A woman using clean cooking technology

Where we work

Africa

Our Impact

83

percent

of the worldwide un-electrified population lives in sub-Saharan Africa

44

percent

of the global clean cooking deficit is concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa

74

percent

of the world's people lacking access to clean cooking are found in 20 countries in Africa, 10 of them in SSA region

2

percent

of the $2.8 trillion invested globally in renewables between 2000 and 2020 went to Africa

571

million

people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity

Our focus

Africa’s energy transition is a transformative opportunity to address energy poverty, unlock green growth, and foster 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.

UNDP’s initiatives span 40 projects across 26 countries, with $144 million in funding and $1.45 billion in co-financing mobilized. These projects focus on on-grid and off-grid renewable electricity, clean cooking technologies, waste-to-energy, and sustainable transport, prioritizing solutions like solar mini-grids, solar home systems, and productive-use appliances for underserved communities.

Our approach is guided by four strategic pillars: scaling impactful energy access initiatives, promoting clean cooking solutions, advancing skills development, and supporting sustainable urbanization. These efforts are complemented by six enabling activities: 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.