Tsitsi Musasike Co-Authors Op-Ed on China’s Role in African Coal Plant Phase-Down
In a significant contribution to the discourse on sustainable energy transition, Tsitsi Musasike, Professor of the Practice of Global Development Policy at Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, alongside Kevin P. Gallagher, Professor of Global Development and Director of the Global Development Policy Center, and others, recently co-authored a comprehensive report from the Boston University Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center) titled “Early Phase-Down of Coal Plants: The Role of Development Finance Institutions.” This report examines the critical role of development finance institutions (DFIs) in facilitating the early phase-down of coal plants, emphasizing the need for scalable strategies and policy frameworks to ensure an orderly transition towards low-carbon energy sources.
The report synthesizes insights from a workshop convened by the GDP Center in November 2023. Through rigorous analysis and discussion, it highlights the diverse forms that early phase-down of coal plants can take and emphasizes the unique position of DFIs in fostering an enabling environment for coal plant decarbonization.
Additionally, in collaboration with Niccolò Manych, a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at Pardee’s Global Development Policy Center, Tsitsi Musasike co-authored an op-ed published in the China-Global South Project related to this report. Titled “China’s Potential as a Reliable Partner for Coal Plant Phase-Down in Africa,” the op-ed explores the critical role that China could play in supporting African countries in transitioning away from coal power toward renewable energy sources. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s evolving role in green energy investments on the African continent, shedding light on the opportunities presented by China’s green investment initiatives and its engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable energy goals.
With her extensive experience in cross-functional financial management and infrastructure financing, Professor Musasike brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing on over 20 years of expertise in both the private sector and development finance environments. Regarding the collaboration on the op-ed, Professor Musasike stated,
“This partnership reflects the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges of climate change and sustainable development in Africa.”
As African countries seek to accelerate their transition to clean energy and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, Professor Musasike’s op-ed serves as a timely contribution to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development and energy transition in Africa. By advocating for greater collaboration between China and African nations, the op-ed charts a path toward a greener and more sustainable future for the continent.
Tsitsi Musasike specializes in development finance and infrastructure projects, focusing on renewable energy in Africa. With 20+ years of experience, she’s involved in South-South cooperation, addressing climate change, and empowering women and youth. She mentors on project financing and financial inclusion. Read more about Professor Musahike on her Pardee School faculty profile.