Powering Africa’s Future: Seizing Energy Security for Sustainable Progress

Category: Community Sharing | Sub-Category: Positive Developments

Africa stands at a pivotal moment. As global energy policies shift from a singular focus on energy transition to a broader emphasis on energy security, African nations have a unique opportunity to redefine their energy futures. This global reframe, driven by geopolitical tensions and economic priorities, opens doors for African countries to address energy poverty, boost economic growth, and forge strategic international partnerships—all while advancing sustainable development. Here’s how Africa can harness this moment to power its future, with inspiring developments already underway.

The Global Shift: From Transition to Security

The world’s energy landscape is changing. Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, coupled with eroding multilateral institutions, have pushed advanced economies, particularly the United States under recent policy shifts, to prioritize energy security over rapid decarbonization. This reframe acknowledges the need for reliable, affordable energy to fuel economies while still addressing climate goals. For Africa, where 600 million people lack electricity and nearly 1 billion rely on biomass for cooking, this shift is a game-changer. It allows African nations to balance immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability, leveraging their vast resources—both fossil and renewable—in pragmatic ways.

Why Energy Security Matters for Africa

Energy security isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about unlocking Africa’s potential. With the continent’s population projected to reach 2 billion by 2050, reliable energy is critical for industrialization, job creation, and human development. Energy access enables children to study at night, hospitals to store vaccines, and businesses to thrive. Yet, Africa accounts for less than 3% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, meaning its development can align with climate goals without the heavy carbon footprint of industrialized nations. The challenge? Closing the energy access gap while navigating a complex global investment landscape.

Five Pillars to Harness the Opportunity

African countries can seize this moment by focusing on five key strategies, as outlined by energy experts and regional leaders:

1. Diversifying Energy Sources
   Africa’s energy mix is rich with potential. The continent boasts 7,900 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity, 1,753 GW of hydropower, and 461 GW of wind energy, alongside significant natural gas and mineral resources. Countries like Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco are leading the charge in solar, wind, and geothermal projects, while the African Union’s 2022 common position supports natural gas, hydrogen, and nuclear as transitional fuels. By blending renewables with cleaner fossil options, Africa can meet immediate needs while building a sustainable future. For example, Kenya’s geothermal leadership—producing 863 MW with a potential of 10,000 MW—shows how innovation can drive resilience against climate challenges like drought.

2. Leveraging Looser Financing Conditions
   The global shift to energy security has relaxed restrictions on fossil fuel financing, creating opportunities for African nations to secure funds for energy infrastructure. The African Energy Bank, set to launch in 2025, aims to de-risk projects and pool capital, addressing the high borrowing costs that have stalled large-scale developments. Additionally, initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) with South Africa and Senegal demonstrate how international collaboration can mobilize billions for clean energy projects. However, Africa must advocate for financing that aligns with its development priorities, ensuring funds support both access and sustainability.

3. Building Smart Technology Partnerships
   Technology transfer is critical for Africa’s energy transformation. Partnerships with the United States, China, Europe, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can provide access to advanced renewable energy technologies, grid management systems, and energy storage solutions. For instance, South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program has secured 6.4 GW from wind and solar since 2011, showing the power of public-private partnerships. By prioritizing technical exchanges and local capacity building, African nations can reduce reliance on external expertise and foster homegrown innovation.

4. Expanding Energy Value Chains
   Energy isn’t just about power generation—it’s a manufacturing opportunity. Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper position it as a key player in the global clean energy supply chain. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia can develop local processing industries, creating jobs and boosting economic resilience. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2019, supports intra-African trade, enabling countries to collaborate on energy infrastructure and reduce dependence on external markets. Treating energy as a value chain can transform Africa into a competitive industrial hub.

5. Uniting on Energy Policy
   A unified African voice strengthens negotiating power. The African Union’s Energy Transition Program and the 2022 Kigali Communique emphasize affordable, clean energy aligned with Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement. By appointing a special envoy on energy security and coordinating through regional bodies like the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), African nations can secure political buy-in and attract investment. Regional power pools, like those connecting surplus renewable generation to demand centers, are already improving supply reliability across the continent.

Inspiring Progress Across the Continent

Positive developments are already unfolding. In East Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia have slashed energy poverty through mini-grid solar projects and cross-border electricity trade. Rwanda has boosted electricity access from 6% in 2009 to 75% in 2024, a model for others. South Africa’s JETP, launched in 2021, mobilized $8.5 billion to decarbonize its power sector, while Senegal’s JETP targets 40% renewable energy by 2030. Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan aims for 30 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, creating 340,000 jobs. These efforts show Africa’s commitment to balancing energy security with sustainability, supported by international partners like the EU, which pledged €150 billion through its Global Gateway strategy.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite these strides, hurdles remain. High borrowing costs, regulatory fragmentation, and limited local engagement slow progress. Only 7% of global public-private partnership investment flows to Africa, concentrated in a few countries like Egypt and South Africa. Energy poverty persists, with 365 million people in Eastern and Southern Africa lacking electricity and 558 million without clean cooking access. To address these, African nations must modernize grids, reform utility pricing, and engage communities—especially women, who are often primary energy users in rural areas. The Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), launched at COP28, is a promising step, emphasizing tailored, African-led solutions.

The Path Forward: A Just and Inclusive Transition

Africa’s energy transition must be just and inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind. This means prioritizing energy access for rural communities, supporting women and youth in energy sectors, and aligning investments with local needs. The Nairobi Declaration, adopted at the 2023 Africa Climate Summit, calls for climate-positive growth, positioning Africa as a cost-competitive hub for green industrialization. By leveraging its renewable potential and critical minerals, Africa can meet global demand for clean energy technologies while driving economic growth.

A Bright Future Powered by Collaboration

The global policy reframe from energy transition to energy security is a chance for Africa to shine. By diversifying energy sources, securing financing, building tech partnerships, expanding value chains, and uniting on policy, African nations can close the energy gap and fuel sustainable development. International collaboration—through initiatives like JETPs, APRA, and the Africa-EU Energy Partnership—will be key. As Africa harnesses its vast potential, it can not only power its own future but also contribute to global climate solutions.

Thought Questions:

1. How can African nations balance the use of fossil fuels for immediate energy needs with long-term renewable energy goals?

2. What role should international partners play in ensuring Africa’s energy transition is both just and inclusive?

3. How can African communities, particularly women and youth, be empowered to drive the continent’s energy future?