EmPowering Africa

In sub-Saharan Africa, seven out of ten people lack reliable access to electricity. With this project, Worldwatch is working with leaders across the region to identify the opportunities and challenges they face in the transition to a sustainable energy economy. In doing so, we aim to boost the quality of education, help erradicate illness and disease, and facilitate economic growth across the region.

Sustainable Energy Roadmaps: Guiding the Global Shift to Domestic Renewables 

Report #187 | March 2012

Powering the Low-Carbon Economy: The Once and Future Roles of Natural Gas

Report #184 | December 2010

State of the World 2008: Innovations for a Sustainable Economy

January 2008

With your help, we were able to raise

$40,000 

to begin our EmPowering Africa work.

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to many countries with great renewable energy potential. Still, the region is largely dependent on fossil fuels to cover its growing energy needs. And there's no question about those energy needs: people who lack electricity are also likely to lack sufficient sanitation and health services, not to mention access to modern media and telecommunication, a decent education, and productive business opportunities.

As an extension of its successful Sustainable Energy Roadmap work in the Caribbean and Central America, the Worldwatch Institute will team up with energy leaders across the region to develop roadmaps to a sustainable energy future, a prequisite to continued development and poverty eradication. Investment in renewable energy as well as efficient energy supply, transmission, and usage will help the region's 48 countries reduce their dependence on costly and toxic fossil fuels, give marginalized people access to modern energy services, reduce electricity prices, create jobs, and improve health and education services.