The European Union has drawn attention to the gap between Africa’s considerable renewable energy resources and the modest level of investment directed toward them. According to the EU, the continent holds an estimated 60 percent of the world’s highest-quality solar resources, yet receives only about 2 percent of global energy investment. The disparity reflects long-standing structural and financial barriers that continue to limit the pace of clean-energy development.
Although Africa’s solar capacity is among the strongest anywhere in the world, the sector faces a combination of high capital costs, restricted access to financing, geographic hurdles, and persistent supply chain difficulties. These constraints have slowed the deployment of renewable projects at a time when demand for energy continues to rise.
In a recent statement, the EU noted that Africa’s solar potential represents a significant opportunity for both domestic growth and global climate targets. However, the continent’s ability to harness this potential depends on sustained investment and the removal of barriers that keep project costs high and scale limited.
The challenge is underscored by the current reality: an estimated 600 million people across Africa live without electricity. With the continent’s population projected to double by 2050, the need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy has become central to economic planning. For many countries, expanding access to power is not only a development priority but also a crucial part of meeting international climate commitments.
The EU’s assessment adds to a growing call for a more coordinated effort between African governments, global partners, and private investors. The region’s renewable capacity is widely recognised. The question now is whether the investment required to unlock it can grow at the pace the future demands.
