Africa holds the world’s greatest potential for solar energy, as highlighted by World Bank data analyzed by Statista. However, significant investment is required to harness this potential. Despite contributing only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. The continent’s solar energy potential is immense, but unlocking it will necessitate collaboration among multiple governments and partners.
Statista’s analysis places Africa ahead of Central and South America, North America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Russia in terms of long-term solar energy output potential. The World Bank’s Global Solar Atlas describes Africa’s solar potential as a “unique opportunity” to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to a large portion of humanity, where improved economic opportunities and quality of life are most needed.
To achieve its energy and climate goals, Africa needs an annual investment of $190 billion from 2026 to 2030, with two-thirds of this amount directed towards clean energy, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This investment is crucial as Africa faces severe climate risks, including water scarcity, reduced food production, extreme weather events, and lower economic growth, which contribute to mass migration and regional instability.
Solar power can help Africa reduce emissions and expand access to electricity, but the continent is still in the early stages of developing its solar resources. The Africa Energy Review 2021 by PwC notes that while fossil fuels still dominate Africa’s energy mix, efforts are underway to accelerate the adoption of solar and wind power technologies. Solar energy is particularly beneficial for rural areas, providing power without the need for expensive grid connections. South Africa and Egypt currently lead in solar capacity, followed by Algeria. By 2050, BP predicts that around 30% of Africa’s energy production will come from solar power.
An energy system centered on renewable energy can address many of Africa’s social, economic, health, and environmental challenges. A profound energy transition is not only feasible but essential for a climate-safe future that meets sustainable development goals. Renewables are key to overcoming energy poverty, providing necessary energy services without harming human health or ecosystems, and enabling economic transformation in support of development and industrialization.
Africa’s diversity means no single approach will advance its energy future. However, efforts must be made to build modern, resilient, and sustainable energy systems across the continent to avoid trapping economies and societies in outdated energy systems that burden them with stranded assets and limited economic prospects. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), outlines the opportunities and challenges Africa faces in transitioning to a renewables-based energy system. This transition promises substantial gains in GDP, employment, and human welfare across the continent.
Despite being left out of the global energy transition, Africa has enormous potential in wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy. Falling costs are increasingly making renewables accessible. Central and Southern Africa have abundant mineral resources essential for producing electric batteries, wind turbines, and other low-carbon technologies.
The last decade has seen progress in renewable energy deployment in Africa, with more than 26 GW of renewables-based generation capacity added, primarily in solar energy. Average annual investments in renewable energy have grown ten-fold from less than $0.5 billion in the 2000-2009 period to $5 billion in 2010-2020. Distributed renewable energy solutions, including stand-alone systems and mini-grids, are playing a growing role in expanding electricity access in off-grid areas and strengthening supply in already connected areas.
The energy transition, when accompanied by appropriate policies, holds huge promise for Africa. IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario pathway predicts 6.4% higher GDP, 3.5% higher economy-wide jobs, and a 25.4% higher welfare index than current plans up to 2050. Jobs created in the renewable energy transition will outweigh those lost by moving away from traditional energy sources. Every million U.S. dollars invested in renewables between 2020 and 2050 would create at least 26 job-years; for energy efficiency, at least 22 job-years; and for energy flexibility, 18 job-years annually.
For these benefits to materialize, a comprehensive policy package is required, combining climate and environmental goals with economic development, job creation, and social equity. Strong institutions, international cooperation, and regional coordination are also essential.
North Africa, rich in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, has the potential to power the world theoretically. However, the region’s historical dependence on traditional power sources has left much of this potential untapped. Projects like the Mediterranean Solar Plan and DESERTEC have proposed large-scale deployment of renewables in North Africa in partnership with Europe. However, these projects require high investment, rigorous resource assessment, solid infrastructure, and a stable geopolitical situation. North African countries must meet their electricity needs before becoming green energy exporters.
Studies have shown that combining solar and wind power can mitigate energy droughts, periods when renewable energy production is low. Research indicates that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) significantly influences renewable energy resources in North Africa. Understanding the duration and frequency of energy droughts and low-resource days is fundamental for designing reliable electricity systems.
In conclusion, Africa’s potential for wind and solar power is vast and largely untapped. Strategic investment and international cooperation are crucial to unlocking this potential, which can significantly contribute to the continent’s economic development and climate resilience. By focusing on renewable energy, Africa can address its energy needs sustainably and equitably, paving the way for a prosperous and climate-safe future.
Source: World Bank, Statista, IEA, PwC, IRENA, AfDB, BP
