A Path Across the Rift: Informing African Energy Transitions by Unearthing Critical Questions and Data Needs

This issue brief from the World Resources Institute examines the current state of energy transition analysis in Africa, highlighting the need for country-specific, science-based policymaking to replace generalized myths and polarized debates.

• Sub-Saharan Africa is characterized by the fastest-growing energy demand and the lowest rate of access to affordable, clean, and reliable energy, presenting a significant opportunity for economic and social improvement.
• Current energy planning in Africa is hindered by misconceptions, such as the idea of a uniform continent or simplistic views of natural resources; these should be replaced by granular, country-specific energy plans supported by infrastructure, finance, and policy evidence.
• While analysis of African energy transitions is increasing, it often fails to influence decision-making because of a gap between science and policy, limited contextualization, and a lack of ownership for action. Furthermore, polarized debates among stakeholders have restricted fact-based discussions on topics like the role of fossil fuels.

APA

World Resources Institute (2023). A Path Across the Rift: Informing African Energy Transitions by Unearthing Critical Questions and Data Needs. https://www.wri.org/research/path-rift-informing-african-energy-transitions-unearthing-critical-questions

Chicago

World Resources Institute. A Path Across the Rift: Informing African Energy Transitions by Unearthing Critical Questions and Data Needs. 2023. https://www.wri.org/research/path-rift-informing-african-energy-transitions-unearthing-critical-questions.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=A Path Across the Rift: Informing African Energy Transitions by Unearthing Critical Questions and Data Needs |date=18 October 2023 |url=https://www.wri.org/research/path-rift-informing-african-energy-transitions-unearthing-critical-questions |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitute2023path, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{A Path Across the Rift: Informing African Energy Transitions by Unearthing Critical Questions and Data Needs}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2023}, month = oct, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/path-rift-informing-african-energy-transitions-unearthing-critical-questions}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }