The Future of Renewable Energy Tech in Africa

Like the rest of the world, Africa has been on the path to generate its energy needs through renewable sources. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has found that sub-Saharan Africa could achieve 67% of its energy through renewables by 2030 given the correct policies, regulation, and market access.

Many features of the African environment are ideal for the generation of renewable energy. As a continent known for its intensely sunny climate, it’s no surprise that solar energy is predicted to be the top source of African renewable energy as the sector develops. Also a competitive source of renewable energy, geothermal power is anticipated to be the second largest clean energy source in East Africa; it will be especially significant in Kenya and Ethiopia. However, due to high average wind speeds, wind energy is economically favorable to other energy sources in the horn of Africa.

The socio-economic landscape of Africa is also optimal to facilitate renewable energy growth. The Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Vera Songwe, believes that increasing population levels, urbanization, industrialization, trade, and climate change concerns build a strong case for further developing renewable energy on the continent. Social and economic development also depend on rebuilding the energy sector, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Chief Economist. Hence, this landscape arguably necessitates a vast expansion of the clean energy sector.

Clean energy was responsible for the second largest amount of funding activity in the 2020 African startup landscape. Africa-based startups are a crucial component to expedite the growth of this sector. KYA Energy Group, a Togolese startup, optimizes photovoltaic sizing calculations, making solar energy more efficient and affordable. A Nigerian startup, Daystar Power is using its $38-million funding to provide solar power solutions in businesses via financial services, agriculture, and manufacturing. Local startups like these can provide immediate benefits to their surrounding communities while also accelerating the industry’s growth.

Transforming the energy sector is a critical component of Africa’s current social and economic development. As the climate crisis exacerbates and its detrimental effects are further realized, this sector will only grow more essential to the African continent.