A dynamic coalition of artists from across Africa has launched a powerful new campaign—“All Power to the People – Pan-African Artists’ Pledge”—aimed at advancing climate justice and calling for a people-centered transition to renewable energy on the continent.
The campaign, supported by civil society organizations including Africans Rising, the Africa Just Transition Network, and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, seeks to harness the power of art to raise awareness and mobilize action. It is grounded in six key demands:
End new coal, oil, and gas exploration and expansion
Fairly phase out existing fossil fuel infrastructure
Fund a fair and fast transition to people-centered, renewable-powered systems
End energy poverty and achieve 100% clean energy access for all
Ensure climate reparations and ecological restoration for impacted communities
Advance justice and accountability in Africa’s energy transition
Launched amid a growing climate crisis disproportionately impacting African communities, the campaign encourages artists to use their voices, creativity, and platforms to challenge continued fossil fuel exploitation and to stand in solidarity with frontline communities across the continent.
“Africa is home to the world’s greatest renewable energy potential, yet over 80% of Sub-Saharan Africa remains unelectrified,” said Seble Samuel, Head of Africa Campaigns & Advocacy at the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. “For decades, fossil fuel extraction has stripped away our natural wealth, left environmental destruction in its wake, and failed to deliver energy to our people. It’s time to reclaim our power—literally and figuratively—through the arts.”
As part of the campaign, African artists are invited to submit original artwork via the website www.allpowertothepeople.art. Selected pieces will be showcased on the campaign’s digital platforms and at a public exhibition during Africa Climate Week and the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa this September. Featured artists will also be welcomed into the African Creative Action Network (ACAN)—a community of artists and activists using creative expression to advance social justice.
The campaign follows a landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirming states’ legal obligations to prevent environmental harm and cooperate on global climate action. Organizers see this as an opportune moment for citizens, particularly creatives, to demand accountability from governments and fossil fuel interests.
“Through this campaign, artists are building public momentum for climate reparations and a just transition,” said Marina Agortimevor, Coordinator of the Africa Just Transition Network. “People power is rising. We must challenge systems that exploit African resources and push for justice, dignity, and energy access.”
Ancel Langwa, Movement Building Lead at Africans Rising, emphasized the cultural power of collective expression. “Artists can amplify the voices of vulnerable communities. Their works honor the lived experiences of those most impacted by the climate crisis—and envision a future powered by sun and wind, rooted in African justice and resilience.”
The launch comes just weeks ahead of the Africa Climate Summit 2025, where over 45 African governments are expected to gather in Addis Ababa to chart the continent’s climate and development agenda.
The initiative advocates for a global framework to end new fossil fuel development, equitably phase out existing production, and ensure a just transition for workers and communities.
About “All Power to the People” Campaign
Inspired by the Black Power movement and rooted in artivism, this campaign unites African creatives to demand climate justice, an end to fossil fuel dependency, and a renewable energy revolution that puts people first.
