Geopolitics of energy in Africa: resources, trade, and global interests

Lungile Mikateko Muhlavasi Mashele

Chapter 2 in Handbook on Energy Transitions in Africa, 2026, pp 13-48 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Africa stands at a pivotal juncture in the global energy landscape, endowed with abundant oil, gas, minerals, and significant potential for renewable resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. However, the exploitation of these riches has historically been marred by conflict, corruption, and uneven development. The interplay between energy production, water availability, and food security is increasingly pronounced as the continent embarks on a new energy revolution, driven by the imperative of a just transition toward cleaner and more inclusive systems. International actors, notably China, the United States, and Europe, are intensifying their involvement, spurring a modern scramble for Africa's energy resources and influencing the continent's course toward energy security and economic growth. Meanwhile, climate change poses escalating risks, from severe droughts to floods and heatwaves, challenging Africa's resilience and adaptation strategies.

Keywords: Africa; Energy; Energy Geopolitics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332236
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