Since 2000, Africa has achieved rapid economic growth and improving social conditions. Endowed with substantial renewable energy resources, African countries can now adopt innovative, sustainable technologies to meet their growing energy needs in a way that lifts people out of poverty and aligns with global climate goals.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, African countries must also take account of the need for clean sustainable energy solutions as part of crisis response measures.

The continent could meet nearly a quarter of its energy needs from indigenous and clean renewable energy sources by 2030 and increase the share of renewables in its total energy mix to as much as twothirds by 2050.

Some 600 million people - almost 60% of Sub-Saharan Africa's and nearly half of the continent's population – still lack access to electricity, more than anywhere else in the world. Decentralised renewable energy, however, can support healthier and more prosperous communities, in addition to mitigating climate change and helping to preserve the environment and natural resources.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has pursued strategic, results-oriented partnerships with African organisations and development partners since its inception in 2011.

IRENA has started working with global financial institutions and other key partners through the framework of the Climate Investment Platform, which aims to translate targets into concrete investments on the ground. Sub-regional Investment Forums will help African decision makers lay the groundwork for more ambitious uptake of renewables and support developers in preparing bankable projects.

Recent online discussions hosted by the African Union Commission and IRENA detailed a comprehensive continent-wide recovery plan, which which aims to let countries across Africa respond to the COVID-19 crisis with one voice.

Through regional Clean Energy Corridor intiatives, IRENA helps to strengthen key policy, regulatory, technical and financial frameworks. Zoning maps developed for all the countries of the Eastern Africa and Southern African power pools indicate aggregate economic potential of up to 3 834 gigawatts (GW) for wind, 15 334 GW for solar photovoltaic (PV) and 5 282 GW for concentrating solar power (CSP). In West Africa, suitable areas for grid-connected and off-grid solar and wind projects have been identified. Additionally, the financial prefeasibility of 111 solar PV and wind project sites across 10 African countries has been conducted.

Since 2017, the African Union has recommended the integration of IRENA’s Clean Energy Corridor initiatives into national renewable energy and climate change agendas. While the West Africa Clean Energy Corridor was endorsed by the Heads of State of the region in 2017 and annexed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Treaty, the Africa Clean Energy Corridor was adopted by the Energy Ministers of the relevant regions in 2014.

Economic stimulus measures adopted this year will have a long- term impact on climate change. Highlevel political commitment, local leadership and guidance, along with strong ownership by all involved are essential for success.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: IRENA