By Meresia Aloo
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Africa (APPG) has released a pivotal new report emphasizing the critical role the UK can play in facilitating a just and rapid energy transition across Africa. Titled “Africa’s Just Energy Transition: How Can the UK Support?”, the report underscores the urgent need for high-income countries, multilateral institutions, and African nations to collaborate in addressing the continent’s energy challenges, climate vulnerabilities, and development needs.
Produced over an 18-month inquiry involving diverse stakeholders from Africa and beyond, the report highlights that while Africa has contributed minimally to global climate change, it bears the brunt of its impacts. Nearly 600 million Africans still lack reliable electricity, hampering economic growth and development. Meanwhile, Africa holds vast potential for renewable energy sources—including solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal—and possesses some of the world’s largest carbon sinks and critical minerals essential for a global clean transition.
Lord Oates, a prominent advocate and contributor to the report, stated, “To achieve a just energy transition in Africa that reduces energy poverty and accelerates development in a climate-friendly way, the UK, alongside other high-income nations and multilateral bodies, must step up. This is a partnership that can shape a sustainable future for Africa and the world.”
The report details a comprehensive set of nine recommendations for the UK government, focusing on delivering existing climate commitments, mobilizing domestic and international finance, fostering investment-friendly policies, and supporting African innovation and industrialization. Key strategies include enhancing the use of blended finance, expanding private sector investments, optimizing carbon markets, and strengthening regional cooperation through initiatives like Just Energy Partnerships (JEPs) with countries such as South Africa and Senegal.
In addition, the report advocates for innovative solutions like solar mini-grids, stand-alone renewable systems, and clean cooking technologies to rapidly expand access to electricity and improve living standards. It also emphasizes the importance of creating regulatory environments conducive to investment and supporting African efforts to mobilize domestic resources.
The findings and recommendations aim to inform policy debates and foster stronger partnerships between the UK and African nations in pursuit of a sustainable, inclusive energy future. The report has been circulated widely across both continents and is expected to influence future policy initiatives.
The full report is available for download on the Royal African Society’s website here.
As Africa continues to face the dual challenges of climate change and development, the APPG’s report underscores the vital role of international cooperation—particularly the UK’s—in ensuring a fair, equitable, and sustainable energy transition that benefits millions across the continent.