The African Union continues its efforts to accelerate the transition to clean energy, with universal energy access remaining a top priority for developing the continent’s energy sector. Recognizing the necessity of energy for transformative growth, the African Union Commission completed two significant studies in March 2024, validated by stakeholders.

These studies aim to promote policies and strategies that will accelerate the deployment of solar energy, which holds 60% of the world’s solar energy potential in Africa. The studies outline several public policy measures to boost solar energy development, including targeting private sector investments, upgrading transportation infrastructure, and enhancing skills development.

Additionally, the studies focus on designing a renewable energy program to support African island states (AIS) in accessing green climate funds, aiming to accelerate energy access and build a robust electricity market. The roadmap includes creating sustainable and clean energy markets through a tailored policy and regulatory framework to support AIS. It also provides step-by-step guidelines for sustainable climate financing for these states. Projections indicate an eightfold increase in energy production from solar and wind, reaching 27% by 2030.