Delivering renewables in Africa: The African Development Bank

A policy paper summarising findings of recent research that suggests the African Development Bank (AfDB) could do more to deliver sustainable renewable energy to the people who most need it including 600 million people in Africa who lack access.

Christian Aid commissioned an analysis of AfDB investments in renewable energy and fossil fuels from 2015 to 2023. It found:

• 77.37% of AfDB’s power generation projects during this period were in renewables, including grid enhancement, solar PV, solar mini grids, geothermal, hydroelectricity, and clean cooking.
• Additionally, 15.13% of AfDB’s power generation projects were in incentives and technical assistance initiatives for renewable energy projects.
• AfDB continued to finance gas projects, arguing their significant impacts on member countries' economies and local communities, with five gas projects and one coal project funded, totalling 7.5% of total investment in non-renewables.

This paper examines trends and socioeconomic impacts of AfDB investments in renewable energy and fossil fuels in Africa from 2015 to 2023, with a focus on sovereign and non-sovereign investments.

It utilises a case study of Kenya to outline key socioeconomic challenges in AfDB renewable energy investments and offers policy recommendations to increase people-centred renewable energy investments in Africa.

You can also read our blog on the key findings.