Energy landscape in Africa: a comparative analysis of key trends

Roula Inglesi-Lotz

Chapter 1 in Handbook on Energy Transitions in Africa, 2026, pp 1-12 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Africa's energy landscape is defined by a paradox of abundant renewable resources alongside severe energy poverty. This chapter analyses the continent's heterogeneous energy transition, examining regional pathways from North Africa's export-oriented renewables to East Africa's decentralised solutions and Southern Africa's complex shift from coal. It argues that the transition is not merely technical but a socio-economic transformation, where cross-cutting issues of justice, finance, and industrial policy are paramount. For Africa to harness its solar, wind, and geothermal potential, an integrated approach is essential – one that aligns decarbonisation with inclusive development, regional integration, and a fair role in the global green economy. Success depends on building systems that are not only clean but also equitable and self-determined.

Keywords: Energy Transition; Africa; Renewable Energy; Energy Access; Energy Justice; Sustainable Development; Green Industrialization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332236
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035332243.00006 (application/pdf)
Our link check indicates that this URL is bad, the error code is: 403 Forbidden

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:23301_1

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().