Assessment of renewable electricity adoption in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Most sub-Saharan African electricity generation is through renewable energy sources. However, the pace of renewable expansion is slow, mirrored by the region's low per capita electric power consumption and electricity access. The study examines the determinants of renewable electricity generation adoption in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries using content description and a panel ARDL analysis. Findings from this study show that hydroelectric power is the long-standing renewable electricity source in the region. The deployment of non-hydro renewable electricity sources is slow despite its vast potential. In most evaluated countries, renewable electricity targets are below actual realization. Also, policies are ineffective in driving renewable electricity adoption, as indicated by the negative relationship between renewable electricity generation and policy enactments in SSA. Foreign direct investment and financial development significantly negatively impact renewable electricity adoption, suggesting that both factors do not expand renewable electricity generation. Feasible strategies for increasing non-hydro renewable electricity use include activating renewable energy support mechanisms and their uptake. In addition, governments in SSA should strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks and encourage lessening bottlenecks and bureaucracies associated with renewable electricity investment.