Africa’s energy transition is a transformative opportunity to simultaneously tackle energy poverty, unlock green growth and realize inclusive development. UNDP works to rapidly expand energy access and improve livelihoods by leveraging the continent’s abundant renewable resources for low-carbon, sustainable solutions.

Forty UNDP projects span 26 countries, with $144 million in funding and $1.45 billion in co-financing. Projects include on-grid and off-grid renewable electricity, clean cooking technologies, waste-to-energy and sustainable transport. They prioritize solutions such as solar mini-grids, solar home systems and productive-use appliances for underserved communities.  

Four strategic pillars guide UNDP: scaling up impactful energy access initiatives, promoting clean cooking solutions, advancing skills development and supporting sustainable urbanization. Six enabling activities complement these efforts: unlocking energy finance, harnessing digitalization, strengthening governance frameworks, fostering innovation, promoting regional skills development and mainstreaming gender equality. By integrating these pillars and activities, UNDP aims to accelerate Africa’s energy transition, improve livelihoods, and support resilient, sustainable growth across the continent.