Africa could create as many as 5.4 million new energy sector jobs by 2050 by fully shifting to renewable energy, according to a new report presented at the ongoing SB62 climate meetings in Bonn, Germany.

The report, African Energy Leadership: The Case for 100% Renewable Energy, was released in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS-ISF). It argues that a full renewable transition is not just viable, but also the most affordable, healthiest, and equitable development path for the continent.

“If Africa continues its business-as-usual development, our projection is that an extra 3.2 million energy sector jobs would be added by 2050, with 2.1 million of these in the renewable energy sector,” the report states. “If existing climate pledges are followed through, then 4 million energy sector jobs (including 3.5 million in renewables) would be added by 2050, while a system based fully on renewable energy by 2050 would add an extra 5.4 million jobs.”

The report identifies solar photovoltaic (PV) as the main source of future power supply, supported by wind and bioenergy. It also emphasizes the importance of community ownership and off-grid energy solutions to ensure widespread energy access.

“Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog the dirty and obsolete energy systems of the past towards more modern, people-centred, decentralised renewable energy systems,” the report adds. “This is also the path to a future where global warming is limited to below 1.5°C.”

In addition, the report calls for a departure from centralized infrastructure models, pushing instead for inclusive, cooperative, and decentralized systems that promote shared ownership and community participation.

In February 2025, Nigeria unveiled an ambitious plan to provide electricity to 25 million citizens within three years using a mix of isolated and interconnected mini-grids, mesh grids, and home systems — part of a growing continental trend toward decentralised renewable energy.