The countries in Africa are experiencing some of the world’s fastest economic and demographic growth, with six of the world’s ten fastest rising economies, and a population expected to increase from 1 to 2 billion people by 2050.
Policymakers face a decision: Do they focus on untidy, often expensive, unsafe fossil fuels, or do they adopt the continent’s enormous renewable energy potential? Today’s decisions will have a lasting impact on growth, the environment, health and poverty reduction, access to energy, as well as global CO2 emissions
With world-class solar and hydropower resources, complemented by bioenergy, wind, geothermal and marine resources in some regions, the report shows that Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog to modern renewable energy – unlocking huge economies of scale, and offering substantial benefits for equitable development, local value creation, energy security, and environmental sustainability.“Africa is undergoing a transformation, and has an unparalleled opportunity to use renewable energy to promote growth and improve millions of lives across the continent,” says Adnan Z. Amin, IRENA Director-General. “It’s an exciting moment, and IRENA is ready to play its role in assisting Africa on its path to a renewable energy future.”
