Paper short abstract:

This paper presents a critical review of the trends, existing policies, plans and programmes for increasing energy access in Africa with a focus on renewable energy.

Paper long abstract:

Trends in the energy sector have shown a growing demand for electricity in Africa, with an estimated 585 million people having no access to electricity. Given the paucity for economic development in the continent, pressures that tend to increase energy consumption will remain strong with projections indicating a significant rise to 652 million people by 2030. Apart from the need to meet the Millennium Development Goals, scaling up renewable energy in Africa is inevitable given the combined effects of climate change, the continued volatility of fuel prices, and the rampant food crisis. Therefore the view of following a sustainable path of economic development is a key policy for protecting the environment while raising economic standards. This paper presents a critical review of the trends, existing policies, plans and programmes for increasing energy access in Africa with a focus on renewable energy. In particular the paper unleashes Africa's attractiveness, the investment trends, and the expectations in bio-fuels and solar which are regarded as key renewable energy options. The paper also discusses the role of multilateral organisations such as the African Union in policy formulation, and future implementation of policies on renewable energy.