Introduction: Africa’s Net Zero Transition

As the world grapples with the actualities of a warming Earth, taking action has become more pressing than ever before. We are facing a critical moment in history where the decisions we make today will have a profound impact on future generations. The consequences of inaction are dire, with rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and food and water shortages becoming increasingly common. This book delves into the statistics and metrics surrounding these targets, exploring their potential impact on the African continent. It also examines the various strategies and policies that have been put in place to achieve them, from renewable energy initiatives to net zero energy schemes. Ultimately, it offers a comprehensive analysis of what it will take to achieve net zero in Africa and beyond and why this goal is so critical for our planet’s future. In this context, we examine Africa’s current energy situation and propose renewable energy development scenarios. The course of this global transition will have far-reaching consequences for African economies, populations, and the environment. As we investigate these options, we discover the following: renewable energy potential, current investments and policies required to realize that potential, and steps African nations should take to ensure a net zero vision becomes a reality.