Decarbonization as a neo-colonial policy in Africa? Rethinking development priorities in global climate governance

Global climate governance presents a fundamental paradox: while Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the continent suffers disproportionately from climate impacts, resulting in annual financial losses amounting to billions of dollars. Although existing scholarship has largely critiqued Western-influenced climate governance, understanding decarbonization as a neocolonial policy to moderate Africa’s development priorities remains underexplored. Employing a qualitative multi-method design and drawing on the thesis of climate colonialism, this study critically dissects the colonial erasures within Western-centric decarbonization policies and examines how global green transition mandates conflict with Africa’s developmental priorities. Findings reveal a disconnect between carbon market narratives and the rising emission levels of advanced economies. Despite this double standard, African states are made to comply with green transition mandates without adequate financial or technological support from major historical emitters. This article makes a case for a restructured climate justice system that respects Africa’s low historical carbon footprint, prioritizes its developmental needs while still contributing meaningfully to global climate goals.