SE4ALL Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing: Opportunity and Advancement

This report, by Sustainable Energy for All, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies ClimateWorks Foundation, African Climate Foundation, and Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association, has assessed the potential of renewable energy in Africa and creates a roadmap for African countries to localise manufacturing.

As global momentum shifts toward clean energy, Africa is uniquely positioned to become more than just a consumer of imported technologies. With rapidly growing energy demand, abundant renewable resources, and a youthful workforce, the continent has the ingredients to localise clean energy manufacturing and drive its own transition. But doing so will require intentional planning and investment.

This report outlines a roadmap for African countries to build their own clean energy industries, emphasising solar, wind, and battery storage. It highlights the economic and job creation potential of local manufacturing, noting that with the right policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and regional cooperation, Africa could drastically reduce its reliance on imports.