President Donald Trump recently urged African leaders to burn more fossil fuels on Earth, especially coal, which is the dirtiest of all fuels. Meanwhile, it has removed U.S. Agency for International Development, which has helped millions of the poorest people in Africa amid the ever-expanding climate rupture.

Those who think that they are aligned with the Trump agenda will remember well that U.S. energy policy has enhanced droughts, floods and storms that destroy the lives and livelihoods of Africans throughout Africa. Since the Industrial Revolution, the United States alone has generated about a quarter of historic carbon dioxide emissions and is now responsible for accelerating global warming.

Africa’s coal-based approach to development will not only cause more pain for citizens who are already living on the frontline of the climate crisis, but will also be economically suicide. The economic impact of the climate emergency has already caused huge losses to Africa, and the 2022 report of charitable Christian aid shows that under the current climate trajectory, African countries may reduce GDP growth by 64% by 2100.

When the continent has spectacular renewable energy potential, Africa also does not need to tie itself to coal’s outdated fossil fuel infrastructure.

American fossil fuel advocates will be pleased to see Africa’s trails along the footsteps of the global north, rather than seeing the continent span the dirty energy era, just as it transcends landline telephone technology and adopts cell phones. But Africans should know better.

No other continent has more untapped wind and solar energy than Africa, which remains the key to its long-term prosperity. From sunny deserts in North Africa to wind plains in East Africa, the mainland has natural resources and becomes a global leader in clean energy. Countries such as Morocco, Kenya and South Africa have made great progress in renewable energy development, with the project leveraging solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power generation.

Investing in renewable energy can bring many benefits. It can improve energy access for millions of people, create jobs and boost economic growth. Renewable energy projects are often more scalable and adaptable to local needs, making them ideal for rural electrification and community-based programs.

Coal, by contrast, brings terrible costs to Africans. It is often touted as a cheap and reliable energy source, but this ignores the hidden costs of environmental degradation, health effects, and the overall economic harm of climate disruption. Furthermore, the global shift to clean energy means investment in coal is becoming increasingly risky and could become a stranded asset.

African countries must resist lobbying efforts by Trump’s fossil supporters and focus on building a sustainable energy future. This requires a multifaceted approach, including investing in renewable energy infrastructure, strengthening governance and policy frameworks, and fostering international cooperation.

Investing in clean energy infrastructure is crucial. This includes not only large projects such as solar parks and wind farms, but also decentralized systems that can bring power to off-grid communities. Many countries across Africa have already led the way with community-centric solar systems and microgrids, and these initiatives show how renewable energy can be both ambitious and pragmatic to address the energy access challenges while reducing reliance on imported fuels.

Strengthening governance and policy frameworks is equally important. African governments must prioritize climate adaptation and resilience in urban planning and development. This involves integrating climate considerations into all new projects and ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed. An effective governance structure can implement climate adaptation strategies and ensure investment in renewable energy is sustainable and equitable.

International cooperation and support are also crucial. The global clean energy transition has brought new hope to Africa’s economic and social development. Countries that account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions have pledged to reach zero emissions by the middle of the century, including several African countries. These commitments can help attract climate finance and technology, enabling African countries to achieve energy-related development goals on time and fully.

The path to sustainable economic development in Africa lies in embracing renewable and clean energy. The mainland has a natural resource and innovative spirit to become a global leader in renewable energy, improving energy access, creating jobs and reversing the climate crisis. By resisting attempts to make coal use by the fossil fuel industry, African countries can build a resilient and prosperous future for their people.

Clean energy can be the biggest success story in Africa. For this reason, African leaders are not allowed to accept advice from the US president, who admits that he only cares about “the United States”.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own views and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Al Jazeera.