As global leaders convene in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), a new report has urged African governments to accelerate investment in clean energy and green technologies to safeguard the continent’s future amid worsening climate impacts.
The report, released this week by the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), highlights both the risks and untapped potential that Africa faces as the global energy transition gains momentum.
It warns that without decisive policy action and sustained investment, Africa could remain on the margins of the world’s shift toward renewable energy — missing out on trillions of dollars in green growth opportunities.
Despite contributing less than 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa remains one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events are already threatening food security, water availability, and livelihoods.
According to the report, over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, while many more rely on costly and polluting energy sources such as charcoal and diesel.
This paradox — of abundant renewable resources but limited access — underscores the urgency of adopting clean energy solutions that are both inclusive and sustainable.
The report urges African countries to prioritize renewable energy within their national development plans and to strengthen regional cooperation to attract private investment in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower projects.
Dr. Amani Mkwawa, one of the report’s lead researchers, emphasized that “Africa’s future prosperity depends on how well it harnesses its natural resources to meet domestic energy needs while exporting clean power to the world.”
She added that Africa holds nearly 40 percent of the world’s solar potential, yet accounts for less than 2 percent of global renewable energy capacity — a gap that needs urgent attention.
During the conference corridors in Belém, civil society groups and African delegates echoed the call for climate justice and equitable financing.
“Africa cannot be left behind again,” said Dr. John Mutua, an energy policy expert from Kenya. “We have the resources and the talent; what we need is fair financing and technology transfer from global partners.”
Demonstrators at COP30 carried placards demanding that rich nations honor their climate finance pledges, particularly the long-promised $100 billion annual support for developing countries.
They argued that Africa’s renewable transition is not just an environmental issue but an economic and moral imperative — one that could create millions of green jobs while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Several African nations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa, have made notable progress in renewable energy deployment.
Tanzania’s government has recently expanded investments in hydropower, solar mini-grids, and wind farms, aiming to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030.
In a statement, Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, January Makamba, said the country is “committed to a just energy transition that balances development needs with environmental protection,” noting that public-private partnerships will be key to scaling up renewable projects.
Experts at COP30 agreed that for Africa to seize the clean energy opportunity, it must strengthen regional frameworks, reduce policy uncertainty, and create incentives for innovation and investment.
The report also recommends empowering local communities and youth innovators, ensuring that the benefits of green growth reach the grassroots level.
“Clean energy is not just about technology — it’s about justice, resilience, and opportunity,” said ACPC Executive Director Dr. Hanan Ouedraogo during the report’s launch. “Africa can lead the world’s renewable revolution if we act now.”
As the world edges closer to irreversible climate tipping points, Africa stands at a crossroads — one that will define its economic and environmental future.
With abundant sunlight, wind, and water resources, the continent’s potential to power its development sustainably is unmatched. What remains is the political will, regional cooperation, and global solidarity to turn that potential into progress
