Author: Mwenya Chitambala, Reagan Wafula
From 22–24 July, LSM-Africa joined over 15 NGOs and CSOs in Johannesburg for the Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN) Annual Meeting, held under the theme “Beyond Coal, Beyond Oil & Gas, Towards a Just Transition.”
The gathering brought together advocates from across the continent to reflect on progress, share lessons, and align strategies for a fair and sustainable energy future in Africa.
The meeting addressed critical issues shaping the continent’s energy landscape — from fossil fuel dependency and critical mineral extraction to the influence of global investors, particularly China. Discussions explored the risks of harmful extractivism, the need for transparency in financing, and strategies to ensure renewable energy pathways benefit African communities.
LSM-Africa played an active role throughout the convening. Our interactive exhibition booth drew intense interest, with attendees commending our unique faith-based approach in amplifying grassroots voices. We also contributed to the network’s timeline mapping session, highlighting milestones such as Laudato Si’ Week, animator training graduations, and recent stakeholder engagements in Madagascar, Senegal, and the DRC.
Our team joined AJTN working groups, including the Just Transition and Just Transition Finance Campaign teams, focusing on closing knowledge gaps and mapping advocacy initiatives across Africa.
The meeting reaffirmed that achieving a just transition will require strong collaboration, straightforward storytelling, and sustained advocacy — and LSM-Africa is committed to being a leading voice in this shared journey.
In these images, Reagan and Mwenya had an opportunity to explain the work that Laudato Si Movement, in particular the African region, does and the work that we are focused on.
Here, Reagan and Mwenya are with some partners and colleagues who also attended the AJTN meeting