Yemisi Izuora
Nigeria with a high rate of energy deficiency and other African countries are expected to take advantage of the $4.5 billion fund for African renewable projects and the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050.
This form of boost demonstrates a global push for sustainability.
The global energy landscape has shifted dramatically due to the post-pandemic recovery, geopolitical tensions, and climate challenges.
Specifically the Ukraine conflict has disrupted energy markets, prompting Europe to diversify sources and highlighting Africa’s energy poverty.
Also the COP28 saw major advancements like the Battery Energy Storage Systems Consortium and the UAE Hydrogen Declaration of Intent, aiming to boost renewable energy.
However, innovations like perovskite solar cells and AI-driven energy management promise to transform Africa’s energy future, paving the way for resilience and sustainability.
Nigeria among nations like South Africa, and Zambia have enacted reforms to decentralise control, encourage IPPs, and promote competition while at the same time, countries like Ethiopia and Zimbabwe still rely on monopolistic state utilities.
Southern Africa is a leader in renewable energy development, particularly in solar and wind, with South Africa dominating the region’s investments. Namibia is focusing on renewable buildout to support green hydrogen production, capitalising on its abundant solar and wind resources.
Its oil and gas finds, complementing its renewable resources, will likely make it a new regional energy hub.
Africa contributes to the global need for energy while addressing its own energy needs.
Despite significant advancements across these regions, challenges remain in infrastructure and financing, underscoring the need for continued investment and collaboration to meet growing energy demands and transition to sustainable energy systems.
Africa’s energy sector is driving a Just Energy Transition, focusing on equitable access and the synergy between natural gas and renewables like solar and wind.
Key stakeholders highlight the need for investment in infrastructure and technology to enhance grid efficiency, energy storage, and resilience. Collaboration across regions, public-private partnerships, and regulatory reforms are crucial for attracting investment and fostering innovation.
North Africa’s energy landscape is evolving with a strong oil & gas sector alongside a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and green hydrogen.
Key players like Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco are using their resource wealth to transition towards renewables while maintaining their positions as natural gas exporters.
Egypt aims to produce 42 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2035, driven by significant investments in solar projects like the Benban Solar Park.
Morocco targets over 52 per cent renewable generation by 2030, focusing on large-scale solar and wind projects. While reliant on gas, Algeria plans for 22 per cent renewable energy by 2025, and Libya is seeing a rebound in oil production despite political challenges.
In East Africa, countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania are making strides in expanding renewable energy and improving rural electrification.
With major projects like the Lake Turkana Wind Farm, Kenya has achieved over 75 per cent electricity access and aims for 100 per cent renewable generation by 2030. Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is expected to enhance regional energy exports.
Countries are increasingly embracing electricity liberalisation, opening the sector to private investment, participation and collaboration between government and the private sector.
This shift aims to drive renewable energy growth by using private capital and innovation, enabling large-scale projects like Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex and fostering energy security through competitive markets.
In Kenya, independent power producers (IPPs) have boosted renewable capacity, improving energy stability.
Africa’s evolving energy landscape, with growing interest in renewables while maximising value from fossil fuels, faces challenges like regulatory uncertainty and financing needs but presents significant economic growth and energy security opportunities.