By Our Reporter
What happened
At a recent EU–African Union summit in Luanda, European and African leaders pledged a renewed drive for green investments in Africa, with a focus on clean energy and infrastructure.
The initiative aligns with Europe’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, which will rely heavily on renewable energy and critical raw materials. Africa, with its abundant solar resources and deposits of lithium and cobalt, is increasingly central to that plan.
Beyond electricity generation, the EU and AU committed to working together on rural electrification, clean cooking solutions, sustainable industrialisation, improved transport links, and sustainable aviation fuels, envisioning a greener, integrated Africa–Europe partnership (Euronews, 25 November 2025).
Why this matters – for Africa and Europe
- Huge clean-energy potential: Africa has roughly 60% of the world’s best solar resources but receives only a small fraction of global energy investment. Around 600 million people still lack reliable electricity access.
- Transformative scale: The EU-led campaign Scaling Up Renewables in Africa has pledged more than €15.5 billion to accelerate renewable energy projects. This could add nearly 26.8 GW of generation capacity and provide electricity to approximately 17.5 million households currently underserved.
- Beyond energy: The partnership also envisions upgraded transport corridors, sustainable transport systems, critical raw-material supply chains, and clean industrial growth — with the potential to reshape infrastructure and economic development across Africa.
- Mutual interest and caution: Europe benefits by securing supply chains for batteries, green hydrogen, and other clean technologies. But experts warn such deals risk reinforcing “energy colonialism,” where European demand drives resource extraction without sufficient benefit for local populations.
Opportunities and risks
Potential wins:
- Expanding clean electricity access, supporting economic activity, health, and education.
- Creating jobs and industrial opportunities in renewable energy and green supply chains.
- Developing integrated regional energy and transport networks.
Risks and red flags:
- Investment could favour export-oriented extraction over local energy needs or development.
- Much of the financing comes as loans, raising questions about long-term debt sustainability
- African economies may become over-dependent on European supply chains.
The bigger picture
The EU–AU partnership represents a shift from traditional aid to strategic investment and industrial cooperation. Initiatives such as the Global Gateway and Scaling Up Renewables in Africa aim to position Africa as a centre for renewable energy and green industries.
For African countries, including Kenya, this could bring more stable electricity, infrastructure investment, and job creation. But realising these benefits will require governance, transparency, and strong local policies to ensure investments serve domestic priorities, not just foreign markets.
For Europe, the strategy secures critical resources and helps meet climate targets, illustrating how closely Africa’s energy future is linked to Europe’s green ambitions.
Sources:
- Euronews. “Europe eyes investments in Africa for clean energy and infrastructure.” 25 November 2025.
- European Commission. Global Gateway: Energy and Africa. 2025.
- European Union. “EU pledges €15.5 billion for Africa’s renewable energy scale-up.” 21 November 2025.
- Council of the European Union. “One partnership, one future: op-ed by President Antonio Costa.” 24 November 2025.
