By Herman Opondo
Energy security is critical for Africa’s socio-economic development and stability. Despite the continent’s vast natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources, Africa faces significant challenges in ensuring reliable and affordable energy for all its citizens. This position paper by the Africa Energy Security Coalition outlines strategies and recommendations for enhancing energy security across the continent, focusing on the transition to renewable energy, policy reforms, and regional cooperation.
Current Energy Landscape
Africa is endowed with a rich variety of energy resources, including fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal), hydroelectric power, solar, wind, and geothermal. However, many African countries remain heavily dependent on imported energy, particularly oil and natural gas, which makes them vulnerable to price fluctuations in global markets and geopolitical disruptions.
For example, as highlighted in the Renewable Energy Status and Uptake in Kenya (2024), biomass makes up 62.5% of the country’s energy mix, with petroleum products at 18.5% and renewable energy sources at only 16.9%(Review). This reliance on traditional biomass and imported fossil fuels is not sustainable, both economically and environmentally.
Many regions in sub-Saharan Africa also face significant energy poverty, with millions of people lacking access to electricity, especially in rural areas. The energy distribution system is skewed, with only 32% of rural populations having access to electricity, compared to 78% in urban areas.
Key Challenges
Africa’s energy sector faces numerous challenges that hinder the achievement of energy security. To begin with, many African countries lack the infrastructure needed for energy production, transmission, and distribution. In countries like Kenya, grid capacity issues prevent the effective integration of renewable energy into the national power system, slowing down progress toward energy security.
Inconsistent and outdated policies and inadequate financial incentives have deterred investment in the energy sector. Poor governance and corruption further exacerbate these issues, undermining efforts to build a reliable energy supply system.
The cost of developing energy projects, especially in remote and rural areas, remains a significant barrier. The high upfront capital required for renewable energy infrastructure, coupled with a lack of access to affordable financing, limits the ability of countries to invest in cleaner energy alternatives.
Overreliance on fossil fuels and biomass leads to environmental degradation, deforestation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass, which remains a major source of energy, contributes to health problems due to indoor air pollution and has exacerbated deforestation rates, particularly in countries like Kenya.
The Role of Renewable Energy
Africa’s renewable energy potential is enormous, and transitioning to cleaner, sustainable energy sources is crucial for achieving long-term energy security. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal offer viable solutions to Africa’s energy needs. Kenya, for example, is already making significant strides in geothermal energy production, with about 45% of its electricity coming from geothermal sources.
The expansion of solar energy also holds great promise. Kenya benefits from high solar insolation across much of its landmass, providing opportunities to harness solar power, particularly in rural and off-grid areas. The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, the largest wind farm in Africa, demonstrates the potential of wind energy. However, further investment is needed to scale up wind power projects across the continent.
However, the uptake of renewable energy is hindered by financial challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and policy inconsistencies. Countries must address these barriers by streamlining energy policies, offering fiscal incentives for renewable energy projects, and fostering public-private partnerships to attract investment.
Strategic Recommendations
To ensure energy security and sustainability, the Africa Energy Security Coalition proposes the following strategic actions:
First, African countries must strengthen regional cooperation on energy, particularly through initiatives such as the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI). Regional power pools and cross-border energy projects can help address energy deficits and improve the reliability of electricity supply across the continent. Collaboration on renewable energy development, including shared infrastructure for solar, wind, and geothermal projects, can foster energy security.
Secondly, governments need to reform energy policies to create a more conducive environment for investment in renewable energy. Introducing competitive feed-in tariffs, offering tax breaks, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks can encourage private sector participation in energy projects. In addition, governments should prioritize the development of off-grid renewable energy solutions, particularly for rural and underserved areas.
While renewable energy should be prioritized, African countries must diversify their energy sources to reduce over-reliance on imports.
The writer is the Continental Coordinator of the Africa Energy Security Coalition