By Dare Akogun
Africa is harnessing its water resources to drive sustainable development and economic growth through a transformative clean energy transition.
With only 10% of the continent’s hydropower potential tapped, accelerating hydropower development has never been more urgent.
In 2023, Africa saw a near doubling of hydropower development compared to the previous year, with 2GW installed across the continent.
Nigeria emerged as a key contributor, adding 740MW to its hydropower capacity. Other significant contributors included Uganda (408.2MW), the Democratic Republic of Congo (381.7MW), and Tanzania (261.7MW).
Public-private partnerships are playing a crucial role in financing and developing major projects.
Simultaneously, regional cooperation initiatives are gaining momentum, offering promising avenues for further hydropower development. However, limited access to finance, volatility, and governance issues continue to inhibit infrastructure development.
Recent studies commissioned by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) highlight the urgent need for rehabilitating numerous hydropower plants across Africa.
The AfDB is spearheading efforts to upgrade twelve hydropower plants with a US$1 billion investment.
The latest World Hydropower Outlook, a report by the IHA, shows that Africa has significant growth opportunities but urgently needs more global collaboration and investment.
“With significant solar power coming onto the African grids, Africa’s hydropower potential must be realized to ensure a reliable electricity supply that is balanced and readily available,” said Eddie Rich, CEO of IHA.
“The development of hydropower in Africa is not just about generating electricity; it’s about empowering communities, driving economic growth, and charting a sustainable path towards a clean energy future,” Rich added.
Despite encouraging signals that governments, industry, and financiers are committed to developing renewable energies, there remains a considerable deficit in global capacity.
“By fostering strategic partnerships and pioneering investment frameworks, we can unlock the necessary capital to realize Africa’s hydropower potential. We need to turn aspirations into action, propelling Africa towards a future powered by clean, sustainable energy,” said Eng. Lamu Audu, Managing Director/CEO of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and Vice-Chair of IHA.
