By Joel Onyango, Christabel Mukubwa
In Africa’s race toward a clean energy future, the most powerful fuel may not be solar, wind, or even finance—it’s data. But not just any data. We’re talking about localized, community-driven, context-rich insights that turn policy into impact and ambition into access. As millions across Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa still live without electricity, the path forward isn’t just about building more solar panels or importing wind turbines. It’s about rooting energy solutions in the lives, voices, and knowledge of local people—and that begins with how we collect, share, and act on data. Welcome to a movement where energy policy is powered by people, and data becomes the driver of a just, green, and local transition.
Africa’s Renewable Energy Potential: A Story of Abundance and Need
Africa is home to some of the world’s richest renewable energy resources. The continent,t for instance, enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year and vast untapped wind corridors, particularly along the coasts and highlands. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the continent has the technical potential to generate more than 1,200 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from solar and wind annually—enough to power the region many times over. Yet despite this potential, as of 2023, approximately 12.6 million people in Kenya, 7.4 million in South Africa, and 3.5 million in Ghana still lack access to electricity. The gap between what is possible and what is real remains stark—and localization may be the key to bridging it.
Localization refers to the development, production, and deployment of renewable energy technologies, skills, and services within a country or region, rather than importing solutions wholesale. But it’s more than building solar farms or wind turbines. Localization is about nurturing entire ecosystems: from manufacturing supply chains and skilled labor to culturally relevant community ownership. When done right, localization offers a pathway to:- Job creation and technical up-skilling – Industrial development and reduced import dependency- Community inclusion and buy-in- Resilient energy systems that adapt to local needs
Key Opportunities for Localization
- Manufacturing and Local Supply Chains: Africa can manufacture components such as mounting structures, wind turbine towers, cabling, and inverters. With strategic policy incentives and investment, these local supply chains could reduce costs and boost national economies.
- Skills Development and Training: The clean energy economy requires a workforce trained in solar PV installation, energy auditing, system maintenance, and project management. Local institutions can play a critical role in up-skilling young people for these opportunities.
- Community Participation and Cultural Relevance: Energy solutions must resonate with local priorities. Localization means planning with—not just for—communities to ensure lasting success.
- Decent Jobs and Economic Empowerment: The clean energy transition can create millions of dignified jobs across sectors. From logistics and construction to operations and customer care, local economies stand to gain.
IRENA estimates that by 2030, Africa’s renewable energy sector could support over 13 million jobs—only if localization is embedded in national strategies. Localized systems also offer greater resilience. During global supply chain disruptions, nations with local energy industries and infrastructure suffer fewer setbacks. Moreover, localization enables technology transfer, encourages innovation, and strengthens regional trade.
The Role of Data in Localization
Data is the backbone of a localized, community-led energy future. Without reliable, inclusive, and up-to-date data, energy strategies risk missing the mark. This is where campaigns like “Powering Policies Through Data” come in. Launched in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, the initiative trains grassroots researchers to collect real-world data at the community level. These local grassroots researchers serve not just as data collectors but as knowledge translators, making technical energy insights understandable and actionable for both communities and policymakers. Data is driving change in key areas, including identifying viable components for local manufacturing. Mapping skills gaps and training needs. Tracking community inclusion and ownership models. Informing climate adaptation and environmental impact planning.
When local voices inform local data, policy becomes more responsive, and the energy transition becomes more just.
A recent dialogue in Kenya’s Coastal Region, with consultations still ongoing in other regions, explored the question:“Are we ready to localize solar and wind energy components—and under what frameworks can this be achieved?”Key insights from stakeholders included:- The need to identify feasible components for local production- Strengthening technical skills and infrastructure- Developing policy and financial incentives to support local investment. The consensus was: Localization is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It must be adapted to each region’s socio-economic and industrial context.
The UNEP-led Trans-boundary Data Sharing Workshop recently held in Nairobi showcased how community data can influence national energy planning. The event explored the full data lifecycle—from collection to dissemination—and highlighted self-reported community data as a powerful tool for shaping energy policy. The workshop made it clear: data is not a product. It is a shared resource—and to be effective, it must be trusted, transparent, and usable across institutions and borders.
This is the Way Forward: A Just, Green, and Local Energy Transition
Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. Meeting the rising demand for electricity with sustainable solutions will require bold thinking and bold action.The future of energy in Africa must be:- Green, to protect our environment- Just, to uplift communities- Local, to build economic resilience and social inclusion.That means:
- Investing in people, not just hardware
- Fostering governance systems that ensure accountability
- Creating partnerships that unite governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector
- Promoting data democratization to ensure everyone can participate in shaping the energy future
“When local voices shape local data, we build stronger, smarter energy systems—together. This is more than a technological shift. It’s a movement for justice, resilience, and shared prosperity—one where Africa leads, innovates, and thrives on its own terms.”
Call to Action
It’s time to power Africa with African solutions. Localize data, localize energy—act now. If data is the new oil—and energy the engine of development—then shouldn’t the people closest to the ground be in the driver’s seat?
