Decarbonization Efforts in Africa: Successes, Opportunities, and Challenges for Promoting the use of Renewable Energy by Social Economy

Authors

  • Joseph Mamman Ibbih Nasarawa State University, Keffi
  • Nicodemus Samson Nyako

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2024.1.05

Keywords:

climate change, decarbonization, renewable energy, social economy, Africa

Abstract

Background: While Africa contributes minimally to global warming, it remains disproportionately vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, including reduced agricultural productivity and erratic rainfall patterns. In response, African governments and policymakers have devised strategies aimed at mitigating climate change effects and promoting renewable energy adoption, decarbonization, and sustainable development pathways.

Research objectives: This article aims to explore the intersection of decarbonization and the social economy sector in Africa, particularly in promoting renewable energy utilization. It seeks to examine the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating decarbonization efforts within social economy frameworks on the continent.

Research design and methods: The study employs a narrative methodology coupled with content analysis to investigate the dynamics of decarbonization within the context of the social economy in Africa. It assesses the existing initiatives, policies, and challenges related to promoting renewable energy adoption and decarbonization strategies.

Results: The findings indicate that while there is a growing recognition of the importance of decarbonization and renewable energy in Africa’s social economy sector, challenges such as limited access to technology, funding, and infrastructure persist.

Conclusions: Addressing these obstacles is crucial for advancing decarbonization and climate change mitigation efforts across the continent.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

AJLabs. (2023). How much does Africa contribute to global carbon emissions? https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/4/how-much-does-africa-contribute-to-global-carbon-emissions

Ansari, D., & Holz, F. (2019). Anticipating global energy, climate and policy in 2055: Constructing qualitative and quantitative narratives. Energy Research and Social Science, 58, 101250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2019.101250

Bella, F., Calvi. A., & D’Amico, F. (2014). Analysis of driver speeds under night driving conditions using a driving simulator. Journal of Safety Research, 49, 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2014.02.007

Bogdanov, D., Gulagi, A., Fasihi, M., Breyer, C. (2021). Full energy sector transition towards 100% renewable energy supply: Integrating power, heat, transport and industry sectors including desalination. Apply Energy, 283, 116273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116273

Bos, K., & Gupta, J. (2019). Stranded assets and stranded resources: Implications for climate change mitigation and global sustainable development. Energy Research and Social Science, 56(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2019.05.025

Brodny, J., Tutak, M., & Bindzár, P. (2021). Assessing the level of renewable energy development in the European Union Member States: A 10-year perspective. Energies, 14(13), 3765. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133765

Caglar, A. E., Zafar, M. W., Bekun, V. F., & Mert, M. (2022). Determinants of CO2 emissions in the BRICS economies: The role of partnerships investment in energy and economic complexity. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 51(4), 753–763 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-020-1158-x

Callahan, C. W., & Mankin, J. S. (2022). National attribution of historical climate damages. Climatic Change, 172(3), 40.

Chen, L., Msigwa, G., Yang, M., Osman, A. I., Fawzy, S., Rooney, D. W., & Yap, P.-S. (2022). Strategies to achieve a carbon neutral society: A review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 20(4), 2277–2310. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01435-8

Chen, Y., Muntasir, M., Ilhan, O., Abu Bakkar, S., Wafa, G., & Khurshid, K. (2023). Decarbonization blueprints for developing countries: The role of energy productivity, renewable energy, and financial development in environmental improvement. Resource Policy, 83, 103674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103674

Dar, J., & Asif, M. (2023). Environmental feasibility of a gradual shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy in India: Evidence from multiple structural breaks cointegration. Renewable Energy, 202(C), 589–601. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148122016330

Elkadeem, M. R., Wang, S., Atia, E. G., Shafik, M. B., Sharshir, S.W., Ullah, Z., & Chen, H. (2019). Techno-economic design and assessment of grid-isolated hybrid renewable energy system for agriculture sector. In 14th IEEE Conference on Industrial Electronics and Applications (ICIEA), 1562–1568.

Falkner, R. (2016). The Paris agreement and the new logic of international climate politics. International Affairs, 92(5), 1107–1125. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2346.12708

Farghali, M., Osman, A.I., Umetsu, K., & Rooney, D. W. (2022). Integration of biogas systems into a carbon zero and hydrogen economy: A review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 20(5), 2853-2927. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01468-z

Fawzy, S., Osman, A.I., Doran, & Rooney, D. W. (2020). Strategies for mitigation of climate change: A review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 18(6), 2069–2094. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-020-01059-w

Fay, M., Hallegatte, S., Vogt-Schilb, A., Rozenberg, J., Narloch, J., & Kerr, T. (2015). Decarbonizing development: Three steps to a zero-carbon future [policy note]. World Bank.

Generation Unlimited (2023). The Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNICEF’s GenU & IKEA Foundation launch Green Entrepreneurship Programme. https://www.generationunlimited.org/stories/tony-elumelu-foundation-unicefs-genu-ikea-foundation-launch-green-entrepreneurship

Gerd, M., & Francesco, L. C. (2019). The renewable energy transition in Africa: Powering access, resilience and prosperity. International Renewable Energy Agency.

Gielen, D., Boshell, F., Saygin, D. Bazilian, D. M., Wagner, N., & Gorini, R. (2019). The role of renewable energy in the global energy transformation: A roadmap to 2050. Energy Strategy Reviews, 24, 38–50. https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2019.01.006

Hache, E. (2018). Do renewable energies improve energy security in the long run? International Economics, 156,127–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inteco.2018.01.005

Hosier, R. H., Kappen, J. F. et al. 2017. Scalable business models for alternative biomass cooking fuels and their potential in sub-Saharan Africa. World Bank Group.

IEA. (2014). Renewable energy: Medium term market report 2014. Executive Summary. OECD/IEA.

IEA. (2017). Energy access outlook 2017. IEA.

IEA. (2018). World energy outlook 2018. IEA.

IEA. (2019). Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency. IEA.https://www.iea.org/reports/multiple-benefits-of-energy-efficiency

IEA. (2021). Achieving net zero electricity sectors in G7 members. IEA.

IEA. (2022). World energy outlook 2022. IEA.

IEA, IRENA, UNSD, World Bank, & WHO. (2023). Tracking SDG 7: The energy progress report. World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS

IMF. (2018). Data mapper, world economic outlook.

IMF. (2018). Public investment management assessment: Review and update. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Policy-Papers/Issues/2018/05/10/pp042518public-investment-management-assessment-review-and-update

IRENA. (2020). Global renewables outlook: Energy transformation 2050. IRENA.

Jacobson, M. Z. et al. (2017). 100% clean and renewable wind, water, and sunlight all-sector energy roadmaps for 139 countries of the world. Joule, 1(1), 108–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2017.07.005

Khoie, R., Ugale, K., & Benefield, J. (2019). Renewable resources of the northern half of the United States: Potential for 100% renewable electricity. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 21(2), https://doi.10.1007/s10098-019-01751-8

Kimani, J. (2022). Africa’s role in decarbonizing the planet: The Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A).

Lambe, F., Jürisoo, M., Wanjiru, H., & Senyagwa, J. (2015). Bringing clean, safe, affordable cooking energy to households across Africa: An agenda for action. New Climate Economy working paper, based on a background paper to the Africa Progress Panel 2015 report Power, people, planet: Seizing Africa’s energy and climate opportunities.

Lee, J.-Y. et al. (2019). Multi-objective optimization of hybrid power systems under uncertainties. Energy Outlook, 175, 1271–1271. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.03.141

Liu, J., Wang, M., Peng, J., Chen, X., Cao, S., & Yang, H. (2020). Techno-economic design optimization of hybrid renewable energy applications for high-rise residential buildings. Energy Conversation Management, 213, 112868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2020.112868

Naden, C. (2018). Improving health with new standards for cleaner cookstoves. https://www.iso.org/news/ref2302.html

NCE. (2018). Unlocking the inclusive growth story of the 21st century: Accelerating climate action in urgent times. A Report of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate OECD, The World Bank, and UN Environment (2018), Financing climate futures: Rethinking infrastructure. OECD Publishing.

Nelson, M. B. (2016). Africa’s regional powers and climate change negotiations. Global Environmental Politics, 16(2), 110–129. DOI:10.1162/GLEP_a_00348

Nkatha, K. (2023). Decarbonization explained: Is Africa ready for this transition? Greenpeace Africa. https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/blogs/54186/decarbonization-explained-is-africa-ready-for-this-transition

OECD. (2012). Renewable energy and rural development: Interim report. OECD Publishing.

OECD. (2022). Recommendation on social and solidarity economy and social innovation. https://www.undp.org/africa/news/africas-just-energy-transition-priority-world-moves-toward-decarbonization

Okeke-Uzodike, O. E., & Subban, M. (2016). The social economy and role of government in South Africa: Incorporating business models and strategies into social entrepreneurship. https//doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-8748-6.ch013

Osman, A. I., Hefny, M., Abdel Maksoud, M. I. A., Elgarahy, A. M., & Rooney, D. W. (2022). Cost, environmental impact, and resilience of renewable energy under a changing climate: A review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 21, 741–764. https//doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01532-8

Ramzan, M., Raza, S. A., Usman, M., Sharma, G. D., & Iqbal, H. A. (2022). Environmental cost of non-renewable energy and economic progress: Do ICT and financial development mitigate some burden? Journal of Cleaner Production, 333, 130066. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130066

Rasoanarivony, M. (2022). Fostering the impact of social entrepreneurs working on climate change in Africa. Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. https://sunconnect.org/wpcont/uploads/mialy-final-paper.pdf

Restaki. J. (2006). Defining the social economy: The BC context. Archived from the original on 2018-04-17. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_economy

Rigaud, K. K., de Sherbinin, A., Jones, B., Bergmann, J., Clement, V. Ober, K., Schewe, J., Adamo, S., McCusker, B., Heuser, S., & Midgley, A. (2018). Groundswell: Preparing for internal climate migration. World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/29461

Roe, S., Streck, C., Beach, R. et al. (2021). Land‐based measures to mitigate climate change: Potential and feasibility by country. Global Change – Wiley Online Library.

Sayed, T., Wilberforce, T., Elsaid, K., Kamal, M., Rabaia, H., Abdelkareem, A. M., Chae, K., & Olabi, A. G. (2021). A critical review on environmental impacts of renewable energy systems and mitigation strategies: Wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal. Science of the Total Environment, 766, 144505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144505

Shahbaz, M., Raghutla, C., Chittedi, K. R., & Jiao, Z. (2021). The effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth: Evidence from the renewable energy country attractive index. Energy, 207(1), 118162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.118162

Shankar, A. V., Onyura, M. A., & Alderman, J. (2015). Understanding impacts of women’s engagement in the improved cookstove value chain in Kenya.

Sharma, G. D., Tiwari, A. K., & Mundi, H. S. (2021). Exploring the nexus between non-renewable and renewable energy consumptions and economic development: Evidence from panel estimations. Renewable and Sustainable. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.09.242

Shouman, E. R. (2017). International and national renewable energy for electricity with optimal cost effective for electricity in Egypt. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 77(C), 916–923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.107

Tabrizian, S. (2019). Technological innovation to achieve sustainable development: Renewable energy technologies diffusion in developing countries. Sustainable Development, 27(3), 537–544. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.1918

Talan, A., Rao, A., Sharma, D. G., Apostu, A. S., & Abbas, S. (2023) Transition towards clean energy consumption in G7: Can financial sector, ICT and democracy help? Resources Policy, 82, 103447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103447

Tanaka, K., Haga, C., Hori, K., & Matsui T. (2022). Renewable energy nexus: Interlinkages with biodiversity and social issues in Japan. Energy Nexus, 6(2), 53–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2022.100069

Tony Elumelu Foundation (2023). Africa! Let’s go green! https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/research-publications/africa-lets-go-green

UNCTAD. (2022). The least developed countries report 2022: The low-carbon transition and its daunting implications for structural transformation. United Nations.

UNDP. (2020). De-risking renewable energy investment. www.undp.org/kazakhstan

UNDP. (2023). Africa’s just energy transition: a priority as the world moves toward decarbonization. UNDP Africa.

United Nations. (2015). SDG 7 Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. United Nations. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg7.

United Nations. (2017, July 16). Sustainable energy ‘golden thread’ linking 2030 agenda with pledge to leave no one behind, especially rural women, Deputy Secretary-General tells side event [press release].

United Nations (2023). Key priorities in charting decarbonization pathways in least developed countries. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. UNCTAD/ALDC/2022/10. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo/

Wang, H., & Zhang, R. (2022). Effects of environmental regulation on CO2 emissions: An empirical analysis of 282 cities in China. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 29, 259–272.

World Bank. (2018). Kenya: Off-grid solar access project for underserved counties (P160009). http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/695661528453083360/pdf/Disclosable-Version-of-the-ISR-Kenya-Off-grid-Solar-Access-Project-for-Underserved-Counties-P160009-Sequence-No-02.pdf

World Bank. (2021). Inclusive green growth: The pathway to sustainable development. World Bank Group.

World Bank. (2023). 100 million people in eastern and southern Africa poised to receive access to sustainable and clean energy by 2030. World Bank Group.

World Bank. (2023). Nigeria to expand access to clean energy for 17.5 million people. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/12/15/nigeria-to-expand-access-to-clean-energy-for-17-5-million-people

Zappa, G., Ceppi, P., & Shepherd, T. G. (2019). Regional climate impacts of future changes in the mid–latitude atmospheric circulation: A storyline view. Current Climate Change Reports, 5, 358–371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40641-019-00146-7

Zhang, D., Zheng, M., Feng, G.-F., & Chang, C.-P. (2022). Does an environmental policy bring to green innovation in renewable energy? Renewable Energy, 195, 1113–1124.

Downloads

Published

2024-06-30

How to Cite

Ibbih, J. M., & Nyako, N. S. (2024). Decarbonization Efforts in Africa: Successes, Opportunities, and Challenges for Promoting the use of Renewable Energy by Social Economy. Social Entrepreneurship Review, 1, 83–107. https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2024.1.05