Africa possesses about 60 per cent of the world’s most viable solar energy resources, yet the continent continues to record very low levels of installed renewable energy capacity and global clean energy investment.
This was stated by Dr Michael David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), in a message marking the 2026 Africa Day in Abuja on Monday.
Africa Day is observed annually to celebrate the continent’s identity, resilience and progress, while also reflecting on shared challenges and opportunities for development.
Dr David noted that despite Africa’s vast renewable energy endowment, it receives less than three per cent of global energy investment.
He described the situation as a contradiction, arguing that the continent with the least historical responsibility for climate change holds some of the greatest resources needed to address it.
According to him, Africa also has strong wind corridors in the northern and southern regions capable of supporting large-scale power generation, as well as significant geothermal potential within the East African Rift Valley that could sustain electricity supply for decades.
He added that the continent is also rich in hydropower resources, many of which remain underdeveloped, alongside critical mineral deposits such as lithium, cobalt, manganese and graphite that are essential for global battery production and the energy transition.
Dr David called on African leaders to increase investments in clean energy and youth development in order to fully harness the continent’s natural and human capital.
He also urged stronger regional cooperation, particularly in addressing climate change, energy shortages and food insecurity across Africa.
He suggested the development of a unified continental energy system that could allow renewable power generated in one region, such as the Sahara, to be distributed across other parts of the continent.
He stressed that climate adaptation is no longer optional but necessary for survival, warning that the effects of climate change are already evident in declining crop yields, displacement of communities and rising food insecurity.
Citing estimates from the African Development Bank, he said Africa requires over $50 billion annually for climate adaptation but continues to receive only a small portion of that funding, describing the shortfall as a political rather than technical challenge.
Dr David further noted that Africa’s youth population, which makes up more than 60 per cent of its citizens under the age of 30, is already driving innovation in renewable energy, agriculture and climate technology.
He highlighted efforts such as the development of solar mini-grids in peri-urban areas, drought-resistant crops in research institutions and digital climate tools that help farmers access vital weather information.
The expert said these innovations demonstrate that young Africans are actively building solutions for the continent’s future rather than waiting for external support.