, this concept is especially important as the continent faces the twin challenges of poverty and climate vulnerability. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently warned that African nations are some of the most affected by the impacts of climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions.
This disproportionate burden calls for a transition that takes into account social justice issues, such as access to clean energy, affordable healthcare, quality education, and a resilient economy.
Africa’s Research Landscape: Current State and Challenges
Research capacity in Africa has made significant strides in recent years, with more institutions and universities focusing on issues of climate change, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
However, several challenges continue to impede the full potential of research on the continent. These include limited funding for scientific and social research, inadequate infrastructure, brain drain, and insufficient collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.
One of the critical barriers to a just transition is the need for more localized, context-specific research. While global models for sustainable development are useful, they often fail to take into account the unique challenges and opportunities in Africa.
The continent’s diverse ecosystems, socio-political contexts, and development stages mean that solutions that work elsewhere might not be directly applicable. For instance, Africa’s reliance on agriculture, natural resources, and fossil fuels for economic development requires specific solutions for transitioning toward green economies that prioritize local industries and jobs while protecting vulnerable communities.
To address these gaps, African countries must strengthen their research infrastructure, ensuring that institutions are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to produce high-quality, relevant research.
This will involve building networks of researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders who are invested in ensuring that research supports the broader goals of a just and sustainable transition.
The Role of Research in a Just Transition
Research plays a critical role in driving the just transition by producing the data, insights, and innovations necessary to guide sustainable policy decisions. To strengthen Africa’s capacity for a just transition, research needs to focus on several key areas:
- Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Africa is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. Research focused on local climate patterns, resilience-building strategies, and early warning systems can help communities better adapt to these changes. Additionally, understanding the links between climate change and social justice will enable more inclusive climate policies.
- Green Jobs and Economic Transformation: A just transition is not just about environmental protection; it’s also about creating new, sustainable employment opportunities. Research can help identify the sectors and industries with the potential to drive economic growth while reducing carbon emissions. This includes renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing. Understanding the socio-economic impacts of transitioning away from carbon-intensive industries will be essential for minimizing job losses and ensuring that workers can transition to new opportunities.
- Energy Access and Equity: Over 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity, which hinders economic development and exacerbates social inequalities. Research into affordable, renewable energy solutions that can be deployed at the local level will help provide access to clean energy, fostering both environmental sustainability and social equity.
- Policy and Governance: Governments play a central role in ensuring that the transition to a sustainable future is just. Research focused on strengthening governance frameworks, improving transparency, and developing fair policies that prioritize vulnerable populations will be essential for ensuring that the transition is inclusive.
Strengthening Africa’s Research Capacity: A Call to Action
To strengthen Africa’s research capacity for a just transition, concerted efforts are needed across several fronts. This includes increased investment in research and development (R&D), fostering academic partnerships and networks, and enhancing collaboration between African researchers and their global counterparts.
Additionally, governments and international organizations must prioritize funding for research that focuses on the intersection of sustainability and social justice.
It is also essential to create platforms for knowledge exchange where local communities, researchers, and policymakers can share experiences, challenges, and successes.
Empowering young African researchers and innovators, particularly women and those from marginalized communities, will ensure that the solutions generated are truly inclusive and reflective of diverse perspectives.
Conclusion
Africa stands at a crossroads in its development. As the continent grapples with climate change and the need for economic transformation, research can serve as a powerful tool to drive a just transition.
By enhancing research capacity across the continent, Africa can develop solutions that not only address the environmental challenges it faces, but also promote social equity and economic resilience.
On this World Day of Social Justice, let’s commit to strengthening Africa’s research capacity to build a more sustainable, just future for all.
