Closing the Loop on Energy Access in Africa

The report argues that batteries are essential for achieving universal energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, with stationary capacity projected to grow to 83 GWh by 2030. However, this growth necessitates a circular economy to mitigate environmental and health risks. The document identifies a critical gap in lithium-ion recycling infrastructure and highlights the severe pollution caused by informal lead-acid recycling. It proposes that high-quality repurposing of lithium-ion batteries could reduce energy storage costs by 27–54% compared to first-life batteries. Key recommendations include forming stakeholder coalitions, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, and establishing 'circular battery centres' to facilitate R&D and local value chain development.

• Stationary battery capacity in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase sevenfold by 2030, reaching 83 GWh, with a 'full energy access' scenario requiring 190 GWh.
• Repurposed lithium-ion batteries are estimated to be 27–54% less expensive than first-life lithium-ion batteries used in energy access applications, though they remain costlier than lead-acid batteries.
• Unsound lead-acid battery recycling is a major source of lead poisoning and is estimated to lower the GDP of African countries by 4.03%, resulting in annual economic losses of $134.7 billion.
• There are currently no lithium-ion battery recycling facilities operating in Africa, forcing the export of waste batteries, which is costly and hazardous due to fire risks and Basel Convention regulations.
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a critical node in the global supply chain, supplying more than two-thirds of the world's cobalt, though artisanal mining is linked to child labour and poor safety.
• Lead-acid battery recycling in Africa is dominated by an informal sector with low efficiency; informal smelters recover only 50–60% of lead, compared to over 98% in high-standard industrial facilities.
• The report recommends the creation of 'circular battery centres' as public-private entities to conduct applied research on recycling and repurposing, and to provide open-source data to inform policy.
• Improving battery traceability through tools like the Global Battery Alliance’s Battery Passport could reduce the costs of repurposed batteries by approximately 20%.

APA

World Economic Forum (2021). Closing the Loop on Energy Access in Africa. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Closing_Loop_Energy_Access_2021.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Closing the Loop on Energy Access in Africa. 2021. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Closing_Loop_Energy_Access_2021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Closing the Loop on Energy Access in Africa |date=May 2021 |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Closing_Loop_Energy_Access_2021.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2021closing, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Closing the Loop on Energy Access in Africa}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2021}, month = may, url = {http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Closing_Loop_Energy_Access_2021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }