Renewables
Experts urge linking renewable energy to African industrial growth
Energy specialists at a virtual colloquium argue that African nations must connect renewable investments to local manufacturing and job creation.
Key points
- Speakers at the ETA 2026 Colloquium stressed that clean energy must drive industrialisation rather than just electricity generation.
- African Union officials noted that nearly 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity.
- The Nigerian House of Representatives passed a bill for a new renewable energy regulatory authority.
What happened
Energy experts gathering at the inaugural Energy Transition Africa Colloquium have called for a shift in how the continent approaches clean power investments. According to The Guardian Nigeria, participants argued that funding should stimulate domestic industries, technical skills, and regional supply chains instead of relying entirely on imported technology.
Yagouba Traoré from the African Energy Commission stated that approximately 600 million Africans remain without electricity, while nearly one billion depend on traditional biomass and kerosene for cooking. He emphasized that solar, wind, and geothermal assets should serve as catalysts for domestic manufacturing and mineral processing.
Ejiro Gray of Sahara Group highlighted local capacity efforts within Nigeria's power sector, while Dr Chantal Naidoo of Rabia Transitions pointed out that international financing frameworks often burden African governments with disproportionate risks.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian House of Representatives advanced legislation to establish a National Authority for Renewable Energy. Sponsored by Afam Victor Ogene, the bill aims to centralise regulatory and developmental duties currently managed by multiple power-sector bodies.
Why it matters
According to World Bank figures from 2024, electricity access in Nigeria stands at 62.5 per cent, significantly lower than the global average of 91.9 per cent. Furthermore, clean cooking access in the country was recorded at 28 per cent in 2024, compared to 75.4 per cent globally. Analysts suggest that integrating renewable investments with local manufacturing could address these deficits while retaining economic value locally.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
22.0% of electricity in Nigeria was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
