Solar Freedom!......... (1)

I was just thinking the other day: What do money-people and government-people think about? If we have energy/electricity problem across Africa why not simply list the various terrains, the options/solutions and tackle the darned thing multi-dimensionally? Take the solar, take the wind, take the hydro, take the thermal and run around the globe for local and foreign operators - i.e. inventors, fabricators, manufacturers, researchers, financiers, investors, marketers, etc? Why not create industrial zones, commercial zones, security zones, services zones, and give them dedicated supply? What is rocket science about that?

In my native Nigeria, there are too many dams that could carry small turbines for rural and urban electric power. Guess what we did: we pretended they don't exist or can't do it! Now, at higher cost and decades after, we are returning to them for power-generation! No one is asking any soul-searching, pointed and conscience-laden questions! Of course not: dis na naija, biko.

Today is about the solar revolution sweeping the globe. Like everything else, Africa is sleeping! We have the unmatched comparative advantage but, no, we must wait for others to research, invent, manufacture and market solar energy for us! Just like anti-malarials, anti-retrovirials, fertilizers, furniture, toothpicks, tyres, cement, sugar, fish, beverages, fruits, livestock, medicines and textiles! And all them state funds and looted cash we stash in foreign banks are traditionally and routinely recycled by those countries as foreign loans to us! We be Africans, jare!

So I ask again: What are the business people and power-holders (power-mongers?) of Africa, especially Nigeria, thinking? Why is the African Sun not giving Solar Freedom to Mother Africa? What are our foreign currency reserves doing abroad? And Oh Ye Looters, why stash our kudi in foreign lands when it can profit your fatherland? Are we exceedingly proud to be dis African?

Solar power/energy is huge profitable business with limitless potentials; why are we its enemy?
Take all villages and urban homes off the national grid with solar generators/panels, and see how much surge you'll give to industrial and commercial operations! What is nuclear science in that? Why aren't we producing solar-anything in Nigeria, in Africa; instead, we are importing solar-everything? This is 2010, knocking on 2011, isn't it? Haba!

Research-AFRICA: R & D for ENERGY

I've watched German and Chinese TV channels overtime with awe and pain at once! The efforts, pains-takingness, costs and pride with which they pursue, promote and preserve their national development and heritage are simply astounding. I've read endlessly about Japan and South Korea: their leadership in cutting-edge technology without trashing their rich culture! I've also followed the resurgent pride with which old India is emerging as a sure-footed super-power. Oh, these folks just thrill me! Then Brazil: its industrial prowess and huge energy strides. Now, it is proudly a member of the celebrated, if dreaded, "BRIC" block (Brazil, Russia, India, China)! Wow.

Whither Africa? That is my question, and quest, each and every time. And it hurts and thrills at once! I know that a few countries can do same solo but we better do things jointly from now on: The African Team - The African Way!

With the combined human, natural and financial resources at their disposal, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Algeria and Libya should lead the way right away.

Day One is about Research and Development (R&D).

Day One is about our skilled souls, heads and hands both Home & Diaspora.

Day One starts with ENERGY in all its ramifications, especially RENEWABLE sources.

Kick-starting this intervention must naturally be SOLAR, HYDRO and WIND energy supply for both the continent and the world. I am thrilled by the vast expanse of deserts, mountains and waters within our territories as well as the rich untapped and under-utilised agro-spaces. Our ecology and geography are awe-inspiring, breath-taking and exotic! Why waste them?

See what the Libyan President did with channeling water from the Mediterranean (8th Wonder of the World, it was dubbed)! Come to Nigeria and see what a wonder the Tinapa Project of our Cross River State is: a tourism master-stroke by a youthful visionary governor!

Part of my concern is the plight of poorer African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. Many of them also have our links to the rather docile Commonwealth of Nations. If we act sensibly and courageously, we can pull these countries out of poverty, and up with us all. I am particularly worried about their energy bills - in the face of crippling oil/gas prices. How do they cope?!!

With the SIX listed African countries putting in a billion US dollars each, we can get the private sector to match the grant for this intervention: somewhere between 12 and 20 billion dollars will spin surprises in this project. And that's not an arm and a leg, is it?

Let's sign the cheques!