Background

Africa holds huge renewable energy promises. The resource potentials are vast - with abundant wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy sources. Central and Southern African countries are host to abundant mineral resources essential for producing electric batteries, wind turbines, and other low-carbon technologies. The needs are also very clear. There are currently close to 800 million people without access to electricity in the world; 78 percent of them are in Africa. More than 850 million people depend on wood and charcoal, which poses a healthcare issue.

Against this background, it is no wonder that the support of renewable energy investments is supposed to play a huge part in Germany’s Africa policy, both in its development cooperation and foreign trade and investment relations – at least on paper.

Despite the abundance, clear needs and political approval, Africa’s share of total cumulative global renewable energy investments from 2000 to 2020 is only 2 percent - 60 billion dollars. 75 percent of the investments made between 2010 and 2020 went to just four countries: South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Kenya. Why is Africa attracting such low levels of investment? What needs to be done to drastically increase the amount of investment going to African countries? Does Germany’s Africa policy provide adequate solutions in this regard?

To discuss these and other questions together, the German Africa Foundation and the Africa Policy Research Institute cordially invite you to an expert discussion. A subsequent reception will allow for free exchange between policymakers, the African diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from business, think tanks and civil society.

The event will be held in German and English. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided. We are looking forward to your participation.