In Rio de Janeiro, Ahead of the G20 Summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Launch the Global Campaign ‘Scaling Up Renewables in Africa’ During Global Citizen NOW.

COP28 set an ambitious target to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency worldwide. To achieve these goals, substantial investments will be needed across the globe. The campaign aims to mobilize renewable energy investments in Africa to harness its vast potential.

To sustain momentum toward these objectives, President von der Leyen will invite G20 leaders and others to join forces in a new Global Forum on Energy Transition, which will bring together governments, international organizations, and financial actors to intensify implementation efforts.

President von der Leyen stated:

“The path toward clean energy in Africa is gaining momentum. We are proud to be part of it. Europe has been investing heavily in renewable energy projects in Africa through Global Gateway. Now we are calling on the world to join us. I am pleased to co-host the campaign Scaling Up Renewables in Africa with President Ramaphosa. Together, we will help bring clean and affordable energy to Africa.”

The campaign is coordinated with the international advocacy organization Global Citizen and will receive political support from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa” campaign will seek to drive new policy and financing commitments from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and philanthropists. The campaign will conclude around the G20 Summit in South Africa in November 2025.

Background

At COP28 last year in Dubai, world leaders committed to tripling global renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable energy. However, urgent action is required to meet these goals. Currently, 675 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, lack access to electricity. Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050, making the provision of affordable and sustainable energy crucial for both the continent’s development and global climate targets.

Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, offering significant opportunities for renewable energy. Despite this, the continent attracts only 3% of global energy investments and faces challenges such as high capital costs, limited investment, geographical barriers, and supply chain constraints.

The campaign launched today builds on the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, which supports Africa through jointly identified priority projects. The Global Gateway projects focus on accelerating the green and digital transitions, fostering sustainable growth and job creation, supporting health systems, and improving education and training.

The package includes investments worth €150 billion and is also designed to attract significant private sector investments. More information and milestones of the Global Gateway Investment Package can be found here. An overview of progress under the Global Gateway projects in Africa will be available in the EU-AU Joint Report to be released in October 2024.