Igniting Africa’s Renewable Energy Revolution Ahead of G20 Summit
In a bold step to supercharge Africa’s shift to clean power, the European Union has pledged €7 billion to speed up renewable energy projects across the continent. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on 21 November 2025 at the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa event in Johannesburg. This comes just before the G20 Leaders’ Summit kicks off on 22 November 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Gauteng, where global leaders will tackle issues like sustainable growth and inequality. Von der Leyen’s words rang clear: Europe is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Africa, now and in the years ahead, to build a greener future.
The pledge is part of a bigger push by Global Citizen to rally fresh funds for clean energy setups in Africa. With this latest commitment, the campaign’s total haul since November 2024 stands at €15.5 billion. This money is set to spark nearly 27 gigawatts of clean power—enough to light up 17.5 million homes and double the continent’s current renewable energy strength. For a region where over 600 million people lack reliable electricity, this could change lives, powering schools, clinics, and businesses while creating jobs for the youth.
Von der Leyen’s Vision: A Partnership for Progress
At the event, von der Leyen looked back on the campaign’s journey with pride. “We can be so proud of what we have accomplished together… Now I promised that Europe will make a new pledge for this campaign. I’m delighted to pledge on behalf of Team Europe, an additional 7 billion euros for renewables in Africa…This is basically Europe standing with you now and in future,” she said. She called the total €15.5 billion “extraordinary,” noting how partners from around the world have stepped up for Africa.
Von der Leyen stressed that this is more than just cash—it’s real power for millions, fuel for growth, and hope for tomorrow. The funds will flow into solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and other low-emission projects, helping Africa tap its vast renewable riches. Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar spots and huge wind potential, yet it draws only 2% of global clean energy investments. This pledge aims to flip that script, making sure the continent isn’t left behind in the race to net-zero emissions.
The EU’s move builds on its Global Gateway strategy, which has already poured billions into African infrastructure. Recent deals, like the one signed on 20 November 2025 between South Africa and the EU on critical minerals, show Europe’s keen interest in fair partnerships. These minerals—key for batteries and solar panels—will help both sides in the green shift, creating value chains that benefit local communities rather than just exporters.
Global Citizen’s Campaign: From Rally Cries to Real Impact
The Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign, launched by Global Citizen in November 2024, has been a game-changer. It calls for public and private cash to close Africa’s energy gap and build climate-proof setups. Global Citizen CEO and co-founder Hugh Evans hailed the pledges as a “turning point for Africa’s energy transition.” He said, “This is what extraordinary leadership looks like, partnership grounded in ambition and focused on impact.”
Evans pointed out that the €15.5 billion is one-sixth of what’s needed for Africa to hit its energy and climate goals by 2030. It will double renewable capacity, bringing clean electricity to millions who now rely on costly, dirty fuels like kerosene or diesel generators. This could cut health risks from indoor pollution and free up money for families to spend on education or food.
The campaign ties into Global Citizen’s bigger fight against extreme poverty, quoting Nelson Mandela: poverty “can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.” It has sparked over 4.3 million actions worldwide, from petitions to events like the Global Citizen Festival in September 2025, where stars and activists rallied for renewables. Evans called the results “what real progress looks like,” urging more engagement to keep the momentum going.
Beyond numbers, the campaign pushes for local involvement. It focuses on youth-led solutions, community-owned projects, and training programs to build skills in green tech. For example, funds could support solar mini-grids in rural areas, where big power lines don’t reach, or wind farms in windy spots like Kenya’s Lake Turkana.
Leaders’ Reactions: Praise and Calls for Delivery
The announcement drew quick praise from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who welcomed the billions pledged to grow renewables across Africa. Speaking at the event, he stressed that the true test is turning these promises into action. “Africa represents the ultimate energy paradox. We have some of the world’s most abundant renewable energy resources: solar, wind and hydro. Yet we face huge gaps in access,” he said. Ramaphosa highlighted how these investments can power progress, create jobs, and fight poverty, aligning with South Africa’s G20 theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
Other reactions echoed this optimism. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in Johannesburg for the summit, called for prioritising Africa in the clean energy shift. He noted the continent’s solar and wind potential but lack of funds, urging a just transition that electrifies homes and industries. Environmental groups like Greenpeace Africa cheered the pledge but warned it must lead to real projects, not just headlines, and avoid fossil fuel lock-ins.
From the EU side, von der Leyen described it as turbocharging Africa’s clean-energy transition, with millions gaining electricity access. She tied it to broader G20 talks on reforming global finance to make it fairer for developing nations, including cheaper loans and more say in decisions.
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