Unlocking Africa's sustainable energy potential: challenges, opportunities, and innovation

Date: Thursday 7 ​September 2023

Time: 09:00am - 10:15 am EAT

Location: Aberdares Hall, Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) 

This is an Africa Climate Week 2023 Action Track event. Live streaming link.

Africa is an emerging frontier in the global energy landscape, situated at the intersection of rapid economic and social development and substantial untapped renewable energy potential. The continent is home to 17% of the world's population but accounts for only 4% of global energy demand. In addition, Africa remains behind when it comes to access to reliable electricity with 43% of the population lacking access, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of electricity access remains a major barrier to socioeconomic development in the region, where more than 80% of the global population lacking access to electricity lived in 2021. 

This session will highlight how Africa's energy transition is not merely an urgent response to climate change. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stimulate economic growth and social progress, reduce global inequalities, and create a model for global sustainable energy transitions. Utilizing this potential will significantly contribute to the creation of a resilient and sustainable energy future on the continent and worldwide. 

Explore UNEP's full list of activities during Africa Climate Week/Africa Climate Summit 2023.