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Artists across the African continent are set to join forces in a visionary new campaign, “All Power to the People – Pan-African Artists’ Pledge,” using the power of art to demand climate justice for African communities. Backed by allied civil society organizations, among them Africans Rising, the Africa Just Transition Network, and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. Nairobi, 30 July 2025.
The collaborative campaign is grounded in six collective demands, namely:
- End new coal, oil, and gas exploration and expansion
- Fairly phase out existing fossil fuel infrastructure
- Fund a fair and fast transition to a people-centered, renewable-powered future grounded in justice
- End energy poverty and deliver 100% clean, renewable energy access for all
- Climate reparations and ecological remediation for all communities and ecosystems pillaged by fossil fuel extraction
The campaign is being launched against the background of a worsening climate crisis, attributable to continued fossil fuel expansion by developed nations. The expansion of coal, oil, and gas has not only failed to enrich and power the African continent, but has also fuelled violent conflicts, militarised territories, destroyed ecosystems, while exacerbating debt crises, human rights violations, underdevelopment, energy poverty, disease, and injustice.
In light of these consequences, unjustly and disproportionately suffered by African communities, the campaign urges more artists to join the pledge and utilise their voices, creativity, and talents in solidarity with frontline communities.
African artists are called upon to make submissions of their original works and join the pledge on the website https://www.allpowertothepeople.art/. Selected artwork will be featured on the All Power to the People social media platform and have the opportunity to be publicly displayed at an exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during Africa Climate Week and Summit in September. Chosen artists will be invited to join the African Creative Action Network(ACAN), a vibrant and diverse network of artists, activists, and supporters committed to using the arts for social justice and community development.
The campaign comes just days after the historic International Court of Justice ruling affirming the legal obligations of States to prevent environmental harm, safeguard the rights and well-being of human beings, and cooperate internationally on climate action. The ruling laid the foundation for greater climate accountability, paving the way for restorative climate action and reparations.
Seble Samuel, Head of Africa Campaigns & Advocacy, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said,
“Our continent is locked into an energy hypocrisy. Africa is home to the world’s largest renewable energy potential, and yet, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to over 80% of the world’s unelectrified population. This bleak energy poverty exposes how much the fossil fuel industry has failed our continent by design, shipping wealth and energy out of our continent over decades while leaving pillaged ecosystems in its wake.
To break free from this fossil-fuelled entrapment, the power, sounds, visuals, and rhythm of the arts are indispensable. We need to reimagine our continent, with an end to the toxic legacies of the fossil fuel industry that have treated our communities and territories as sacrifice zones, and a new dawn of universal energy access with abundant renewable energy in the hands of the people.”
Marina Agortimevor, Coordinator, Africa Just Transition Network, said,
“As legal pressure mounts on States following the recent ICJ ruling, people power is also building. Through this campaign, artists are generating public momentum for climate action and reparations for our communities. We need all players on board to challenge the continued exploitation of Africa’s resources and people by fossil fuel interests and demand justice, energy access, and dignity for African people.”
Ancel Langwa, Movement Building and Support Lead Officer, Africans Rising, said,
“Artists’ collective expression can powerfully amplify the voices of vulnerable communities and ensure that those bearing the greatest burdens of the climate crisis are no longer ignored. This is why artists are rising to honor the lived experiences, hope, and resilience of frontline communities. We envision a safe, liveable future for our people, powered by sun and wind, rooted in justice and dignity.
This future, which artists imagine and embody in their art, is within reach. What is needed is greater political will from governments to address the climate crisis and bold, transformative efforts such as the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
The launch of the campaign comes only a few weeks ahead of the second edition of the Africa Climate Summit, which will bring together over 45 governments in Addis Ababa to discuss the continent’s climate action agenda and sustainable development priorities.
Why do we need a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation treaty?
After decades of climate negotiations, fossil fuels have finally been dragged centre stage. Despite this, many governments are still approving new coal, oil, and gas projects, threatening our chances of limiting warming to 1.5ºC.
It’s crystal clear: we now need a concrete, binding plan to end the expansion of new coal, oil, and gas projects and manage a global transition away from fossil fuels.
To protect people from the threat fossil fuels pose to our climate, our health, and our future, a growing bloc of 17 countries is seeking a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.
The proposed treaty would complement the Paris Agreement by providing the global roadmap needed to halt the expansion of fossil fuels, manage an equitable phase-out of coal, oil, and gas, and lay the foundations for a true just energy transition in which no worker, community, or country is left behind.
Which nation-state will be next to join the growing club of countries seeking a negotiating mandate for a new treaty on fossil fuels?
