East Africa, the continent's fastest-growing region in terms of population, presents a dynamic energy landscape characterized by both challenges and opportunities. Against the backdrop of a burgeoning population, a significant portion of East Africa grapples with economic disparities and fragile political climates. The energy sector, crucial for sustaining growth and development, remains central to the region's pursuit of sustainable and inclusive progress. A new episode of Connecting the Dots study conducted by RES4Africa will shed light on the intricate interplay between energy, climate change, and the socioeconomic dynamics within the region.
East Africa, despite its leadership in population growth, currently holds the fourth spot in terms of GDP among African regions, followed only by Central Africa. Nevertheless, the region demonstrated a robust 5% GDP growth on average in the last decade, except for the COVID-19 outbreak, primarily propelled by significant advancements in the construction and services sectors. Kenya and Ethiopia emerged as key contributors to the region's GDP, emphasizing off-grid solar renewable power and spearheading efforts to enhance energy accessibility. Additionally, projections for the upcoming years anticipate a continued upward trajectory, with Uganda expected to drive much of the anticipated economic growth. However, these strides are unevenly distributed across the region, as evidenced by disparities in inflation and economic integration within the region; persistent poverty and inequality in several East African countries pose threats to long-term sustainable development. Ongoing political instability, notably in Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, casts a shadow over the region's future. Concerningly, as of 2020, an estimated 182 million people across the region still lacked access to electricity, with East Africa's electricity access standing at approximately 46%, while clean cooking accessibility remained as low as 7% by the end of 2019 (IRENA, 2021). While smaller island states like Mauritius and the Seychelles achieved near-universal access to modern energy, Burundi and South Sudan struggled with some of Africa's lowest access rates. Despite improvements in the past decade, East Africa continues to lag behind in terms of the quality of governance, with several countries grappling with intricate political and social challenges.
Amidst these challenges, the energy market in East Africa has emerged as a significant recipient of strategic investments. Over the past decade, the region has garnered substantial attention from major international players. The Belt and Road Initiative has positioned East Africa as a primary target for Chinese investment, particularly within the renewable sector. Similarly, the European Union has directed considerable investments towards infrastructure development in the region. International Financial Institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) have identified East Africa as an attractive market for energy investments, with a total commitment reaching approximately USD 3.8 million.
Moreover, between 2011 and 2020, East Africa experienced a significant surge in electricity generation. In total, during this decade, East Africa added almost 7 GW of new electricity generation capacity, almost doubling the region’s total electricity generation capacity to 16.3 GW by 2021. Around 80% of this expansion was driven by renewable energy sources, including hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar power. The presence of the Great Lakes, the Great Rift Valley, and the Nile Basin has endowed the region with a substantial hydropower potential, dominating the electricity generation mix.
Climate change remains a looming threat, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of East African countries. As illustrated in a Brookings report, East Africa is warming faster than the global average and the effects of climate change In the region are palpable, with adverse impacts on agriculture, water resources, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem stability. Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events have significantly disrupted agricultural activities, leading to food insecurity and economic instability. While the challenges are formidable, the region also presents significant opportunities for transitioning towards sustainable energy practices. With abundant solar irradiation and considerable wind potential, East Africa is well-positioned to embrace solar PV and wind energy solutions. The ongoing and planned large-scale renewable energy projects, such as the Grand Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia and the Lake Turkana onshore wind plant in Kenya, underscore the region's commitment to harnessing its renewable energy potential.
In brief, East Africa has the potential to emerge as a pivotal player in the global transition towards sustainable energy, capitalizing on strategic international investments and its abundant renewable resources. However, despite notable advancements in GDP growth and renewable energy expansion, the region still grapples with persistent challenges attributed to uneven progress and socio-political complexities, shaping a multifaceted energy landscape that demands comprehensive scrutiny.
To illuminate this intricate terrain, the upcoming Connecting the Dots study seeks to offer invaluable insights into East Africa's energy dynamics, emphasizing the vital nexus between energy access, climate change, and socio-economic advancement. Through a comprehensive examination of key energy trends and their implications, the analysis aims to provide actionable recommendations for nurturing sustainable and inclusive development. With each connection made, East Africa can weave together the strands of energy resilience, charting a course toward a future that integrates sustainable development and inclusive prosperity, one dot at a time.
