As 2024 comes to a close, it marks a year of profound global challenges. Geopolitical tensions have deepened, economic growth has slowed, and the harsh realities of climate change continue to unfold. Fossil fuel dependency remains a major vulnerability, while COP29 highlighted the growing gap in addressing the urgent needs of developing nations, especially regarding climate adaptation and financing.

Africa is increasingly central to discussions on the future of energy. The continent, rich in natural resources, is uniquely positioned to play a central role in the global energy transition. However, it’s also dealing with some deep-rooted problems that need fixing to really tap into its huge potential.

Africa's strategic role in the energy transition

Africa holds more than 40% of the world’s reserves of essential minerals like cobalt, manganese, and platinum, all of which are crucial for the technologies driving the global energy transition. From electric vehicle batteries to hydrogen electrolyzers, these resources will be central to the development of cleaner energy systems. But the continent’s role cannot be limited to mere resource extraction and export. 

Historically, Africa’s resources have been exported with minimal local benefit, perpetuating economic dependency and environmental harm. To break this cycle, the continent must invest in refining and manufacturing industries, transforming raw materials into high-value products like batteries and fuel cells. This shift would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and integrate Africa into global value chains

The need for collaboration and investment

Equitable partnerships with wealthier nations are essential to Africa’s transformation, driving sustainable development, technology transfer, and shared prosperity. By taking a leadership role in innovation and clean energy production, Africa can shift from being a supplier of resources to becoming a cornerstone of the global energy transition, securing both regional and global benefits. 

To fulfill its potential as a leader in the energy transition, Africa must move beyond resource extraction and towards value-added industrialization, requiring a shift in how the global community engages with the continent. Wealthier nations must collaborate with African countries as equal partners, co-creating solutions that benefit all parties. This approach is not only ethically necessary but also strategically essential for achieving global climate goals.

The path ahead is complex. Africa’s resource exploitation must align with sustainable development goals, prioritizing the welfare of local communities. This means ensuring that industrialization leads to job creation, economic empowerment, and technology transfer, rather than exacerbating inequalities. By investing in refining and processing industries on African soil, the continent can significantly reduce its reliance on raw material exports, increase its share of the global value chain, and foster long-term economic growth.

Gender inclusivity and innovation

A successful energy transition must be inclusive, both in terms of opportunities and leadership. In Africa, gender equality is a critical factor in ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition reach all sectors of society. Empowering women within the energy sector is not merely a matter of fairness—it is a proven strategy for achieving better and more sustainable outcomes. Women’s involvement in leadership roles and decision-making processes can help ensure that energy solutions are equitable and address the needs of all communities.

Innovation is equally crucial to Africa’s energy future. New technologies, such as green hydrogen, smart grids, and decentralized energy solutions, offer immense potential to transform the continent’s energy systems. However, the deployment of these technologies must be accompanied by policies that support their integration into existing infrastructure, ensure market accessibility, and build the technical capacity needed to manage these systems effectively.

The energy transition: a shared global responsibility

The global energy transition is a shared challenge, and Africa’s involvement is essential. However, the continent’s experience highlights the tension between short-term development needs and long-term sustainability. Historical patterns of resource exploitation have often left African countries vulnerable to external shocks and environmental degradation. This time, the global community must recognize the need for transformative change that benefits both Africa and the planet as a whole.

Africa's success in the energy transition is not just a regional priority—it is a global necessity. The progress of African nations is intrinsically tied to the overall success of the global transition to clean energy. The world cannot achieve its climate goals without Africa’s active participation in shaping and driving this transition.

The role of the RES4Africa Foundation

One of the leading organizations driving Africa’s renewable energy transformation is the RES4Africa Foundation. In 2024, RES4Africa undertook a wide range of initiatives aimed at building local capacity, fostering innovation, and driving systemic change across the continent.

• Regulatory frameworks: Focused on strengthening Africa's energy regulatory frameworks to accelerate renewable energy adoption, boost investments, and enhance stakeholder confidence

• High-level dialogues: Organized major conferences and policy dialogues, including during G7 Planet Week and in Morocco, to foster collaboration between African governments, regulators, and global partners

• Skill development: Prioritized capacity-building efforts, such as the Academy Executive School and technical training on green hydrogen, energy storage, and smart grids

• Training and education: Delivered key training initiatives, including the High-Level Managerial Course on Renewable Energy and the First Technical and Vocational Training in Eritrea, to equip professionals with the skills needed for Africa’s energy transition

• Centre of excellence: Established a Centre of Excellence in Morocco to accelerate renewable energy development and support energy transition across Africa

• Gender inclusivity: Promoted women's participation and leadership in the energy sector through the study "A Just Transition or Just a Transition" presented at Cairo Sustainable Energy Week

• Youth and innovation: RAISEAfrica, the Renewables Accelerator for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa, is supporting the growth of six pioneering green energy startups across five African countries.

The urgency of Africa’s energy transition

As the world moves into 2025, the urgency of Africa’s energy transition cannot be overstated. The continent’s ability to successfully navigate this transition will have profound implications not just for its own future, but for the health and prosperity of the global community. Africa’s potential to become a leader in the clean energy economy is clear—but this potential can only be realized through global collaboration, strategic investment, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

The time to act is now. Governments and private entities must invest in local capacity building, incentivize green technology adoption, and foster equal partnerships to ensure Africa’s important  role in the clean energy future.

illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.