Africa’s leaders know that transitioning to a low-carbon environment presents a unique set of challenges across the continent. Standard Bank’s Chief Executive of CIB, Kenny Fihla, has a deep understanding about what is required for a just transition. He spoke at length with Teresa Clarke of AFRICA.COM about the group’s commitment to climate transition in an African context. Highlights: Africa’s transition away from carbon-based growth will not be politically or socially sustainable unless it is perceived by Africans as fair, and unless it offers people pathways to better and more prosperous lives. Africa’s growing urban populations will require a reliable and sustainable energy supply to power industrial production, electrify more households and expand the use of transport, to drive socio-economic development. Watch the interview in its entirety for answers to the questions below: What are the key messages for Africa in terms of climate change? Why and how was the SBG revised climate change policy developed? What does it mean to get to “Net Zero” by 2050 in an African context? What are the unique opportunities and challenges on the continent in this regard? How were sectors prioritised for setting goals? What would you say to those who argue that, given the decreasing cost of renewable energy solutions, Africa has the perfect opportunity to leapfrog carbon-based fuel to renewable energy? How do you balance pulling back on financing projects that do not meet the green standards you have established, with your obligations to your shareholders to make as much money as possible? Where does Standard Bank sit among African banks in terms of its commitment to climate change? In what ways does Standard Bank live up to the challenge to lead in Africa Looking ahead to COP27, what should Africa expect to achieve coming out of that meeting?