Written By: Faith Jemosop
Africa’s G20 Potential to Power the World with Renewables
Africa’s G20 nations, primarily South Africa, and by extension Egypt and Nigeria through the African Union’s G20 seat, hold a staggering potential: they could produce enough renewable energy to meet global demand.
This bold claim, recently explored in global energy analyses, is grounded in the continent’s vast natural resources, sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, and hydropower. But turning this potential into real, reliable, and distributed energy requires more than political ambition. It demands structural overhauls, massive investments, regional collaboration, and policy innovation.
The Numbers Behind Africa’s Renewable Goldmine
Africa receives some of the highest solar irradiation on the planet, particularly in the Sahara and Sahel regions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the continent has the technical potential to generate over 10 terawatts (TW) of solar energy, more than 10 times the world’s current total energy demand. Wind potential across the Horn of Africa and West Africa adds another 170 gigawatts (GW) of untapped capacity.
In total, if fully harnessed and integrated, Africa’s renewable energy resources could supply over 60% of global electricity needs, making the continent not just energy-sufficient but a global green power hub.
What’s Holding Africa Back?
Despite the massive renewable potential, Africa currently produces less than 3% of the world’s renewable energy. This gap is the result of systemic barriers:
- Lack of Financing: Renewable energy infrastructure, solar farms, wind turbines, storage systems,demands capital. Yet, African countries receive only about 2% of global clean energy investment.
- Weak Grids and Poor Transmission: Much of sub-Saharan Africa lacks reliable transmission infrastructure. Even if green power is generated, it’s difficult to deliver it efficiently.
- Policy and Governance Gaps: Many African countries face bureaucratic red tape, unclear regulations, and insufficient incentives for renewable energy investment.
- Global Energy Politics: Fossil fuel interests, both local and foreign,still dominate policy agendas. Transitioning requires political will to phase out long-standing oil and gas dependencies.
G20 Membership: A Game-Changer?
In 2023, the African Union joined the G20, placing Africa at the global energy policy table. For South Africa, the continent’s only individual G20 member, this is a unique opportunity to lead a Pan-African green energy revolution. South Africa already has some of the most advanced renewable infrastructure on the continent, including the Kathu Solar Park and the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, but it’s still plagued by power cuts and coal dependency.
If South Africa leverages its G20 influence to push for continent-wide renewable energy investment, it could unlock a chain reaction across the region, especially in energy-rich nations like Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Namibia, and Ethiopia.
Also read: Why Kenyan Fuel Prices Dropped Amid Global Increase
Here’s what must occur for Africa’s G20 countries and allies to realize their full renewable potential:
1. Scale Up Investment Access
Africa needs at least $190 billion annually in clean energy investment through 2030 to meet its climate and energy goals, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). G20 nations must facilitate climate finance reform, especially through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund, and encourage blended finance models where governments de-risk private sector investment.
2. Build Super Grids and Interconnections
Cross-border transmission infrastructure, such as the proposed African Continental Power Pool, must be accelerated. These projects can ensure that energy produced in sunny or windy regions can reach industrial and urban hubs.
3. Localize Manufacturing and Tech Transfer
Africa must move beyond just being a buyer of solar panels and turbines. Localizing manufacturing, particularly in hubs like South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco, can reduce costs, create jobs, and boost energy independence. G20 nations must push for technology transfer partnerships to support this.
4. Reform Policy and Regulatory Landscapes
Governments need to streamline permitting processes, offer tax incentives, and enforce policies that prioritize renewable energy integration. Transparent, stable policy environments will attract international and domestic investors.
5. Train a Skilled Green Workforce
Renewable energy is not just about technology, it’s about people. A well-trained workforce in installation, maintenance, engineering, and innovation will be crucial. Africa’s growing youth population could be its greatest asset if equipped with green skills.
Countries Leading the Renewable Surge
Some African nations are already making strides:
- Egypt is building one of the world’s largest solar farms in Benban, projected to generate 1.8 GW.
- Morocco operates the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, a multi-billion-dollar CSP project with a capacity of over 580 MW.
- Kenya generates more than 80% of its electricity from renewables, with major contributions from geothermal.
- Namibia and Botswana are attracting interest for green hydrogen, seen as a clean fuel of the future.
Also read: Top 10 Battery Manufacturers in Africa In 2025
These countries can form a renewable energy bloc, showcasing African leadership in decarbonization.
A Global Imperative, Not Just an African Opportunity
This is not just about Africa helping itself. With rising global temperatures, the world must triple its renewable capacity by 2030 to keep warming below 1.5°C. Africa’s potential is essential to meeting everyone’s climate targets.
If the G20, now with African representation, acts with unity and urgency, Africa can become the heart of the world’s green energy future. But the clock is ticking.