Context
Power plants in sub-Saharan Africa all produce less electricity than those in Germany. The energy infrastructure in many African countries is also outdated.
Inadequate energy supplies are negatively impacting economic development, social services, public infrastructure and living standards for private households. The energy transition in Africa is progressing slowly, despite the enormous potential and clear cost advantages of electricity from renewable sources.
Objective
The African Union has improved conditions – as a result, investment in Africa’s energy supply is increasing, and significantly more companies and private households are to receive a reliable supply of energy from renewable sources in the future.
Approach
The project acts as an intermediary and an accelerator. It coordinates measures, develops the capacities of African partners and supports initiatives to drive forward Africa’s energy transition.
It harnesses synergies with intergovernmental and national projects and thus provides advice at continental and regional levels. It focuses on energy associations in Southern and East Africa and provides advisory services in cooperation with partners such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The project trains managers and specialists in the energy sector through a study and project fund for strategic topics. It also implements a strategic planning and coordination unit that supports the establishment of a unified electricity market.
In Southern and East Africa, it promotes associations through dialogue, training and support platforms and drives forward selected investment projects, preparing them for rapid financing.
The project publicises successful approaches. It also supports conferences and builds strategic partnerships for Africa’s energy transition.
Stand: April 2025