Africa could unlock savings of up to US$5 trillion and create more than 2 million jobs by transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050, according to a new report from Kenyan think tank Power Shift Africa.
The study, titled “African Energy Leadership: The Case for 100% Renewable Energy”, presents a compelling economic and environmental case for a continent-wide green transition. It estimates that Africa’s renewable energy capacity could grow from 80 GW in 2023 to 3,500 GW by 2050, powered by the continent’s vast solar and wind potential—482,000 GW in solar photovoltaic and 71,000 GW in onshore wind.
Critically, the renewable shift would reduce overall energy expenditure. While infrastructure investment under the green scenario is projected at US$7.3 trillion, this would be offset by US$8.3 trillion in fuel savings, avoiding a staggering US$22 trillion in costs under a fossil fuel-based pathway.
Also read: Africa: The G20’s Strategic Green Energy Partner
Employment gains are also significant. Renewable energy jobs could surge from 350,000 today to over 5.3 million by 2050, compared to 3.2 million under a conventional energy model.
The report urges African governments to adopt decentralised renewable systems, particularly to address the 600 million people without electricity and 720 million living beyond 10 km of a power grid. These models, it argues, are faster, cheaper, and more inclusive.
Power Shift Africa recommends measures such as Just Energy Transition Partnerships, debt relief, SDR allocations, and loss and damage compensation to finance the shift. With only 3% of global emissions, Africa holds the moral high ground to demand climate justice and lead the global clean energy revolution.
