IRENA – Africa Policies and finance for renewable energy deployment

Africa is a continent with vast land and energy resources and a young, rapidly growing population. Despite this, access to reliable and affordable modern energy is low in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Fossil fuels, especially coal, natural gas, and oil, continue to dominate the region's energy supply. Bioenergy is the most widely used energy source, but its sustainability is a growing concern due to deforestation and health effects from traditional stoves. Hydropower has significant untapped potential, with many African countries having large hydropower projects in the pipeline. However, climate risks and environmental and social concerns must be taken into account before further development is pursued. The success of the energy transition in Sub-Saharan Africa will depend on including all communities, industries, and public facilities in modern energy systems.