In Kibiga village, on the southern edge of Kenya’s Buda Forest in Kwale County, Umazi, a janitor at a local elementary school, grapples with energy poverty. His home, like many in the region, lacks electricity. With firewood and charcoal as his only sources of energy, he now faces a dilemma: Kenya’s Forest Service has restricted access to Buda Forest to curb deforestation, forcing residents like Umazi to collect firewood illegally.
His situation is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people lack access to electricity, and 900 million do not have clean cooking solutions, according to the International Energy Agency. While global policies advocate for a transition to renewable energy by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, the shift raises questions about equity. Can Africa transition without exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities?
Economic barriers to renewable energy adoption
A just transition must take into account the realities of poverty in Africa. According to the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), the shift to renewable energy is hindered by poor socio-economic conditions, a lack of technical expertise, and limited investment. The financial burden of adopting solar or wind power remains out of reach for many families. Without financial support, a blanket transition policy could further entrench poverty rather than alleviate it.
Gender disparities in energy access
Energy poverty in Africa disproportionately affects women and girls. The African Development Bank (AfDB) notes that women are primarily responsible for collecting fuel in many communities, yet they have limited access to land, credit, and clean energy resources. The transition to renewable energy must address these gendered disparities. Policies should ensure that women, who are often at the forefront of energy-related household responsibilities, have ownership and decision-making power over clean energy solutions.
Africa’s untapped renewable energy potential
Despite its vast renewable energy resources—including solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power—Africa lags in clean energy technology and industrial capacity. The continent is also rich in critical minerals used in clean energy production, such as lithium and cobalt, yet lacks the infrastructure to harness these resources effectively. The absence of robust research and development (R&D) investment further hinders Africa’s ability to manufacture and maintain renewable energy systems.
A just transition requires strengthening technical expertise and innovation. Public-private partnerships, increased funding for R&D, and investment in local manufacturing can ensure Africa is not merely a consumer of renewable technology but a leader in its development.
The need for African voices in global energy policies
One of the most significant challenges to Africa’s transition is its exclusion from global energy policy discussions. The Center for Africa-Europe Relations highlights that international renewable energy strategies often overlook Africa’s specific needs. Without African leadership in shaping policies, the risk of implementing one-size-fits-all solutions that do not reflect local realities remains high.
Ensuring a just transition requires amplifying the voices of grassroots organizations, regional institutions, and advocacy groups. Policies should be driven by African stakeholders who understand the continent’s economic and social context.
Read also: Navigating energy transition and climate adaptation for a sustainable future
Towards an equitable energy transition
The urgency of transitioning to clean energy is undeniable, given the escalating climate crisis. However, without addressing socio-economic disparities, gender imbalances, and technological limitations, Africa risks deepening existing inequalities. A just transition must prioritize economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, and political representation.
For individuals like Umazi, the transition must not be a burden but an opportunity—one that ensures access to clean, affordable energy while fostering economic growth and social equity. Without these considerations, Africa’s shift to renewable energy risks leaving millions behind in a continent abundant in resources but constrained by systemic challenges.
The writer is an Environmental and Social Safeguards & Sustainability Specialist
