Countries are reshaping Africa’s energy landscape by combining infrastructure investment, supportive policies, and international financing. These “energy champions” advance renewables, hydropower, and natural gas, positioning the continent as a key player in the global energy transition.
South Africa is the continent’s largest energy market, with coal still dominant but solar and wind expanding through competitive auctions. Morocco is a global leader in solar energy, particularly with the Noor Ouarzazate project, and is making progress in green hydrogen and electricity interconnections with Europe. Egypt combines the Benban solar complex, expanded gas capacity, Africa’s largest combined-cycle power plant, and plans for green hydrogen. Kenya leads in geothermal power, generating over 40% of its electricity and exporting surplus to neighbouring countries. Ethiopia is developing the Grand Renaissance Dam, destined to be Africa’s largest hydroelectric plant, and is already supplying power across borders. Despite domestic challenges, Nigeria remains strong in oil and gas, expanding LNG capacity while diversifying into solar for rural electrification. Mozambique is emerging with major LNG projects and vast hydropower potential from Cahora Bassa and Mphanda Nkuwa, strengthening its role as a regional exporter.
These countries illustrate three distinct paths: innovation in renewables led by Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa; large-scale hydropower in Ethiopia and Mozambique; and natural gas dominance in Nigeria, Angola, and Mozambique. Collectively, they highlight Africa’s diverse strategies for energy security, industrial growth, and sustainable economic transformation.
