Africa, rich in natural resources, is at a crucial turning point for sustainable development. Energy policies vary from one country to another, depending on economic, political, and environmental contexts. This article explores the strategies of the three African leaders in renewable energy: Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. We highlight their successes, challenges, and lessons to be learned.

Kenya : Pioneer in renewable energy in Africa

Kenya is a major example of renewable energy use in Africa. With 90% of its national grid powered by renewable sources, the country is making significant progress towards a sustainable energy transition.

Incentives in place

Kenya has implemented several incentive measures, including a feed-in tariff (FiT) program that supports wind, solar, and geothermal energy. The government also offers tax exemptions for solar panels and mandates the installation of solar systems in new buildings.

Infrastructure development

In 2024, Kenya secured 70 million USD in funding to modernize its grid infrastructure and stimulate competition in the energy sector. The goal is to generate 100 % of its electricity from clean resources by 2030.

Currently, 90 % of its national grid is powered by renewable energy. Kenya has extensive experience in grid flexibility, allowing it to increase its production capacity through the integration of variable renewable energy and diversification of its energy mix.

Technical challenges

The country must overcome challenges such as underutilization of energy at night and high demand during peak hours. To address these issues, Kenya is investing in energy storage and improving grid management. Investments in battery energy storage systems and participation in the CIF REI learning platform are key steps in solving these problems.

Regional cooperation

Kenya shares its expertise with its neighbors and collaborates internationally to promote renewable energy in Africa. This highlights the importance of strong policies and regional cooperation to accelerate the energy transition.

Renewable energy : South Africa’s approach

South Africa, traditionally dependent on coal, is now turning to renewable energy. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019 aims to achieve 42 % of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Incentive policies

To promote renewable energy, South Africa offers various incentives such as :

• Tax credits
• Guaranteed feed-in tariffs
• Capital subsidies

Additionally, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP) supports private-sector participation.

Challenges to overcome

Despite these efforts, South Africa faces several obstacles, including:

• The high cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
• Limited return on investment opportunities
• Competition from imported renewable energy products
• A shortage of skilled workers in the sector

Progress achieved so far

Renewable energy currently accounts for 10 % of the country’s electricity supply. By 2030, South Africa aims to add 18.7 GW of solar PV capacity and 14.4 GW of wind capacity. A good example of its capabilities is the Sere Wind Farm in the Western Cape. This 100 MW project developed by Eskom in 2015 demonstrates the country’s ability to implement large-scale renewable energy initiatives.

Regional and global collaboration

South Africa collaborates with regional organizations such as AREA and ECOWAS to share its expertise and advance renewable energy projects. Additionally, its commitment to international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, underscores its efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.

The country’s journey highlights both the potential and obstacles associated with transitioning from coal to renewable energy, paving the way for a closer look at Nigeria’s strategy.

Renewable energy : Nigeria’s strategy

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is striving to reshape its energy sector by focusing on renewable energy. The plan combines government policies with concrete measures to realize this vision.

Policy framework and incentives

In 2015, Nigeria implemented a feed-in tariff system to encourage private investment in rural electrification. To stimulate the adoption of renewable energy, the government offers financial incentives such as:

• Tax exemptions
• Capital subsidies for clean energy projects
• Financing options to support rural electrification efforts

Implementation challenges

Despite its ambitions, Nigeria faces several obstacles in implementing renewable energy solutions. Limited grid capacity and outdated transmission systems add to financial hurdles, such as high upfront costs. These technical issues are further complicated by cumbersome regulatory processes and a lack of coordination between government agencies.

Results and current progress

Nigeria aims to produce 30 % of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Progress so far includes:

• New off-grid solar projects targeting rural electrification
• Streamlined regulations to attract international investors
• Public-private partnerships

Regional collaboration

Nigeria actively collaborates with regional organizations such as AREA and ECOWAS to share expertise, gain technical support, and harmonize its renewable energy strategies. The Energy Transition Centre also plays a key role in providing advisory and legal assistance to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the country’s energy mix.

Prospects

To achieve its renewable energy goals, Nigeria must strengthen the reliability of its electricity grid and simplify its regulatory procedures. The growing demand for off-grid solar solutions in rural areas represents a promising expansion sector.

Nigeria’s approach to renewable energy highlights a mix of successes and challenges. These elements provide crucial insights for shaping energy policies across Africa.

Strengths and weaknesses of each policy

An analysis of energy policies in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria reveals varied strategies and contrasting results. Each country presents specific advantages while having to overcome unique challenges in implementing its initiatives.

South Africa has the largest renewable energy capacity, with 10.62 GW in 2023. Conversely, Kenya stands out with 90% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. These results illustrate the different strategies and priorities in renewable energy development across the continent.

These divergences underscore the importance of regional collaboration and the adoption of common strategies to fully exploit the potential of renewable energy in Africa. Working together would help overcome challenges and foster a unified approach to developing clean energy.