Written by: Faith Jemosop
When the world speaks of renewable energy leadership, names like Germany, Denmark, and the United States dominate the headlines. But quietly, with little fanfare, Africa is scripting its own clean energy revolution and its frontrunners are not the usual suspects. Countries like the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia are leading in ways the developed world is failing to acknowledge.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Central African Republic gets nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydropower. That’s not a rounding error. It’s a reality. In contrast, the U.S., despite all its rhetoric, gets only around 20% of its electricity from renewables.
Now, skeptics argue this is not by design but by default that CAR lacks a fossil fuel infrastructure, not that it rejected one. But does that matter?
In the fight against climate change, outcomes matter as much as intentions. While industrialized nations debate energy transitions, the Central African Republic lives it.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the Inga Dam, potentially the most powerful hydroelectric site on Earth. If fully developed, Inga could generate more than 40,000 megawatts enough to power a third of Africa. Yet, it remains largely untapped, not because of technological limitations, but due to chronic underinvestment, political instability, and global neglect.
Still, even in its current state, 96% of DR Congo’s electricity generation comes from renewables, mostly hydropower. The irony? The country’s population suffers from some of the lowest access to electricity in the world. This paradox: rich in green energy yet energy poor is a global failure of vision and cooperation.
Ethiopia is another unlikely leader. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a symbol of national pride and continental ambition. Once fully operational, it will generate over 6,000 MW, making it Africa’s largest hydropower plant.
But Ethiopia’s commitment to clean energy goes beyond hydro. The country has invested in geothermal and wind energy, diversifying its renewable portfolio. Today, over 90% of Ethiopia’s electricity comes from renewable sources. Compare that to industrial giants who still burn coal to keep their lights on.
And Ethiopia is not alone. Countries like Lesotho, Zambia, and Mozambique all draw the majority of their electricity from renewables, largely hydropower.
Why Is This Not Global News?
Because the world doesn’t expect Africa to lead. The dominant narrative paints Africa as a continent playing catch-up. But on clean energy, it’s leapfrogging. Africa’s renewable dominance isn’t accidental, it’s a result of necessity, geography, and in some cases, vision.
Most African nations didn’t industrialize with coal. They didn’t build sprawling oil-based grids. So when modern energy demand arose, they turned to what was available: rivers, sun, and wind.
Meanwhile, rich nations remain shackled to legacy systems and fossil fuel lobbies. They host summits, sign pledges, and debate net-zero timelines. But Africa, quietly and efficiently, is already there.
The Global Hypocrisy
Let’s not romanticize. Many of these nations still face massive energy access issues. Renewable dominance doesn’t mean universal electrification. But the structure is there. The potential is immense.
What’s missing is global recognition and support. While billions flow into “green transitions” in the West, Africa receives a fraction of the investment, despite offering higher clean energy returns per dollar. Why? Because global capital flows follow perception, not always logic.
Take this: Sub-Saharan Africa received just 2% of global clean energy investment in 2023, according to BloombergNEF. That’s not just unjust, it’s shortsighted. Africa has the world’s youngest population, fastest urbanization rate, and highest solar potential. Investing here is not charity. It’s a strategy.
A Call to Shift the Lens
If climate change is a global crisis, why do global headlines still focus on the West? Why aren’t Ethiopia’s renewable milestones on the front page? Why isn’t DR Congo’s hydropower capacity a priority for the G20?
It’s time to shift the narrative.
Africa is not waiting for a green revolution, it’s already living it. While richer nations stall in bureaucratic circles and climate diplomacy, African nations are building hydro plants, deploying solar microgrids, and electrifying rural schools with wind.
Yes, challenges remain. But leadership isn’t about perfection it’s about direction. And right now, Africa is pointing the way forward.
