Rebekah Shirley: The clean energy hub of the future

The clean energy hub of the future

Why aren't more people investing in Africa's green energy? Environmental researcher Rebekah Shirley outlines the continent's immense potential for renewable power and calls for collaborative international investment -- and partnership -- in Africa's climate future. "Let's cut past the talk and focus on unleashing the avalanche of a clean energy future that Africa is ready to deliver," says Shirley.

Africa holds tremendous potential for clean energy, yet receives just two percent of global clean energy finance despite housing nearly 90 percent of those without basic energy access. Across the continent, local entrepreneurs innovate in solar power, irrigation, and electric mobility, but face hidden costs, risk perceptions, and scarce affordable capital. The main obstacle is not a lack of ambition or resources, but the absence of fair international cooperation and accessible long-term funding. Real progress depends on partnership, not charity, to unleash a wave of homegrown solutions.