Renewable energy includes all forms of energy produced from renewable
sources in a sustainable manner, including
bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy, solar energy, and wind
energy. Less than one quarter of Africa’s renewable power generation
potential is utilized. Africa’s natural endowments are enormous, yet the
continent experiences high energy shortage. Amongst the classifications of
energy sources, renewable and green energy sources are increasingly gaining
popularity due to their sustainable nature and environmental concerns. This
paper explores the continent’s natural energy sources and identifies pathways
to sustainable development. The paper also narrows the renewable and green
energy sources obtainable on the continent and
presents their contribution to the development of the continent. The awareness
level of Africans towards renewable energy is discussed
and the challenges of renewable and green energy sources are highlighted.
Finally, the roles to be played by the government and private organizations in
the development of renewable and green energy sources in Africa are discussed.
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