Renewable energy development in Africa: Lessons and policy recommendations from South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria

Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt make up the top three largest economies in Africa and the trio have huge renewable energy resources. By taking the cases of the three countries, the study analyses the giant strides made in the uptake of renewable energy in Africa and identifies some of the major challenges facing many African countries in developing their renewable energy sectors. South Africa and Egypt provide cases of transformational growth in the uptake of renewable energy driven by market-oriented policies and strategies, while the Nigerian case typifies policy constraints that limit the optimal exploitation of renewable energy in various countries in Africa. Fie analysis of the Nigerian case reveals specific challenges in the policy and institutional landscape that impede the uptake of renewable energy and use in the country, which if addressed could catalyse renewable energy integration in Nigeria, among other African countries that are faced with similar challenges. Based on the experience of South Africa and Egypt, actionable recommendations that are realistic in the African context are made towards addressing the challenges.