Africa / solutions

A position paper developed by NGOs and other stakeholders for the International Conference on Renewable Energy in Africa, 16-18 April 2008, Dakar, Senegal

Coordinated by Community Research and Development Centre, Nigeria

South Africa is in the grip of a severe energy crisis, complete with rolling blackouts, industries stopping operations, much blaming and frustration - and plenty of opportunities.

World Rivers Review, August 2006

It is cooking time in Bansoa, and rush-hour for Mrs. Tagme at her
corn mill and cassava grater. She offers her services to other women in
the small village situated in the hilly West Province of Cameroon. Her
corn mill and cassava grater are the only ones within a 5-kilometer

A sea change is needed to get solar power widely distributed in Africa. An article by a solar expert in Kenya, from World Rivers Review, December 2006.

Large hydro dams do not "lift all boats"—in fact, they increase the gap between energy haves and have-nots.

Executive Summary

Despite the enormous geothermal potential in Uganda, harnessing of this resource potential has for some been an issue of contention in the country. The major reasons that have hindered the development of the resource have mainly been the cost of geothermal development in relation to the cost of large hydropower, the lack of political will on the side of government and to some extent the environmental concerns related to the development of resource. Government of Uganda has for some time expressed interest of developing this resource potential although, for several decades this commitment has failed to be translated into a reality. Recent developments in the sector indicate that the will of government to develop the resource is gaining some impetus; that is likely to see the resource being developed.