Future Energy Scenarios for sub-Saharan African cities: Unlocking Opportunities for Climate Responsive Development

Africa’s urban population is projected to rise from 400 million to 1.34 billion between 2010 and 2050 which represents nearly half of the projected rise in numbers of urban dwellers globally. To date urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa has not, for the most part, been matched with improvement in service delivery and economic growth which hampers development opportunities. At a time when cities are consuming 80% of total energy and releasing 75% of global CO2 emissions, it is clear that the success of the global climate goals largely depends on action in cities.

The EU Energy Initiative Partnership Dialogue Facility (EUEI PDF) developed a study on Future Energy Scenarios for sub-Saharan African Cities which analyses the main megatrends that will shape the future of African cities and presents scenarios and policy choices to embark into a more sustainable path of growth. The analysis, carried out in consultation with all mayor city networks as well representatives from various African municipalities, confirms several aspects needed in order to ensure a climate resilient development of African cities. This includes fostering vertical dialogue between national and municipal governments to allow energy implementation locally, enabling energy action in informal settlements in urban and peri-urban areas, proving the contribution that cities can have to achieve national objectives (e.g. NDCs) as well as enhancing the capacity of local authorities to make projects ready for accessing financing.

The main objective of the session is to discuss three main challenges which city administrations in sub-Saharan Africa face in the transition to a sustainable energy supply for urban settlements: informality, capacity and funding. This session will present the outcomes of the energy scenarios for sub-Saharan African cities and coordinate an interactive discussion around the three identified key areas for action.

docum: Tania H. Rödiger-Vorwerk – “Keynote Presentation”, Session Summary