Africa holds 60% of the world's best solar resources, offering a significant opportunity for renewable energy. Despite this, the continent attracts only 3% of global energy investment, and some 600 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, still lack access to electricity.
That is why the European Commission and the Republic of South Africa together with Global Citizen have launched a year-long 'Scaling up Renewables in Africa' pledging campaign. It will mobilise public and private investments to accelerate renewable energy projects across and help people of Africa have access to affordable energy and help cut global emissions.
What is the situation today?
- 600 million people in Africa without access to electricity
- 60% of the world's best solar resources are in Africa
- 56 GW Africa's current total installed renewable power capacity
Africa's clean energy journey is picking up speed. We are proud to be part of it. Europe has been investing massively in renewable energy projects in Africa with Global Gateway. Now we are calling on the world to join us. I'm happy to co-host the campaign Scaling up Renewables in Africa with President Ramaphosa. Together, we will help bring clean, affordable power to Africa.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Africa has enormous potential and the necessary resources to lead a revolution in renewable energy. A mass roll-out of renewable energy across our continent would enable many countries to propel their economies along a clean energy development path. We welcome this initiative, which, if undertaken in a just and inclusive manner, could have a huge impact on the lives of Africa's people.
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa
Campaign launched in the margins of the G20 summit
On the eve of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on 17 November 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Scaling up Renewables in Africa' campaign.
The campaign seeks to drive new commitments on policy and finance from governments, financial institutions, private sector and philanthropists, to boost renewable power generation and access in Africa.
It will simultaneously contribute to reaching the target set at COP28 of tripling global renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade.
The campaign runs for one year and will conclude around the G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa in November 2025.
The campaign is coordinated with the international advocacy organisation Global Citizen and will rely on the support of the International Energy Agency.
Support to Africa through Global Gateway
The campaign builds on the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, which supports Africa with 150 billion worth of investments . Global Gateway projects focus on accelerating the green and digital transition, creating sustainable growth and jobs, as well as supporting health systems and improving education and training.
