Research & insights
Research and recent developments in renewable energy, electricity access and the infrastructure behind them.
Selected updates from the organisations leading and studying the region’s energy transition. Follow each source for the full report.
Nigeria · February 2026
Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency announced a financing partnership to support developers working under DARES, its programme for expanding renewable electricity access. The development puts long-term financing alongside the technical work of reaching underserved communities.
Read at Rural Electrification AgencyAfrica · September 2026
A new Global Grids Accelerator aims to move priority electricity networks in Africa from planning to investable projects. Renewable generation can grow only as fast as the infrastructure that carries its power.
Read at African Development BankAfrica · September 2026
The African Development Bank announced proposed support for early-stage green hydrogen projects in Egypt, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa. The grants remain subject to its board’s approval; they are for project preparation, not completed plants.
Read at African Development BankSahel · July 2025
Six countries participating in the Desert to Power initiative approved documents to help develop independent solar generation and promote green mini-grids across the Sahel.
Read at African Development BankThe International Energy Agency’s research on financing electricity access in Africa finds that grid extensions, mini-grids and stand-alone systems all have a role to play. Access depends not only on technology, but also on affordable and sustained investment.
Read the IEA research